Chief Operations Officer (COO) VDH03310

Title: Chief Operations Officer (COO) VDH03310

State Role Title: Gen Admin Manager III

Hiring Range: $137,000 - $142,470

Job Duties

The Norfolk Health District is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven Chief Operations Officer (COO) to provide operational leadership and serve as the primary advisor to the Public Health Director on non-medical matters. This position plays a key role in coordinating statewide and local public health programs, strengthening administrative and business operations, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable public health services to the citizens of Virginia.

The COO independently provides strategic advice, planning, consultation, and operational support to district health departments and Public Health Director. Working collaboratively with staff across the organization, the COO helps build a high-performing district leadership team aligned with the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) mission, goals, and objectives. 

This position directly supervises and develops district business managers and other assigned staff, as designated by the Public Health Director, and ensures the Director remains informed of independent recommendations, guidance, and actions taken.

The COO should be a strategic thinker and collaborative leader with strong organizational, communication, and management skills that would bring the ability to advise executive leadership, develop effective teams, improve operational performance, and align administrative functions with broader public health priorities. They will help position NDPH for continued success by fostering operational excellence, accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the Norfolk community.

The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests (SOEI) form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114 within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter. Additionally, the selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.

The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable experience in public administration of complex government agencies and/or organizations.

• Experience in operational functions such as budget preparation and administration, human resources, project management and procurement.

• Demonstrated experience in policy and program decision-making, management of multiple priorities, and management of professional staff and projects.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, problems, and situations, to conduct independent research, to interpret and apply policies and procedures, communicate effectively, and multitask complex assignments.

Additional Considerations

• Administrative management experience in public health, the social sector, and/or related field.

• Knowledge and/or certifications in business, public administration, healthcare management or related fields.

• Ability to represent the District Health Director in business meetings, community events, and partner engagements, and in other situations where public health leadership is required to achieve the agency's mission.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Ciara Everett

Phone: 757-683-2800

Email: ndphhr@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 02 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 08 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend