Skip to Main Content

Unemployment Insurance Chief of Operations

PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR IV

Recruitment #25-005485-0014

Introduction

Global business meeting — Stock Photo, Image

We are excited to announce an opportunity to join our dynamic team within The Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI). We are currently seeking a dedicated, motivated and skilled professional candidate for the position of Unemployment Insurance Chief of Operation.  This role offers an excellent chance to contribute to meaningful projects, grow within a supportive environment, and make a tangible impact in forward thinking organization. If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DUI team today! 

As a member of the DUI team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

This is a Management Service position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Resumes are acceptable.

GRADE

Grade 26

LOCATION OF POSITION

100 South Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Maryland Labor Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division reports directly to the Assistant Secretary. They are a senior executive responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational management of the state’s UI programs. The COO ensures the efficient delivery of services, operational excellence, alignment with federal and state regulations, and the contribution of UI operations to meeting UI program goals. This role plays a critical leadership role in modernizing systems, improving customer experience, and implementing policy across the UI division.

POSITION DUTIES

  • Lead and manage the daily operations of the Unemployment Insurance Division, including information technology, data and reporting, financial and grants management, and compliance functions.
  • Develop and execute strategic operational plans that align with state and federal goals, labor market trends, and the evolving needs of unemployed workers and employers.
  • Design and maintain models (blueprints) of UI operational processes to provide a clear and accurate shared view of process steps, rules, decision logic, measurement points and metric definitions.
  • Drive process improvements, digital transformation, and innovation to increase efficiency, reduce fraud, and improve the claimant and employer experience.
  • Collaborate closely with other state and federal agencies, labor market analysts, workforce development partners, and IT teams to deliver coordinated services.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and policies, including U.S. Department of Labor guidelines and state legislative requirements.
  • Monitor performance metrics and reporting systems to assess service delivery and identify areas for improvement.
  • Serve as a key advisor to the Assistant Secretary on operational challenges and strategic opportunities.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop senior operational staff and promote a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee the development and management of operational budgets and grants, ensuring resource optimization and fiscal responsibility.
  • Drive process improvements, digital transformation, and innovation to increase efficiency, reduce fraud, and improve the claimant and employer experience.
  • Collaborate closely with other state and federal agencies, labor market analysts, workforce development partners, and IT teams to deliver coordinated services.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and policies, including U.S. Department of Labor guidelines and state legislative requirements.
  • Monitor performance metrics and reporting systems to assess service delivery and identify areas for improvement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, Economics, Law, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration, labor policy, Unemployment Insurance, or related sectors.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

Please read the job announcement in its entirety before applying for this recruitment, Applications must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire.

  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration, labor policy, unemployment insurance, or related sectors.
  • Experience managing large-scale government programs or complex service delivery operations and using data to make systems change, guide progress and course correct as needed.
  • Experience in benefits administration or social insurance, particularly with claims processing and benefits adjudication, make systems change, guide progress and course correct as needed.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

  • Experience leading technology modernization or digital service transformation in a government setting.
  • Knowledge of workforce analytics, labor market data systems, and fraud prevention strategies.
  • Familiarity with union environments and public-sector HR policies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Personnel employed in this classification will have access to federal tax information and must undergo a state and FBI criminal background check as a condition of employment.

All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (MD Labor/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to MD Labor/DUI as a result of unemployment insurance overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment.

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. 

Resumes are strongly encourage. 

All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be considered.

For positions that require Bachelor/Master Degree etc:

Educational credentials from foreign countries must be evaluated by an approved education review service. This evaluation must be submitted prior to hire. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932-3897 or (202) 331-2925.

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.

The examination for this recruitment will be an evaluation and rating of the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is essential that the application is filled out completely and accurately, listing all relevant education and experience, addressing the specific qualifications shown above and submitting any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certification, license, etc.). Please include clear, detailed and specific information on your application regarding experience qualifications related to the minimum qualifications, desired, and/or selective qualifications of the position.

BENEFITS

This is a full-time, permanent position and eligible for full State benefits, which include:

● Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking
● Paid holidays 12-13 per year
● Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave)
● State Pension ("defined benefit" plan)
● Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457)
● Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services
● Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
● State Employees Credit Union

To learn more, please click this link: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

U.S. Military Veterans may qualify for additional bonus points towards certification. Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing a U.S. Military form DD 214 verifying honorable discharge from service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Permanent State employees do not need to submit proof of Veterans’ status.

 If you are unable to apply online, or encounter difficulty attaching required or optional documentation, You may contact Felicia Ransome 410-230-6306 or submit via email to felicia.ransom@maryland.gov. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. 

PLEASE DO NOT FAX OR EMAIL UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION 

Completed applications, required documentation, and any required addendums may be mailed to: 

Maryland Department of Labor/Office of Administration
Attn: Unemployment Insurance Chief of Operations (25-005485-0014) FR
100 S. Charles Street, Tower I, Ste. 5000
Baltimore, MD 21201

The MD State Application Form can be found online 

Maryland Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of MD Labor that all persons have equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities, services, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.







Powered by JobAps