Title: Chief Operating Officer
State Role Title: 19224
Hiring Range: Salary up to $150,000.00; Commensurate with Experience.
Pay Band: 6
Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location: Central State Hospital
Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
** Due to the 24-hour nature of hospital operations, the incumbent must be available to respond to operational needs and emergencies outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. **
Central State Hospital (CSH) is seeking an accomplished and operationally focused healthcare leader to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of its 277-bed, Joint Commission–accredited inpatient psychiatric hospital in Petersburg, Virginia. Since opening in 1870 as the nation’s first psychiatric hospital dedicated to the treatment of African Americans, Central State Hospital has played a historic and vital role in Virginia’s behavioral health system. Today, the hospital operates the Commonwealth’s only maximum-security forensic psychiatric program (111 beds) and provides an additional 166 civil and forensic inpatient beds serving individuals from both the community and the criminal justice system. A new, state-of-the-art hospital campus currently under construction on the existing property will further strengthen CSH’s ability to deliver modern, secure, and recovery-focused care.
Located in historic Petersburg near the Greater Richmond region, the area offers a unique blend of rich history, cultural attractions, diverse dining, and growing economic opportunities. Residents benefit from access to strong public and private schools, vibrant arts communities, and convenient travel to Richmond, Washington, D.C., Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville.
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned healthcare executive to help guide a mission-driven facility during a transformative period of growth and modernization. The COO partners closely with the Chief Executive Officer to oversee hospital operations and ensure safe, effective, and compliant service delivery. The role provides operational leadership across key support services including Physical Plant, Procurement, Information Technology, Food Services, Environmental Services, Public Safety, and Forensic Security, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Responsibilities include supporting strategic and operational initiatives, managing departmental budgets, analyzing performance data to improve operations, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO participates in administrator-on-call rotations, represents the hospital on internal and external committees, and serves as Acting CEO when designated. The position also plays a key leadership role in planning and preparing for the transition to the new Central State Hospital, working with state leadership and project partners to ensure operational readiness and long-term success.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Successfully Perform the Job:
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of hospital administration and healthcare operations.
- Ability to analyze operational needs and develop, implement, and manage effective budgets.
- Proven ability to supervise, lead, and support multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, program plans, contracts, training materials, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of applicable state laws and regulatory requirements governing healthcare operations, including standards from The Joint Commission and CMS.
- Knowledge of life safety codes, fire codes, building codes, and facility security procedures applicable to healthcare environments.
- Strong relationship management skills with the ability to achieve results through collaboration, influence, and effective motivational techniques.
- Demonstrates sound judgment in delegating responsibilities, assigning tasks appropriately, and holding staff accountable for successful completion of assignments.
- Ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments, managing ambiguity and change while balancing multiple priorities.
- Ability to gather and analyze key information essential to strategic planning and develop data-informed recommendations and solutions supported by research and analysis.
- Ability to build stakeholder support, remove barriers, and secure resources necessary to successfully implement organizational change.
- Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills to support effective operational leadership.
Special Assignments:
- In the event of a declared emergency by the Governor, this position may be required to assist DBHDS or state government generally, which may include working outside of normal business hours and/or at a different work location.
- As a condition of employment, may be required to assist DBHDS or state government generally with initiatives or special projects as needed to support agency objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of business, management, accounting, public administration, or related administrative practices typically gained through training, coursework, or experience.
- Significant executive leadership experience overseeing operations within a complex, matrixed behavioral health hospital, healthcare system, or skilled nursing facility, including coordination of multidisciplinary clinical and administrative service lines.
- Experience with budget development and implementation.
- Experience monitoring and maintaining financial goals and operational objectives through the use of monthly financial or performance dashboards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and policies, including workforce management, employee relations, and organizational operations.
** Due to the 24-hour nature of hospital operations, the incumbent must be available to respond to operational needs and emergencies outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. **
Additional Considerations
- Advanced degree (MBA, MHA, etc.)
- Previous experience in project management of construction projects.
- Previous experience opening healthcare facilities.
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.
Application Requirements: Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.
Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.
Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.
Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.
Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (804) 524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Equal Opportunity: The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management 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.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.
Veteran Preference: DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.
Benefits: DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 1-804-524-7111
Email: CSHRecruitment@dbhds.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.