Chief Operating Officer

State of Maryland - Department of General Services Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Position is Open Until Filled

Salary Range: $175,000 - $195,000

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

This is an Executive Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority (“at-will”)

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) supports State and local government agencies, as well as local non‑profit organizations and the citizens of Maryland, by providing facilities management, real estate and surplus property services, as well as security and law enforcement for State buildings. DGS is also responsible for a full spectrum of facilities engineering, design and construction services, almost $1 billion in annual contract administration, and overseeing the State procurement process.

Here at DGS, we truly Do Great Service… Consider joining our team!

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The Maryland Department of General Services is looking to hire a talented and experienced leader on our executive leadership team to fill the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO is responsible for driving operational excellence across all divisions and functions within the agency. The COO plays a critical role in ensuring that the agency’s operations are aligned with its strategic goals, enabling DGS to deliver on its mission to provide essential support services and facilities management to State agencies, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Maryland’s citizens.

The COO will work closely with DGS’ Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and other senior leaders to develop and implement strategies that optimize the agency’s performance, enhance service delivery, and ensure that all operations meet the highest standards of efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The primary focus of this role is on the unique, long‑term challenges facing the agency and the long‑term view of management priorities.

Reporting directly to the Secretary of DGS, the COO will be directly responsible for overseeing the directors of Policy, Emergency Management, Life Safety, and Performance Management.

• Partner with the executive leadership team to develop and execute the agency’s long‑term strategic plan. Participate in strategic planning processes to set organizational priorities and direction.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, ensuring that all divisions and functions are aligned 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 that all activities are conducted efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with State regulations.
• Establish and maintain robust operational systems and processes that support the agency’s service delivery and performance goals.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across the organization, encouraging innovation and the adoption of best practices.
• 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 the agency’s operations.
• Set performance targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the agency, ensuring that all divisions are held accountable for achieving their objectives.
• Regularly review performance data, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective…