Chief Operating Officer

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as a transformative operational and strategic leader for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England during a critical period of growth and heightened national importance for reproductive health care. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the COO will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and partner closely with executive leaders across the organization to drive operational excellence, enhance access to care, and strengthen PPSNE’s impact throughout the region. The successful candidate will also serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, contributing to enterprise-level decision-making, strategic prioritization, and organizational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Serve as the senior operational leader for PPSNE’s clinical services enterprise
• Partner closely with the President/CEO and Executive Leadership Team to shape and execute organizational strategy
• Build strong cross‑functional alignment through transparent communication, effective prioritization, and the ability to navigate complex decisions and difficult conversations with clarity and accountability
• Lead initiatives that expand access to care and improve operational performance across the organization
• Develop and implement scalable operational systems and processes that support organizational growth and sustainability
• Ensure alignment between strategic priorities, operational execution, and measurable outcomes

Clinical Operations Leadership

• Oversee operational performance across PPSNE’s health centers and virtual care services
• Ensure delivery of high‑quality, patient‑centered, culturally responsive care
• Partner with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure clinical quality, safety, compliance, and regulatory excellence
• Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Clinical Operations on staffing models, workforce optimization, and frontline operations
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including patient access, patient experience, throughput, visit volumes, operational efficiency, and staff engagement
• Ensure strong coordination between clinical operations and support services

Growth, Innovation, and Access to Care

• Advance innovative models of care delivery, including integrated telehealth and in‑person service models
• Identify opportunities for new service line expansion aligned with community needs and organizational mission
• Lead strategic initiatives focused on improving access, reducing barriers to care, and enhancing patient outcomes
• Drive implementation of transformative operational and clinical initiatives
• Identify opportunities to enhance PPSNE’s technology and digital infrastructure, in partnership with outsourced providers, ensuring solutions are cost‑effective and support operational efficiency, data integrity, and patient access

Health Equity and Community Impact

• Champion PPSNE’s commitment to health equity across all operations and service delivery models
• Ensure that operational decisions and care models are informed by equity‑centered practices and patient needs
• Advance initiatives focused on reducing disparities in health outcomes and improving access for underserved populations
• Build authentic relationships internally and externally to strengthen trust, collaboration, and community engagement

Organizational Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead and mentor high‑performing teams across multiple operational and clinical support functions
• Build an inclusive, collaborative, and mission‑driven culture
• Support leadership development and succession planning across the organization
• Promote employee engagement, workforce resilience, and professional growth
• Foster strong cross‑functional collaboration and break down organizational silos

Clinical Support Services Oversight

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for:
  • Clinical Research Program
  • Clinical Risk and Quality Management
  • Care Coordination and Centralized Clinical Follow‑Up
  • Laboratory Services
  • Facilities and Infrastructure
  • Security and Safety Operations
  • Outsourced operational and technology partners

Facilities, Security, and Infrastructure

• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient management of PPSNE’s physical infrastructure
• Oversee capital planning, facilities maintenance, and operational readiness
• Lead enterprise security strategy and risk mitigation efforts
• Ensure continuity of operations and organizational preparedness

Financial and Operational Accountability

• Maintain accountability for operational budgets and financial performance
• Ensure achievement of annual operational goals and performance targets
• Utilize data and analytics to inform decision‑making and operational strategy
• Optimize operational workflows and resource allocation to improve efficiency and impact

The Candidate

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive healthcare leadership experience with significant operational responsibility
• Proven success leading complex, multi‑site healthcare operations and improving performance at scale
• Experience driving operational excellence, implementing scalable systems, and leading change initiatives
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance management
• Demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to inform decision‑making and strategy
• Experience building, developing, and leading high‑performing, cross‑functional teams
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across executive leadership, clinical teams, boards, and external stakeholders
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
• Commitment to fostering inclusive, equity‑centered workplace cultures
• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree strongly preferred, including MHA, MBA, MPH, OD or related field

Preferred Experience

• Reproductive, women’s, or community health focus
• Federally qualified health centers or similar care delivery models
• Telehealth and integrated care delivery experience
• Highly regulated clinical environments and accreditation standards
• Oversight of outsourced operational or technology partnerships
• Mission‑driven or advocacy‑oriented organizations

Skills and Competencies

Executive Leadership

• Sets clear direction and executes strategy in complex, evolving environments
• Exercises sound judgment and makes timely, high‑impact decisions
• Leads organizational change and transformation with clarity and discipline
• Communicates with confidence, transparency, and executive presence

Operational Leadership

• Leads and optimizes multi‑site healthcare operations at scale
• Drives performance improvement, operational efficiency, and system integration
• Applies systems thinking to design and implement sustainable processes
• Ensures strong financial stewardship and resource alignment

Healthcare Delivery & Access

• Advances patient‑centered, high‑quality care delivery models
• Expands access through innovative, integrated service approaches
• Ensures quality, compliance, and risk management across clinical operations

People & Culture Leadership

• Builds and develops high‑performing, engaged, and collaborative teams
• Leads with emotional intelligence, empathy, and authenticity
• Fosters a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning
• Navigates conflict and difficult conversations with clarity and respect
• Brings resilience, adaptability, and a grounded sense of perspective, contributing to a positive and sustainable team environment

Strategic & Analytical Capability

• Uses data and insight to drive decision‑making and organizational strategy
• Balances long‑term vision with disciplined execution and prioritization
• Solves complex problems with rigor, creativity, and sound judgment
• Drives innovation and continuous improvement across systems and processes

Communication & Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Builds trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders
• Communicates transparently and effectively in complex situations
• Listens actively and engages others with openness and respect
• Influences, aligns, and builds consensus across teams and constituencies

$229,261 - $286,577 a year

Salary Range; Min $171,946 Max $286,577 and is based on full years of experience. Due to our commitment to pay equity, PPSNE does not negotiate salaries.

PPSNE is committed to equal opportunity in all areas of its operations, including patient care and employment. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetics, veteran status, or any other protected category. Discrimination and retaliation are strictly prohibited.

PPSNE offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes health, dental and vision insurance, paid parental leave, retirement savings, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, a flexible spending account, wellness program, and more.