Chief Operating Officer (Hybrid)

Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer (Hybrid) role at Dental Assisting National Board

Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer (Hybrid) role at Dental Assisting National Board

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic oversight and day-to-day management of all facets of DANB’s credentialing activities. This includes oversight application processing, eligibility determination, exam development and delivery, credential issuance, renewal processes, and disciplinary matters. The COO will lead cross-functional teams to ensure excellence and quality in exam development and delivery, credentialing operations, regulatory compliance, and candidate/certificant experience. This role follows a hybrid work arrangement with the majority of time worked remotely with regular in-office requirements in our downtown Chicago office. Periodic travel to events and organizational meetings is expected.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

A.Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Collaborate with the CEO, Leadership Team, and Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic initiatives related to certification growth and innovation including traditional and non-traditional offerings to existing and new customers and partners.
• Ensure exams and certifications and delivery methods are contemporary, relevant and of high quality to meet current and future workforce needs.
• Oversee the end-to-end certification process: application intake, eligibility verification, exam development and administration, credential issuance, and renewals.
• Evaluate and optimize workflows and systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead accreditation and compliance efforts to maintain NCCA and/or other relevant accreditations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop department managers and staff responsible for exam development, certification operations, and data management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence.

C.Certification Program Oversight

• Lead exam development team and/or manage vendors on all activities including item writing, test blueprinting, psychometric analysis, and collaboration with subject matter experts and test vendors.
• Ensure fairness, validity, and reliability of all assessments, in alignment with industry standards and best practices.
• Monitor and analyze certification data trends to inform policy and operational decisions.
• Oversee the implementation and ongoing optimization of technology platforms used in certification management (e.g., CRM, exam platforms, candidate portals).
• Partner with IT and vendors to ensure data integrity, cybersecurity, and system performance.

E.Financial & Compliance Oversight

• Manage departmental budgets and ensure cost-effective operations.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards governing certification and data privacy.

F.Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a primary liaison to examination committees, psychometricians, and external vendors.
• Represent the organization at industry meetings, conferences, and stakeholder forums.

Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.
• Collaborative, responsive, and proactive work style.
• Understanding of systems, professional development, and certification processes.
• Proven leader with success in developing, supporting, and empowering high-performing individuals and teams.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• High level of proficiency with information management systems and data analytics tools.
• Embracing of new technologies and new systems.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and modernization.

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive senior leadership experience, with at least 5 years in certification/credentialing, workforce development, or similar professional/product development fields.
• Experience in the healthcare or dental professions is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated success in operational management, strategic planning, and team leadership.

Physical Demands:

Required to sit for extended periods of time; may need to walk or stand in the course of work as well as light (20-30 lbs.) to medium (30-40 lbs.) levels of lifting of supplies and/or equipment.

Work performed in an office environment, either onsite or offsite; periodic travel to be expected.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Non-profit Organization Management

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