Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Fort Wayne, IN

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Located on the southwest corner of Main and Van Buren, Lutheran Downtown Hospital opened for patient care in November 2021 with 60 beds and room to expand. A modern hospital in the heart of the city, patients receive care from a team dedicated to providing compassionate care, with excellence, to every patient, every time.

A proud member of Lutheran Health Network, Lutheran Downtown Hospital offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient services, opening with a 19-room emergency department, four operating suites, three gastroenterology suites, diagnostic imaging services, robotic-assisted surgery capabilities and laboratory services.

The decision to build a modern, vibrant facility aligns with the Network's goals to remain downtown, continue to contribute to its growth and success and to make a positive impact on our community.

Job Summary The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operational management and strategic execution of non-nursing departments within the hospital. This role oversees key business functions including patient throughput, service line development, resource utilization, operational efficiency, and revenue growth. The COO collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and other senior leaders to ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and exceptional patient care outcomes. This position is also designed to develop future executive leaders, with the expectation of preparing for a potential promotion to a Chief Executive Officer role at another location. As part of the CEO Development Program, this position will require relocation within an acceptable timeframe for promotion/transfer.

Essential Functions

• Provides operational oversight of assigned non-nursing departments, ensuring high-quality service delivery, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborates with the CEO and CFO to develop, monitor, and manage strategic business plans and financial goals, including revenue growth and expense control.
• Drives process improvement initiatives that enhance patient throughput, resource utilization, and operational outcomes.
• Partners with the CEO to identify opportunities for business development, service line expansion, and physician recruitment aligned with community needs.
• Supports medical staff relationships by addressing operational concerns, facilitating communication, and strengthening physician engagement.
• Reviews department-level performance metrics and collaborates with managers on corrective action plans and ongoing improvement.
• Coaches and mentors department leaders to build leadership capacity, identify development opportunities, and share operational best practices.
• Contributes to budgeting and capital planning, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic priorities.
• Ensures operations comply with internal policies, external regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Participates in executive leadership meetings, strategic planning activities, and board presentations as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field required
• Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), or related field preferred
• 7-9 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, including 35 years in operational or executive-level management roles with responsibility for multiple departments or service lines required
• Prior experience overseeing multiple hospital departments or service lines preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong executive leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to drive operational performance and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of hospital operations, including finance, facilities, ancillary services, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional business acumen, including the ability to interpret financial statements, drive cost control strategies, and support revenue growth.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build credibility with physicians, department leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and retain high-performing teams, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.