Chief Operating Officer (COO)

MaineHealth • $120K — $150K *

Fort Kent, ME 04743In-Person

Hospitals & Medical Centers

5 - 7 years of experience

1 week ago

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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, Nursing, or related field.
Master's degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA) or equivalent preferred.
7-10 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience.
At least 5 years of senior operational leadership experience in a hospital setting.
Experience with Critical Access Hospitals or rural healthcare settings is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the hospital's strategic plan.
Direct and oversee operations of various departments including Rehabilitation, Imaging, and Pharmacy.
Promote patient safety and quality improvement across all services.
Ensure operational compliance with regulatory standards and maintain survey readiness.
Build strong relationships with physicians and clinical leaders to enhance collaboration and service delivery.
Manage financial resources to meet organizational goals and improve efficiency.
Represent the hospital at community and regional healthcare initiatives.

Benefits

Support for professional development and continuing education opportunities.
Participation in community health improvement initiatives.
Opportunity to impact rural healthcare access and service delivery.
Collaborative and innovative organizational culture.
Engagement with a diverse community and healthcare stakeholders.

Full Job Description

Description

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the overall operational performance of the Critical Access Hospital (CAH). The COO provides strategic and operational leadership for hospital departments and services, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, and operational excellence.

The COO partners closely with the CEO, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Human Resources, Medical Staff, and department leaders to advance organizational goals, improve patient outcomes, optimize resources, and support the hospital's mission of providing exceptional healthcare services to rural communities throughout Maine.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Strategic Planning

Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the hospital's strategic plan.
Translate organizational goals into measurable operational objectives.
Provide leadership and oversight for hospital operations and support services.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and service excellence.
Participate in Board of Trustees meetings and provide operational reports as requested.

Operations Management

Direct and oversee day-to-day operations of assigned departments, which may include:
- Rehabilitation Services
- Imaging/Radiology
- Laboratory
- Pharmacy
- Environmental Services
- Facilities and Maintenance
- Dietary Services
- Registration and Patient Access
- Outpatient and Specialty Clinics
Ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness across all service lines.
Monitor key performance indicators and implement improvement initiatives.
Coordinate organizational response to operational challenges and emergencies.

Quality, Safety, and Performance Improvement

Promote a culture of patient safety and continuous quality improvement.
Collaborate with clinical leadership to improve patient outcomes and patient experience scores.
Support development and monitoring of quality metrics and organizational dashboards.
Lead process improvement initiatives using evidence-based methodologies.

Regulatory Compliance

Support organizational compliance with:
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation
- Critical Access Hospital regulations
- Maine state licensing requirements
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
- Emergency preparedness requirements
- Accreditation standards and organizational policies
Maintain survey readiness and support successful regulatory inspections.

Financial Management

Collaborate with the CFO and department leaders in budget development and monitoring.
Manage operational resources effectively to achieve financial goals.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and cost management.
Participate in capital planning and major operational investments.
Support revenue enhancement and operational sustainability initiatives.

Physician and Provider Relations

Build strong collaborative relationships with physicians, advanced practice providers, and clinical leaders.
Support physician recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts.
Facilitate communication between operational departments and medical staff.
Partner with providers to improve service delivery and patient satisfaction.

Workforce Leadership

Support the recruitment, development, and retention of high-performing leaders and staff.
Promote employee engagement, workforce development, and succession planning.
Ensure effective performance management and accountability.
Foster a positive organizational culture aligned with hospital values.

Community and External Relations

Represent the hospital in community organizations, regional and state healthcare initiatives, and professional associations.
Develop partnerships with healthcare systems, educational institutions, emergency services, and community agencies.
Support community health improvement efforts and organizational outreach initiatives.

Emergency Preparedness

Oversee hospital operational readiness for emergencies and disasters.
Participate in emergency management planning, drills, and incident command activities.
Ensure continuity of operations planning and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, Nursing, or related field.
Master's degree highly preferred in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Public Health (MPH), Nursing, or related healthcare discipline.

Experience

Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive healthcare leadership or equivalent experience preferred.
At least 5 years of senior operational leadership experience in a hospital setting.
Critical Access Hospital, rural healthcare, or community hospital experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, operations management, quality improvement, and financial performance management.

