CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (Program Manager Senior II)

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Health (MDH) invites a Chief Operating Officer to lead the Developmental Disabilities Administration. The role directs statewide operations, ensuring a person-centered, compliant, and sustainable Community Pathways waiver program and related services.

The COO reports to the Deputy Secretary, guides cross-functional initiatives, and represents MDH in policy discussions with Governors, CMS, and advocacy groups. Strong executive leadership and fiscal stewardship are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of ten years of high-level executive leadership experience in large-scale human services or healthcare contexts.
• Extensive expertise in HCBS, Medicaid waiver administration, and developmental disabilities policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations.
• Lead the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services.
• Advise the Deputy Secretary and collaborate with MDH and other agencies to improve program performance and accountability.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication with state officials

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

GRADE

26

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDH Developmental Disabilities Administration, Baltimore MD

Main Purpose of Job

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), this senior leadership position functions as the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a member of the executive leadership team and provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The COO ensures that DDA’s Community Pathways waiver program is person-centered, compliant with federal and State requirements, fiscally sustainable, and aligned with the Administration's strategic priorities. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) directs the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services. The position leads organizational initiatives that enhance program performance, streamline business processes, and strengthen accountability by working very closely with DDA’s CPO and Deputy Secretary. It plans, coordinates, and implements high-priority, cross-cutting policies that advance Maryland’s mission and strategic goals. The position is subject public-facing during the Legislative Session, and fosters a close partnership with other administrations within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), other state agencies, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, non-profits, providers, and advocates to ensure program effectiveness and responsiveness to community needs. Under the direction of the Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), the Chief Operating Officer serves as a senior executive responsible for providing strategic leadership, program oversight, and organizational direction for the Administration. The position advises the Deputy Secretary on complex policy, programmatic, and operational matters; ensures the effective administration of DDA’s Community Pathways waiver program and services; and leads cross-functional initiatives that improve organizational performance, accountability, quality, and customer service. The Chief Operating Officer represents and acts on behalf of the Deputy Secretary, as assigned, to ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making while advancing the mission of the Maryland Department of Health to improve the health, safety, independence, and quality of life of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and a minimum of ten years of high-level executive leadership experience within large-scale human services or healthcare environments. Extensive expertise in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Medicaid waiver administration and developmental disabilities policy is essential. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in managing fiscal resources and grants, directing strategic planning initiatives, and fostering organizational growth and performance excellence while ensuring strict adherence to complex federal and State regulatory frameworks.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the Chief Operating Officer role is a distinguished senior executive with a proven track record of driving large-scale organizational transformation, leading complex cross-functional teams, and championing operational excellence at a system-wide level. Beyond the technical requirements, the candidate must possess superior executive leadership, strategic communication, and consensus-building skills, with a steadfast commitment to advancing equity, person-centered services, and transformative innovation. Demonstrated experience engaging with top-level executive leadership, the Governor's Office, the Maryland General Assembly, CMS, provider networks, and advocacy coalitions is essential. This individual will be a visionary, data-driven strategist capable of architecting productive partnerships and synthesizing policy, operations, and fiscal stewardship into a cohesive statewide strategy to improve the quality of life for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume must be uploaded to the application. While cover letters are not mandatory, if you choose to include one, please upload it along with your resume as a single file. Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing a evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.