Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team at Sandhills Medical. The COO is responsible for overseeing daily operations across all clinical and administrative sites, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered, and cost-effective healthcare services. The COO drives operational excellence by implementing systems, policies, and processes that support the organization’s mission and vision as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).

Job Duties:

Operational Leadership & Oversight

• Directs day-to-day operations of all clinical sites and departments to ensure efficient, effective, and consistent service delivery.
• Establishes, monitors, and refines operational systems that improve patient access, workflow, and satisfaction.
• Ensures facilities and resources are adequately managed, maintained, and prepared for growth.

Strategic & Organizational Alignment

• Collaborates with the CEO and Board of Directors to implement strategic plans that align with Sandhills Medical’s mission and HRSA requirements.
• Leads special initiatives and projects to strengthen organizational performance, including expansions, technology implementation, and service integration.
• Drives operational readiness for HRSA site visits, quality reporting, and value-based care initiatives.

Financial Stewardship

• