Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Watsonville Community Hospital Watsonville, CA

Salary Band: $9,600 - $17,280 bi-weekly ($120.00 - $216.00/hour); Exempt

About the Opportunity

Are you a visionary healthcare leader who wants to make a tangible impact? The Board of Directors is seeking a motivated and energetic Interim Chief Executive Officer to partner in the ongoing effort to create a hospital that delivers the highest quality healthcare to the residents of the Pajaro Valley.

Step away from corporate bureaucracy. Step into a community where your leadership directly shapes local healthcare.

Rooted in the heart of a vibrant agricultural community, our 106 bed acute care facility has proudly served local families and farmworkers for generations.

While we are currently navigating a season of financial challenges, we view this as a unique opportunity for an innovative leader to help stabilize our operations, optimize resources, and secure a thriving, sustainable future for our patients.

Here, you will steer a vital regional hub of 700 dedicated staff members while enjoying an enviable coastal and country lifestyle.

Why Join Us?

• Make a Tangible Impact: Your leadership will directly preserve access to critical, high-quality healthcare for a tight-knit and resilient farming community.
• Community Connection: We are looking for a visible, hands-on leader who values building strong, personal relationships with our patients, local leaders, and dedicated staff.
• Cultural Alignment: With a large portion of our patients and workforce being Spanish-speaking, bi-cultural and bi-lingual communication skills (English/Spanish) are highly valued to ensure welcoming, culturally sensitive care.
• Unmatched Lifestyle: Balance a high-impact executive career with world-class recreation and geographic beauty.

What You'll Do

• Drive Strategic Vision: Partner with the Board to expand services, recruit top-tier talent, and navigate the rural healthcare landscape.
• Champion Patient Care: Ensure our region receives safe, high-quality, and accessible care close to home.
• Empower a Robust Team: Inspire and cultivate a culture of transparency, collaboration, and high morale across our entire workforce.
• Engage the Community: Act as the face of the hospital, building strong relationships with local leaders and regional partners.

The Best of All Worlds

Imagine living in a place that pairs the safety, warmth, and tight-knit connection of a small town with effortless access to world-class amenities.

• Outdoor Paradise: Spend your weekends hiking scenic trails or relaxing on pristine beaches.
• Wine & Culture: Enjoy a backyard that borders premier wine country and gourmet culinary scenes.
• Metropolitan Access: Retreat to your peaceful rural haven after a quick drive to nearby big-city perks.

Ideal Qualifications

1. Experience: 7-10 years of progressive executive leadership experience in a hospital or healthcare system.
   • Proven experience in hospital administration or senior healthcare leadership.
   • Demonstrated success in financial turnaround, revenue cycle management, and grant acquisition.
   • A deep appreciation for rural healthcare dynamics and the specific needs of agricultural populations.
2. Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred (e.g., Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration); or equivalent hospital leadership experience.
3. Rural Success: Proven track record of navigating the unique operational realities of mid-sized regional facilities.

Ready to Make a Difference? Join us in our mission to provide exceptional care to our community.