Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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Job Description - Chief Operating Officer (COO) (24000A4O)

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Position Overview:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as a key member of the Secretary’s senior leadership team, responsible for leading and optimizing the EEA shared services departments, including Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT), Procurement, and Facilities Management. This executive role involves driving efficient operations, fostering strategic alignment, and delivering exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders across the executive office and its agencies.

Overseeing a team of over 125 employees across these essential departments, the COO will ensure that shared services are well-integrated and responsive to the organization’s mission and goals. As a core leader within the senior team, the COO will support both agency-level needs and broader organizational objectives, promoting a high standard of service delivery, strategic insight, and continuous improvement across all areas of shared services.

The COO will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of the organization’s shared services departments, contributing to overall organizational success and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the organization's goals and enhance the effectiveness of HR, IT, Procurement, and Facilities services. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive organizational growth and operational excellence.
2. Operational Oversight: Manage daily operations across HR, IT, Procurement and Facilities departments. Ensure that all services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with best practices and organizational standards.
3. Team Management: Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team of over 125 employees, fostering a positive work environment that promotes collaboration, professional growth, and high performance. Oversee staffing, performance evaluations, and professional development initiatives.
4. Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Monitor and evaluate departmental performance and develop strategies to address any issues or challenges.
5. Budget Management: Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively and aligned with organizational priorities. Monitor expenditures and implement cost-control measures as needed.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding shared services matters. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
7. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all HR, IT, Procurement, and Facilities operations comply with relevant regulations, policies, and industry standards. Identify and mitigate potential risks to protect the organization and its assets.
8. Innovation and Technology: Leverage technology and innovation to drive operational efficiencies and enhance service delivery. Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of best practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. 10 – 15 years of progressive leadership experience in the areas in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration or a related field.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire large, multidisciplinary teams to achieve strategic and operational goals. Proven experience in a senior management role overseeing shared services departments, preferably in HR, IT, Procurement and Facilities.
3. Strong leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing large teams and driving operational success.
4. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
5. Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial oversight.
6. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
7. Knowledge of industry regulations, standards, and best practices.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

Job

Job: Environmental and Energy

Agency

Agency: Exec Office Of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Schedule

Schedule: Full-time

Shift

Shift: Day

Job Posting

Number of Openings

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 123,783.20 - 167,648.00 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza Esenyie - 6178723270

Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes