Chief Operating Officer -> With A Path To CEO -Sarasota, FL

Job Overview:

ZurickDavis and NDT have been retained to recruit a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Aviva Senior Life located in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s strategic priorities. Relocation assistance will be provided.

Started in the 1990s, Aviva and the services it offers seniors has grown tremendously over the years. Consistently recognized with “Best Of” awards from national organizations and publications, this welcoming 27-acre campus serves approximately 300 residents and offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.

Becoming a member of this organization’s leadership team is distinctive. The individual will have the ability to assess current operations, identify opportunities for growth and efficiency, explore the feasibility of new revenue streams, and help shape the organization’s future in a very tangible way.

For a highly capable and entrepreneurial leader, this position could also represent a significant step in their professional trajectory. The Chief Operating Officer will be the natural successor for the Chief Executive Officer role within the next few years.

Job Description:

The COO is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the campus and its 172 employees. Working in close partnership with the CEO, the COO ensures the delivery of exceptional resident care, drives operational excellence, and advances organizational goals across the continuum of services. The COO provides leadership and support to a team of operational executives and directors, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, hospitality, and resident-centered service while ensuring high standards of quality, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance. Primary responsibilities include:

• Provide direct leadership for all operational departments including Dining Services, Building and Environmental Services, Life Enrichment, Resident Services, and Information Technology.
• Develop and implement operational policies and performance standards that support the community.
• Lead the campus safety and security committee.
• Collaborate with the CFO to develop and manage annual budgets for all operational departments.
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and cost savings without compromising resident needs.
• Support the CEO and the Board of Trustees in executing strategic plans, capital improvement projects, and long-range community development.
• Support technology initiatives to elevate operational performance and resident engagement.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate direct reports to build a team focused on delivering high-quality hospitality for residents

The ideal candidate is an experienced, mission-driven operations leader with a proven track record in high-quality senior living environments. This role requires a sophisticated blend of business acumen and financial stewardship, paired with a genuine passion for serving older adults. As a highly visible and approachable leader, you will champion a culture of continuous improvement, inspire multidisciplinary teams, and build strong relationships across the organization to drive operational success.

• BA/BS degree.
• Professional record of senior leadership experience, preferably within senior living, post-acute care, healthcare, hospitality, or multi-site property management.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-functional operations with accountability for financial performance, operational excellence, and quality outcomes.
• Strong business and operational acumen with a resident-first philosophy and commitment to exceptional service.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, relationship-building, and people skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, and the Board.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills.
• A visible, accessible, and collaborative leadership style with a passion for serving older adults.