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Senior Program Officer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$128K - $203K/yr

... 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 ...

$92K/yr

... a full-time Senior Program Officer, Main StreetMaryland/Maryland FolkFestival Residency Program.\r\n\r\n\r\nDHCD offers a flexible work schedule, telework and job sharing options, training ...

$129K - $129K/yr

Senior Program Analyst The Birchmere Group is seeking a Senior Program Analyst who will provide ... (CIO) Capability Planning Guidance, or other similar guidance materials. Position will also be ...

Senior Program Analyst

Fort George G Meade, MD ยท On-site

$129K - $129K/yr

Senior Program Analyst The Birchmere Group is seeking a Senior Program Analyst who will provide ... (CIO) Capability Planning Guidance, or other similar guidance materials. Position will also be ...

Senior Program Manager

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$147 - $296/hr

Serve as the primary point of contact for government program managers, contracting officers, and senior customer leadership.* Manage program scope, schedule, cost, staffing, risk, and performance ...

Senior Program Manager

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$114K - $115K/yr

Serve as the primary point of contact for government program managers, contracting officers, and senior customer leadership. * Manage program scope, schedule, cost, staffing, risk, and performance ...

Serve as the primary point of contact for government program managers, contracting officers, and senior customer leadership. * Manage program scope, schedule, cost, staffing, risk, and performance ...

Senior Program Analyst

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$138K - $168K/yr

Support federal budget formulation activities and CIO-level reporting cycles * Prepare structured ... Represent senior leadership during governance forums, including Program and Budget Certification ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Program Officer information

See Maryland salary details

$32.5K

$97.4K

$150.9K

How much do senior program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program officer in Maryland is $97,408.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $128,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior program officer?

Senior Program Officers are experienced professionals who oversee the planning, development, and implementation of programs within an organization, often in the nonprofit, government, or philanthropic sectors. They are responsible for managing program staff, budgets, and partnerships, as well as ensuring programs align with organizational goals and strategies. Senior Program Officers often evaluate program effectiveness, report on outcomes, and may help in securing funding or grants. Their role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior program officer?

To thrive as a Senior Program Officer, you need expertise in program management, strategic planning, and sector-specific knowledge, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of experience. Familiarity with grant management systems, project management software, and monitoring and evaluation tools is typically required. Strong leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills help drive collaboration and effective stakeholder engagement. These competencies ensure successful program delivery, efficient resource use, and measurable impact in complex organizational environments.

How do senior program officers collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives?

Senior Program Officers often serve as a bridge between internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on program goals and deliverables. They regularly coordinate with finance, communications, monitoring and evaluation, and subject-matter experts to design, implement, and assess programs. Effective communication, project management, and negotiation skills are essential as they facilitate meetings, address challenges, and adjust strategies to drive successful outcomes. This collaborative environment provides opportunities to develop leadership and expand professional networks.

What is the difference between Senior Program Officer vs Program Officer?

AspectSenior Program OfficerProgram Officer
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often master's; experience in program managementBachelor's degree; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, strategic planning, supervising staffAssisting in program implementation, supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, foundationsSimilar organizations, entry to mid-level roles
Search & Comparison IntentHigher responsibility, leadership rolesEntry to mid-level roles, support functions

The main difference between a Senior Program Officer and a Program Officer lies in responsibility and experience. Senior Program Officers typically lead projects, develop strategies, and supervise staff, requiring more experience and advanced skills. Program Officers focus on supporting program activities, assisting senior staff, and implementing plans. Both roles are common in nonprofits, government, and foundation sectors, but the senior position involves greater leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Officer jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Program Officer jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Program Officer jobs in Maryland?

For Senior Program Officer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Program Officer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Program Officer jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Senior Program Officer jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Senior Program Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Program Officer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,408 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Direct the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Community Pathways waiver program and Title VII State-funded services.

  • Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Lead organizational initiatives to enhance program performance, streamline processes, and strengthen accountability in partnership with other agency leaders and community stakeholders.


Job description

GRADE

26\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDH Developmental Disabilities Administration, Baltimore MD\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

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.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe 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.\r\n\r\n\r\nUnder 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.\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have 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, including extensive knowledge of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Medicaid waiver programs, developmental disabilities policy, federal and State regulations, strategic planning, fiscal and grants management, organizational development, and performance improvement.\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the Chief Programs Officer role is a seasoned senior executive with a proven record of leading organizational change, managing multidisciplinary teams, and driving operational excellence. In addition to the technical requirements, the candidate should possess exceptional leadership, communication, and consensus-building skills, with a deep commitment to advancing equity, person-centered services, and innovation. Experience working with executive leadership, the Governor's Office, the Maryland General Assembly, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), provider organizations, and advocacy groups is highly desirable. This individual will be an innovative, data-driven leader capable of building productive partnerships and integrating policy, operations, and fiscal stewardship into a cohesive statewide strategy to improve the quality of life for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.\r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume must be uploaded to the application.\r\nApplicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).\r\nComplete applications must be submitted by the closing date.Information submitted after this date will not be added.\r\nIncorrect application forms will not be accepted.\r\nCandidates may remain on thecertified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n

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 MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201.Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.\r\nIf additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested informationto 410-333-5689.Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.\r\nFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact theMDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 orApplication.Help@maryland.gov.\r\nAppropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time