Vice President of Operations

Role Description

The Vice President of Operations (VP of Operations) serves as the senior operational leader responsible for guiding the organization’s growth from one region of three Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to a multi-region structure consisting of three regions and nine hospitals in three years. This role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and system-wide performance management, ensuring excellence in patient care, financial stewardship, and organizational culture.

Essential functions — include but not limited to

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Lead the organizational expansion from a single-region model to a three-region operating structure, ensuring scalable processes, systems, and leadership frameworks.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans in partnership with the executive team and Board of Directors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hospital CEOs, regional leaders, physicians, and community partners.
• Ensure all expansion efforts support mission alignment, patient access, and community impact.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the operational performance of all Critical Access Hospitals within the portfolio, ensuring compliance with CAH-specific regulatory requirements.
• Implement best practices in rural health operations, staffing models, and financial sustainability strategies.
• Monitor and manage system-wide KPIs—including quality, safety, productivity, financial performance, and patient outcomes.

Regional Leadership Development

• Design and implement a regional leadership structure that supports growth and efficient oversight.
• Hire, mentor, and develop regional operation leaders as the organization expands.
• Build a culture of servant leadership, continuous improvement, and high accountability.

Financial Stewardship

• Partner with finance teams to develop and manage operating budgets, financial forecasts, and performance improvement plans.
• Drive cost optimization strategies without compromising patient care quality.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of resources, strengthening the organization’s fiscal health and sustainability.

Compliance, Quality & Patient Safety

• Ensure all hospitals maintain compliance with CMS, CAH regulations, Joint Commission (if applicable), and federal/state requirements.
• Champion quality and safety initiatives, reducing variation and improving outcomes across regions.
• Lead strategic initiatives in rural health innovation, telehealth, access expansion, and population health.

Culture, Mission & Values

• Promote a culture of compassion, respect, service, and excellence in all hospitals and departments.
• Build unity across regions, fostering a shared mission and consistent operational identity.

Behavioral standards

• Supports the mission, vision, and goals of Avem Health Partners and serves as a role model within the organization.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior: Respect/Professional Conduct and Attitude, Integrity, Communication, Professional/Personal Development, Commitment to Partners/Community, and Excellence.
• Exhibits positive customer service behavior in all work interactions; demonstrates a courteous and respectful attitude to the internal workforce and external customers.
• Communicates accurately and appropriately; handles difficult situations in a discreet and professional manner.
• Holds self-accountable for professional practice; takes ownership of self and work performed.
• Interacts effectively with diverse populations in stressful situations resulting from trauma and illness.
• Keeps current with nursing trends, dialysis-specific knowledge, and evidence-based best practices; participates in in-service programs as required.
• Assumes responsibility for seeking educational and professional development opportunities and meeting mandatory education requirements.
• Demonstrates excellent work attendance; actively participates in meetings and training sessions as requested.
• Adheres to the Avem Health Partners Code of Conduct, Standards of Behavior, and all applicable policies and health and safety requirements.

Education, certification & licensure

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, Business Administration, Public Health, Nursing, or related field required.
• Strong knowledge of CAH reimbursement models, rural health dynamics, and regulatory standards.
• Exceptional leadership and people-development skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data and make strategic operational decisions.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and executive presence.
• Commitment to ethical decision-making, servant leadership, and fostering a mission-driven culture.

Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in hospital operations, with at least 5 years in a senior multi-facility or regional role.
• Experience working with Critical Access Hospitals (strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated success scaling operations, leading organizational growth, or overseeing multi-site health systems.

Physical requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions; such accommodations must be requested by the employee or applicant to be considered.

• Visual and auditory abilities must be intact to perform duties.