Purpose of the positionThe Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a hands-on, in-person executive leader based in Southern California, responsible for the operational performance, clinical integration, and financial optimization of WEA's multi-state healthcare operations. This role requires exceptional leadership, deep healthcare operations expertise, and a track record of building and enforcing integrated clinical systems across diverse care settings. The COO will work on-site to directly implement operational infrastructure, enforce compliance and quality standards, and drive revenue optimization strategies that support WEA's mission and long-term sustainability.
This is not a remote or fractional role - the COO must be physically present to lead cross-functional teams, engage directly with regional operations, and maintain close, real-time oversight of clinical and administrative functions.
Key Highlights- Compensation: The compensation range for this role is $170,000-$240,000/year, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and role scope.
- Work Location & Expectations: This role requires daily in-person engagement at Southern California headquarters/operational sites; this is not a remote or hybrid position.
- Travel Required: Approximately 20% regional travel across multi-state operations, based on organizational needs.
- Professional Development: Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Behavioral Health, Medical, Street Medicine, Public Health, Rural Health, and Tribal Health initiatives.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership & Clinical Integration- Provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership to regional teams, ensuring full alignment with organizational goals
- Directly implement and enforce integrated clinical operations across all program lines, including:
- HIV street medicine
- Mobile unit-based school health centers
- Reentry programs focused on substance use treatment
- Tribal health programs
- Public health extension services
- Ensure clinical programs are stood up, operated, and demobilized efficiently, consistently, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements
- Serve as the primary operational interface across divisions, translating executive decisions into on-the-ground execution
- Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that standardize and integrate clinical operations across regions and program types
- Represent WEA to external stakeholders - including payers, regulatory bodies, and community partners - regarding operational performance and capacity
Revenue Optimization & Financial Oversight- Partner closely with the Controller/CFO to oversee operational budgets, identify cost efficiencies, and ensure fiscal discipline across all programs
- Develop and execute strategies to optimize revenue streams, including contract performance, billing efficiency, reimbursement capture, and grant/contract compliance
- Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities that inform strategic and budgetary decisions
- Support contract negotiations and renewals by ensuring operational capacity and performance data align with revenue goals
Team Leadership & Supervision- Directly supervise: Regional Director of Operations, National Director of Administrative Operations, Public Information Officer/Chief Pharmacy Officer
- Lead, coach, and develop regional directors and project managers, ensuring accountability, performance, and professional growth.
- Establish clear reporting structures and communication channels across regional operations leads.
- Delegate authority appropriately to build a scalable, accountable management structure.
Program Development & Launch- Lead the launch of new clinical and operational programs, defining objectives, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics in partnership with cross-functional teams.
- Oversee smooth handoff and transition of programs to regional teams post-launch, ensuring continuity and sustained performance.
- Track key performance metrics for all launched programs to assess impact and guide future strategy.
Compliance & Quality Assurance- Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and payer/contract-specific requirements.
- Develop and enforce performance metrics and quality improvement processes across all clinical and administrative functions.
- Conduct regular data analysis and site monitoring to proactively identify and resolve compliance or performance gaps.
Stakeholder Engagement- Build and maintain strong relationships with clinics, managed care partners, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
- Act as a key liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated, efficient service delivery.
Requirements
Qualifications and Education Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- Minimum 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare operations, with at least 5 years in a senior/executive leadership role.
- Demonstrated success implementing and enforcing integrated clinical operations across multiple service lines or regions.
- Proven experience optimizing revenue cycles, contract performance, or reimbursement strategies within a healthcare organization.
- Strong understanding of multi-state healthcare regulatory environments, licensing, and compliance requirements.
- Excellent financial acumen, including budget oversight and data-driven decision-making.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Must be based in or willing to relocate to Southern California; this is a 100% in-person position.
Preferred Skills- A master's degree in a relevant field is strongly preferred.
- Experience with mobile health, street medicine, tribal health, or reentry program operations.
- Familiarity with managed care contracts, public health funding structures, and grant compliance.
- A track record of scaling operations across multiple states or regions.
- Flexible, adaptive, and resilient leadership style suited to a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- Commitment to mentoring staff and building sustainable leadership pipelines.
- Alignment with WEA's mission of health equity and service to historically marginalized populations.
Salary Description
$170,000-$240,000 per year, DOE
