Chief Operating Officer (Hybrid) (Chicago)

Job DescriptionJob Description

Were looking for

Were looking for an experienced, mission-driven leader to elevate our certification operations and candidate experience. As Chief Operating Officer , youll oversee the full lifecycle of our credentialing programs from application to exam development to renewal ensuring quality, innovation, and compliance every step of the way. Youll lead a talented team and collaborate across departments to optimize systems, drive strategic growth, and uphold the integrity and value of dental assisting certification. If youre a collaborative executive with deep operational expertise and a passion for professional excellence, wed love to hear from you.

We are

We are the Dental Assisting Board and the DALE Foundation, a small, friendly group that is driven by our mission. Our organizations provide certifications, certificates, and online education for dental assistants, so they can be well positioned to support dental teams and deliver great dental care. We live our values of Service , Respect , Integrity , , and Teamwork .

DEI Statement

We support the development and advancement of a diverse dental workforce by removing barriers in our policies, programs, and products. We are committed to engaging a variety of perspectives in our workplace and governance to further foster an equitable and inclusive environment for current and aspiring dental assistants.

Values

Service - actively supporting current and prospective dental assistants through equitable and inclusive engagement.

Respect - acknowledgment and consideration of the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals.

Integrity - adherence to moral and ethical principles, demonstrating honesty, sincerity, and consistency in actions and decisions.

- ensuring all individuals, regardless of or backgrounds, are fully engaged and valued members of a community or organization.

Teamwork - individuals working together toward a common goal, leveraging each other's strengths.

We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and celebrated. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome all applicants and ensure fair treatment regardless of , , , , veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We especially encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

We offer

We offer great work/life balance with a 37.5-hour work week and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, 100% company-paid dental/vision, flexible benefits reimbursement, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and professional development support. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, our team mostly works on a hybrid schedule.

The role is

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 DANBs 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.

B. Team Leadership

• 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.

D. Technology & Systems Management

• 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:

• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree in business administration, public administration, education, or related field .
• 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 Environment:

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