Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT OPEN HEALTH CARE CLINIC

Open Health Care Clinic is a community-centered Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Baton Rouge region. What began as a neighborhood health center has grown into a multi-program enterprise, expanding both the communities we reach and the range of care we provide, from primary medical, dental, and behavioral health to school-based and mobile clinics, housing support, and case management. Across every program our mission is the same: to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to underserved and vulnerable populations, and to meet people where they are. That mission is the heart of our organization and the reason our team shows up every day.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead the day-to-day operations of our growing, mission-driven health center and help shape its next chapter. Reporting to the CEO and partnering closely with the executive team, the COO will bring operational discipline, sound judgment, and people-centered leadership to an organization in an active phase of growth. This is a high-impact role for an experienced healthcare operations leader who wants their work to matter: building strong teams, strengthening systems, and improving care for the communities we serve.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team. The COO is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the health center, ensuring all clinical and non-clinical services are delivered efficiently, effectively and in alignment with the organization’s mission. The COO drives operational excellence, fosters a positive organizational culture and leads initiatives to optimize patient outcomes, staff engagement and organizational sustainability. The COO will lead the strategic planning process and implement new programmatic strategic initiatives. The COO leads with sound judgment in ambiguous, fast-changing conditions and guides the organization and its leaders through periods of change and growth.

Paramount in every aspect of this position is that all duties be performed with the knowledge that information utilized and created is confidential and to be discussed only with authorized personnel. Always assume the information is confidential unless told otherwise.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Operational Leadership : Responsible for the comprehensive oversight, integration and performance of OHCC operations including the following departments and programs:

• Medical
• Dental
• Behavioral Health
• School Based Clinics
• Mobile Clinics
• Housing
• Case Management
• Call Center
• Referrals and Medical Records
• Front Desk and Eligibility
• Quality
• Grant Management

• Strategic Planning : In alignment with strategic direction set by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief of Staff, assume primary ownership for translating strategy into actionable operational plans; lead execution, resource alignment, and implementation of strategic initiatives, with accountability for performance outcomes, timelines, and continuous adjustment to achieve growth, quality, and compliance objectives.
• Quality & Performance Improvement : Design, implement, and monitor quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives across all operational areas, using data-driven approaches to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Compliance : Ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant HRSA, CMS, FTCA, and other applicable regulations and standards. Prepare for and participate in regulatory site visits, audits, and surveys.
• Resource Management : Direct resource management to maximize operational efficiency, including facilities, equipment, supplies, information technology, and staffing.
• Staff Leadership & Development : Supervise, mentor, and support management, and other operational staff. Promote continuous learning, professional development, and a culture of accountability and collaboration. Hold direct reports accountable for clear expectations and consistent follow-through, build collaboration across departments, and develop the management bench to strengthen internal succession.
• Financial Stewardship : Partner with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and monitor budgets, control expenses, and participate in financial planning to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the health center
• Patient Experience : Champion a patient-centered approach by developing initiatives to improve access, reduce wait times, and ensure high standards of service, satisfaction, and safety for all patients.
• Process Optimization : Analyze workflows, implement process improvements, and leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and minimize waste.
• Risk Management : Identify operational risks and develop strategies, policies, and procedures to mitigate potential threats to patients, staff, and the organization.
• Service Delivery : Provides ongoing evaluation and improvement of service delivery, ensuring regulatory and contractual compliance, and supporting the mission and strategic goals of OHCC.
• Reporting & Evaluation : Prepare and present operational reports, key performance indicators, and recommendations to the CEO, Board of Directors, and funders.

Leadership Competencies and Attributes

Beyond the functional responsibilities above, the COO is expected to demonstrate the following leadership competencies and attributes:

• Inquiry and Active Listening : Seeks first to understand, asking probing questions and listening before directing, and takes the time to learn how the operation runs.
• Judgment in Ambiguity : Leads effectively when situations fall outside the established playbook, exercising sound judgment as day-to-day conditions shift.
• Accountability and Follow-Through : Sets clear expectations, holds direct reports accountable, and follows through visibly and consistently.
• Develops and Elevates Others : Coaches and grows the leadership bench, builds successors, and creates room for others to advance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Breaks down silos and strengthens trust and coordination across departments and the VP team.
• Mission and Culture Fit : Anchors decisions in OHCC’s mission and the realities of serving its communities, and strengthens the organization’s culture.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, public health, business administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred

Skill, Licensure, and Knowledge Requirements

• Senior, progressively responsible leadership experience in healthcare operations, with demonstrated oversight of multi-site or complex service delivery; strong background in clinical operations or prior clinical experience preferred to support effective integration of clinical quality, workflow design, and patient care delivery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HRSA requirements, FQHC regulations, and principles of community-based healthcare delivery.
• Strong business, financial, and operational acumen, with proven abilities in strategic planning, budgeting, and project management.

Physical and Mental Requirements :

Handles a multitude of tasks simultaneously and communicates with staff in verbal and written form.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Open Health Care Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive workplace, and we welcome applicants of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.