Chief of Programs (Deputy Director 6) - PN: 20035962

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

13h

About The Position

The Deputy Director / Chief of Programs serves as a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and performance of all external programs and services. This role advances the agency’s mission by leading high-impact programming across community and family resiliency, prevention, treatment, workforce development, criminal justice, and recovery. The position defines program strategy, establishes standards, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, and evaluates program effectiveness to drive measurable outcomes and continuous improvement. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Deputy Director provides strong organizational leadership and business acumen, guiding programmatic bureaus and staff toward strategic goals while embedding accountability, efficiency, and results-driven practices into program management, contracts, and vendor oversight. This role leads complex, cross-functional initiatives, applies disciplined project management, and supports a culture aligned with departmental values. The Deputy Director / Chief of Programs also serves as a trusted advisor and technical resource to Boards, service providers, and stakeholders, offering programmatic and fiscal guidance while maintaining stewardship of public funds. The role collaborates on funding recommendations, reviews and analyzes legislation, and communicates with stakeholders and partners to strengthen service delivery and ensure transparency. Acting on behalf of the Director when assigned, the Deputy Director represents the agency before governing bodies and public officials, coordinates with state, federal, and local partners, and contributes to policy development, planning, and public communication efforts.

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving in a Deputy Director, Assistant Director, Division Director, or equivalent executive leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience directly supervising senior leaders, managers, or multiple programmatic teams, including performance management and staff development.
• Background in behavioral health, public health, human services, fiscal management, or criminal justice systems.
• Experience working within state or local government or publicly funded systems.
• Demonstrated success in policy development, legislative analysis, or regulatory implementation.
• Demonstrated success in developing metrics and articulating regularly reported outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all external programs and services to achieve agency goals
• Establish program strategy, standards, and compliance with federal and state requirements
• Supervise programmatic bureaus and senior staff, including performance management
• Direct fiscal and budgetary oversight and collaborate on funding recommendations
• Apply business acumen to program operations, contracts, and outcome measurement
• Lead key agency initiatives and cross-functional projects
• Serve as a resource to Boards and providers on programmatic and fiscal matters
• Review and analyze legislation impacting agency programs
• Represent the agency and act on behalf of the Director as assigned

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed