Chief Operating Officer (Exec IX)

$175,000 - $195,000/Yr

State of Maryland - Baltimore, MD

Full-time - Executive

Baltimore, MD

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) is a key executive leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across all divisions and functions within the agency. The COO will work closely with senior leaders to develop and implement strategies that optimize performance, enhance service delivery, and ensure compliance with state regulations. This position plays a critical role in aligning the agency's operations with its strategic goals, ultimately supporting the mission to provide essential services to state agencies and improve the quality of life for Maryland's citizens.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and executive leadership team to develop and execute the agency's long-term strategic plan.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, ensuring alignment with the agency's mission and goals.
• Lead the implementation of initiatives that drive operational improvements, cost efficiencies, and enhanced service delivery.
• Establish performance metrics and evaluation systems to assess the impact and effectiveness of programs and operations.
• Make data-driven decisions and recommendations for continuous improvement and growth.
• Inform the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of targets, goals, and/or recommended transformations, and advise on how they can be achieved.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency, ensuring compliance with State regulations.
• Establish and maintain robust operational systems and processes that support service delivery and performance goals.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
• Develop and implement operational strategies in alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and goals.
• Provide leadership and direction to department heads and staff to ensure efficient operations across the agency.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance against key metrics and benchmarks.
• Lead the development and implementation of performance management systems that monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of operations.
• Set performance targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the agency.
• Regularly review performance data, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the agency's budget and financial performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in a senior or executive operational leadership role, preferably within the public sector or a large, complex organization.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale operations, leading cross-functional teams, and driving organizational change.
• Strong understanding of government operations, financial management, risk management, and compliance.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement for those who qualify
• Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities for many positions
• Free mass transit in Baltimore & Annapolis
• Generous paid leave that increases with years of service
• Paid holidays
• Health coverage with low out-of-pocket costs
• Employee & employer contributory pension plan