What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Operating Officer position at Florida Department of Management Services?
Chief Operating Officer
Florida Digital Service
State of Florida Department of Management Services
This position is located in Tallahassee, FL
The Florida Digital Service (FLDS) is Florida’s enterprise technology and cybersecurity organization, leading the state’s efforts to enhance government services through innovative digital solutions and technology modernization. Operating in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, FLDS advances digital transformation by supporting Florida’s state agencies in implementing new technologies, advancing the state’s cloud-first strategy, strengthening enterprise cybersecurity, and improving interoperability across state government.
The Chief Operating Officer serves in a critical leadership role within FLDS as a member of the senior leadership team reporting directly to the State Chief Information Officer. This executive position manages all policy, rulemaking, budget, grants, personnel, and purchasing functions of FLDS through the development of effective operational business processes. In addition, the COO is responsible for facilitating enterprise-wide, multidisciplinary training initiatives that strengthen policy and technical understanding, and support collaboration across state agencies. Success in this role requires exceptional discipline, organization, and the ability to effectively lead critical teams while managing high-profile workloads.
Executive Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Provide executive leadership and oversight for all FLDS rulemaking, policy development, budget strategy, competitive grant programs, grants management, and purchasing operations.
Support senior and technical policy leaders in the development and implementation of regulatory responsibilities across the enterprise.
Lead the modernization of statewide technology regulations, including enterprise architecture, cybersecurity standards, cloud‑first strategy, and technology project oversight.
Financial, Administrative & Operational Management
Oversee efficient management of FLDS personnel operations and financial processes.
Direct teams responsible for navigating the budget amendment process to ensure timely access to appropriated funds.
Oversee procurement operations to ensure efficient acquisition of organizational resources, technology solutions, and services.
Enterprise Policy, Standards & Best Practices
Lead the development of statewide enterprise policies, procedures, and best practices related to:
IT procurement for technology products and cloud‑computing services
Standards for IT reporting, including operational work plans, project spend plans, and project status reporting
Legislative budget request development for technology initiatives
Methodologies for identifying and collecting current and planned IT expenditure data in accordance with section 282.0051(1), Florida Statutes
Interagency Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Cultivate and maintain collaborative working relationships with state agencies and stakeholders impacted by FLDS operations, initiatives, and regulatory processes.
Lead the design, implementation, and administration of a statewide competitive grant program to enhance cybersecurity capabilities for local government entities.
Team Leadership & Workforce Management
Manage and mentor staff through performance management, workload planning, scheduling, and daily operational oversight.
Provide effective team leadership, ensuring clear delegation of tasks, accountability, and alignment with organizational priorities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited College or University. Practical and operational experience may be considered as an equivalent substitute for formal degrees or certifications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Executive leadership experience managing operations, policy, budgeting, procurement, and grants administration.
Strong knowledge of Florida government operations, legislative budget processes, and applicable statutes related to information technology and public administration.
Demonstrated team building abilities, with a focus on defining job roles, recruiting talent, and nurturing a supportive and innovative team culture.
Proven track record of leading large-scale organizational transformation initiatives in high-pressure environments.
Experience serving as a primary representative for an organization, presenting complex policy or financial information to legislative bodies, boards of directors, or public stakeholders.
Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active bar membership preferred
Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred
Other job-related requirements for this position:
Criminal background investigation including fingerprinting and statewide and national criminal history records check per Section 110.1127 Florida Statutes, Chapter 435 Florida Statutes, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s CJIS Security Policy CJISD-ITS-DOC-08140-4.5
Pursuant to F.S. 215.422 every officer or employee who is responsible for the approval or processing of vendors’ invoices or distribution of warrants to vendors are mandated to process, resolve, and comply as section 215.422 requires
Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to drive and/or fly for long distances. Ability to lift, push and pull up to 30lbs.
Our Organization and Mission:
Under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Interim Secretary Tom Berger and DMS’ Executive Leadership Team, the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is a customer-oriented agency with a broad portfolio that includes the efficient use and management of real estate, procurement, human resources, group insurance, retirement, telecommunications, fleet, and federal property assistance programs used throughout Florida’s state government. It is against this backdrop that DMS strives to demonstrate its motto, “We serve those who serve Florida.”