Chief Operating Officer

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Chief Operating Officer

Full Time St. Louis, MO, US

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the Executive Management Team and is responsible for directing, coordinating, and optimizing the operational performance of the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO provides leadership for clinical operations, patient access, support services, quality improvement initiatives, and administrative functions to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

The COO works collaboratively with the CEO, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, and other organizational leaders to advance strategic initiatives, achieve operational excellence, maintain regulatory compliance, improve patient outcomes, and fulfill the organization's mission of serving underserved populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of the Executive Management Team, contributing to organizational strategy, decision-making, and long-term planning.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, CFO, CMO, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, and other executive leaders to achieve organizational goals and ensure alignment across all departments.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives, operational priorities, and organizational performance objectives.
• Foster communication and collaboration among clinical, operational, financial, compliance, and administrative leaders to support integrated service delivery and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide operational insight and recommendations to support Executive Management Team decisions regarding growth opportunities, resource allocation, workforce planning, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with executive leaders to identify and address operational challenges affecting patient care, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and employee engagement.
• Support Board of Directors and Board Committee activities by preparing reports, presenting operational performance data, and participating in strategic discussions as requested by the CEO.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional committees, leadership councils, and organizational initiatives that advance the health center's mission and strategic objectives.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of all health center locations and service lines.
• Ensure operational activities support the organization's mission, strategic plan, and growth objectives.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational performance metrics, benchmarks, and productivity standards.
• Lead organizational initiatives that improve efficiency, effectiveness, patient experience, and service delivery.
• Implement operational improvements that enhance patient access, operational performance, and financial sustainability.
• Oversee expansion efforts, site development projects, and operational integration of new programs and services.

Clinical Operations Support

• Partner with the CMO and clinical leadership team to improve patient access, provider productivity, care coordination, and patient outcomes.
• Support implementation of evidence-based practices and patient-centered models of care.
• Monitor operational factors affecting quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, and care delivery performance.
• Ensure adequate staffing, equipment, technology, and resources are available to support high-quality patient care.
• Collaborate with clinical leaders to address workflow challenges and improve organizational efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Collaborate with Compliance, Quality, and Risk Management teams to maintain readiness for HRSA Operational Site Visits (OSV), audits, and accreditation reviews.
• Oversee operational policies, procedures, internal controls, and organizational standards.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks while supporting organizational integrity and business continuity.
• Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, and ethical conduct throughout the organization.

Quality Improvement & Performance Management

• Promote and support a culture of continuous quality improvement throughout the organization.
• Utilize data analytics, dashboards, and performance indicators to drive decision-making and accountability.
• Collaborate with leadership teams to improve clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, population health measures, and operational performance.
• Monitor organizational KPIs and develop action plans to address performance gaps.
• Partner with the CFO to develop annual operating budgets, forecasts, and financial strategies.
• Monitor departmental performance against financial and operational goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, maximize resources, and reduce costs while maintaining quality and patient satisfaction.
• Support revenue cycle optimization and operational initiatives that strengthen financial sustainability.
• Participate in strategic planning and long-range organizational forecasting.

Leadership & Workforce Development

• Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to operational and administrative directors and managers.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
• Assist in workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment that promotes employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Community & Strategic Partnerships

• Support the organization's mission through active engagement with community partners, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders.
• Represent the health center in external meetings, professional organizations, community events, and collaborative initiatives as designated by the CEO.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, improve community impact, and strengthen organizational partnerships.
• Participate in grant-funded initiatives and strategic collaborations that support access to care and health equity.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Public Health (MPH), or related discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive healthcare leadership experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of senior-level operational leadership experience.
• Experience in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), community health center, ambulatory care organization, or multi-site healthcare system strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in healthcare operations, strategic planning, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership.

Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, professional growth, and financial security of its employees. Benefits currently include:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Coverage
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match up to 4%
• Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Legal Plan and Plus Parent Legal Benefits
• Employee Discount Programs for travel, entertainment, childcare, automotive services, and more

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers is an eligible employer for several federal and state loan repayment and forgiveness programs, including:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• HRSA Loan Repayment Programs
• Missouri Health Professional Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs (where applicable) [phcenters.org]