Description

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 Program Officer. The Chief Program Officer (CPO) 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 CPO 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 CPO directs the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services. The incumbent leads organizational initiatives that enhance program performance, streamline business processes, and strengthen accountability by working in partnership with DDA’s Chief Operating Officer. The CPO plans, coordinates, and implements high-priority, cross-cutting policies that advance Maryland’s mission and strategic goals. The position is public-facing 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 CPO 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 CPO 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.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have at least ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience and demonstrated success leading large, complex human services, intellectual and developmental disabilities, Medicaid, or health care organizations, including extensive knowledge of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Medicaid waiver programs, developmental disabilities policy, federal and State regulations, strategic planning, fiscal and grants management, organizational development, and performance improvement.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for the Chief Programs Officer role is a seasoned senior executive with a proven record of leading organizational change, managing multidisciplinary teams, and driving operational excellence. In addition to the technical requirements, the candidate should possess exceptional leadership, communication, and consensus-building skills, with a deep commitment to advancing equity, person-centered services, and innovation. Experience working with executive leadership, the Governor's Office, the Maryland General Assembly, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), provider organizations, and advocacy groups is highly desirable. This individual will be an innovative, data-driven leader capable of building productive partnerships and integrating 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.

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 an 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.

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.
EOE.