Maryland Department of Planning – Chief of Operations

• Chief of Operations
• MDP General Administration
• PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR II
• Recruitment #25-005483-0023
• Salary: $102,426 – $165,372
• Filing Deadline: 5/12/2025 11:59:00 PM

Introduction

Be a Catalyst for Maryland’s Future: Join the Department of Planning (MDP)! Do you envision a Maryland where vibrant, sustainable communities thrive alongside natural treasures – and serve to provide new opportunities and economic prosperity? Do you see the power of using data to inform the important decisions that impact Marylanders every day?

Our team at MDP is seeking a passionate, seasoned Chief of Operations skilled in the areas of budget and finance, as well as general departmental operations to play a vital role in providing the guidance, analysis, and support that empowers our agency to thrive. The ideal candidate will utilize a strategic approach to lead our fiscal and operational processes. If you’re ready to make a tangible difference in shaping the landscape and future of Maryland, we encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity.

GRADE

24

LOCATION OF POSITION

120 E. Baltimore Street, Suite 2000, Baltimore MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

This position is a member of the leadership team with day-to-day responsibility for managing the operations of the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) including, but not limited to: finance, operations, accounting, procurement, information technology (IT), personnel, and general office operations and functions, The Chief of Operations ensures the compliance of all state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and ensures that agency resources are appropriately utilized to meet all financial, operational, human resource, and IT needs for MDP Headquarters, the Maryland Historical Trust, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, and our regional offices in Frostburg, Centreville, and Salisbury.

This position works with the Office Administrator to oversee all personnel matters and serves as the Appointing Authority for MDP which includes oversight and approvals of various human resource matters and fiscal approvals. The Chief of Operations must also be a strategic thinker who plays an important role in strategic planning, workforce development planning and implementation, oversight and measurement of those plans, as well as identifying, implementing, overseeing, and tracking performance improvement and quality improvement projects and initiatives. This includes the ability to review the agency’s budget to offer projections to safeguard MDP’s finances and maximize our funding. The Chief of Operations is not directly responsible for grant and pass-through funding maintenance but plays an integral role in ensuring these activities are completed with fidelity.

POSITION DUTIES

1. Operational and Resource Management 

Serves as the Appointing Authority and oversees the management of personnel services. Directs personnel processes and determines the organizational staffing needs for departmental programs, divisions and units. Provides processes and approvals for hiring practices of all classifications of employees in terms of funding availability and timetables in coordination with the MDP Executive Office and Office Administrator. As Appointing Authority, the Chief of Operations is charged with completing the associated tasks regarding the appointment, promotion, transfer, reassignment, discipline, and termination of employees in MDP. The position is also responsible for the oversight of hiring, promotions, reclassifications, etc. The Chief of Operations develops and implements strategic plans to address needs including but not limited to reorganizations, workforce planning, training assessment, and personnel policy development. This position develops and monitors overall compliance for human resource matters with DBM, legislative audits, and DBM audits of compliance with standards and guidelines including serving as (or overseeing) the agency’s Equal Opportunity Officer (EEO) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Officer (ADA), and also ensures the agency Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

A supervisor assigns and reviews the work of other, trains employees, recommends the selection, promotion and termination of employees, approves leave and signs timecards, signs annual performance evaluations, determines and resolves procedural problems within the unit, serves as spokesperson for subordinates, explains policies and directives from management and issues formal disciplinary reminders, warnings and reprimands and is updated and maintained with appropriate training tools in place. This position supervises the management of the agency’s fleet vehicles. The Chief of Operations will supervise the Office Administrator for MDP.

1. Budgetary and Financial Management 

Manages all financial operations of the department. This includes not only budget, general fund appropriations, and projections – but also revenue received as part of agency services to both public and private entities, and pass–through funding. This position is responsible for managing the agency’s current year budget, preparation of future fiscal budgets to include all related personnel, procurement, and staff management decisions, and directs year end close out of budgetary matters. Oversees revenue forecasts, target projections, and completions, and expenditure plans. Serves as the agency’s chief fiscal, personnel, and compliance officer. Actively creates, executes, and manages the next fiscal year’s budget from preparation through the defense of the budget to the Secretary of DBM, the Governor, and the budget committees of the Maryland General Assembly, Negotiates and executes agency contracts and procurements. Serves as the primary contact for all Office of Legislative Audits and compliance with DBM audits. This position supervises the head of the Finance unit within MDP who, in turn, supervises the full finance team.

III. Technology Oversight 

Oversees and directs the information technology needs of the department. Works

closely with the head of the IT department to ensure the physical hardware, software, database, processing, networking, and security needs of the staff are met. This position will work closely with the IT team to develop projections of necessary tools for future budgetary needs and strategies. This position supervises the head of the IT department within MDP who supervises the IT team.

1. Strategic Planning 

Works closely with the Secretary and Deputy Secretary to manage,

maintain, and monitor MDP’s Strategic Plan. This includes working with the Deputy Secretary to ensure goals and performance indicators are being met. Additionally, this position will assist in the development of future strategic plans and KPIs. The Chief of Operations also oversees the agency’s Managing for Results initiatives (MFRS) including organizing their development, monitoring and reporting results, and strategizing for future goals and measurement systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree

EXPERIENCE: 5 years of experience as a fiscal and operational leader

Experience in personnel matters

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

8 years of experience as a fiscal and operational leader

5 years of experience with FMIS

Experience in governmental operations – preferably within the State of Maryland

Experience in operational and/or personnel matters

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, 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.