Preferred Certifications

Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) preferred.
Lean Healthcare, Six Sigma, or other performance improvement certifications preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough understanding of Critical Access Hospital operations and rural healthcare delivery.
Knowledge of CMS Conditions of Participation and healthcare regulatory requirements.
Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to analyze operational, financial, and quality performance data.
Proven ability to lead organizational change and process improvement initiatives.
Strong business acumen and financial management skills.
Ability to effectively collaborate with physicians, clinical leaders, and community stakeholders.
Ability to relate to people to win their confidence and establish support for programs.
Ability to lead and manage through influence and change.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move throughout hospital facilities and clinical departments.
Ability to attend meetings, community events, and regional activities.
Occasional travel within Maine and New England may be required.
Ability to respond to operational emergencies outside normal business hours.

Work Environment

Fast-paced healthcare environment requiring frequent interaction with staff, providers, patients, and community partners.
Participation in executive leadership meetings, board meetings, and community events.
Availability for occasional evening, weekend, and emergency response responsibilities.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

Achievement of organizational strategic goals.
Operational efficiency and productivity metrics.
Regulatory compliance and survey outcomes.
Patient safety and quality performance indicators.
Employee engagement and retention.
Patient experience scores.
Financial performance and budget management.
Growth and sustainability of hospital services.

Leadership Competencies

The COO is expected to:

Demonstrate visible, collaborative leadership.
Foster a culture of service excellence and accountability.
Champion rural healthcare access and innovation.
Support staff development and organizational learning.
Model the hospital's mission, vision, and values in all interactions.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term success, sustainability, and community impact of a Critical Access Hospital serving the healthcare needs of rural Maine.

About MaineHealth

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit family of leading high-quality providers and other healthcare organizations working together so our communities are the healthiest in America. Ranked among the nation's top 100 integrated healthcare delivery networks, MaineHealth member organizations include Maine Medical Center, Franklin Community Health Network, LincolnHealth, Maine Behavioral Healthcare,

MaineHealth Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the job opportunities at MaineHealth, a leading health organization. As the largest healthcare provider in Maine, MaineHealth offers a range of career paths filled with professional and personal growth opportunities.

Work You’ll Do

Join MaineHealth’s dedicated team to assist in transforming healthcare through innovation and leadership in various medical and administrative fields. MaineHealth is at the forefront of integrating healthcare services, providing top-tier care to communities and pioneering research.

Experience the Culture and Diversity

MaineHealth is committed to fostering a workplace where diversity and inclusion are integral to the company culture. This commitment is reflected in robust diversity training programs that enhance teamwork and improve patient care.

Innovate and Lead

At MaineHealth, employees are encouraged to take the lead on projects that challenge the status quo and advance the field of healthcare. The team at MaineHealth values innovation and supports initiatives that improve health outcomes and patient experiences.

Professional Growth and Development

Career advancement is a cornerstone of MaineHealth’s commitment to its team. With a variety of leadership programs and continuous education options, employees can further their professional skills and pursue advancement opportunities within the company.

Join a Dynamic Team

MaineHealth is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. The team seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven professionals. Whether it's a position in nursing, research, IT, or administration, MaineHealth offers roles that make a direct impact on the community.

Internship Programs

Gain invaluable experience and develop professional skills through MaineHealth’s internship programs. These opportunities allow participants to work alongside experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.

Benefits and Rewards

MaineHealth values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports both their professional careers and personal lives. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, ensuring that team members can build rewarding careers at MaineHealth.

Explore Job Opportunities

From clinical to administrative roles, the variety of positions at MaineHealth allows professionals to find the perfect match for their skills and career goals. The hiring process at MaineHealth is designed to be transparent and efficient, ensuring that all candidates can showcase their abilities and potential.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from MaineHealth Careers by following their career blog. Discover insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and tips that can be applied immediately, all from the professionals who are part of the MaineHealth team.

Networking and Career Development

MaineHealth encourages networking and professional development through workshops, seminars, and public events. These opportunities enhance employees' skills and allow them to stay ahead in the fast-evolving healthcare sector.

Prepare for Your Interview

When applying for a position at MaineHealth, ensure your resume reflects relevant experience and skills. Prepare for your interview by researching the role, reviewing common questions, and coming ready to discuss how your background aligns with the needs of the team.

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Learn more about MaineHealth

Size

10,001 employees

Industry