Chief Program Officer

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

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

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
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
Extensive knowledge of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Extensive knowledge of Medicaid waiver programs
Extensive knowledge of developmental disabilities policy
Extensive knowledge of federal and State regulations
Extensive knowledge of strategic planning
Extensive knowledge of fiscal and grants management
Extensive knowledge of organizational development
Extensive knowledge of performance improvement

Nice To Haves

Proven record of leading organizational change
Proven record of managing multidisciplinary teams
Proven record of driving operational excellence
Exceptional leadership skills
Exceptional communication skills
Exceptional consensus-building skills
Deep commitment to advancing equity, person-centered services, and innovation
Experience working with executive leadership
Experience working with the Governor's Office
Experience working with the Maryland General Assembly
Experience working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Experience working with provider organizations
Experience working with advocacy groups
Innovative, data-driven leader capable of building productive partnerships
Ability to integrate policy, operations, and fiscal stewardship into a cohesive statewide strategy

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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.
Directs the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services.
Leads organizational initiatives that enhance program performance, streamline business processes, and strengthen accountability by working in partnership with DDA’s Chief Operating Officer.
Plans, coordinates, and implements high-priority, cross-cutting policies that advance Maryland’s mission and strategic goals.
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.
Advises the Deputy Secretary on complex policy, programmatic, and operational matters.
Ensures the effective administration of DDA’s Community Pathways waiver program and services.
Leads cross-functional initiatives that improve organizational performance, accountability, quality, and customer service.
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.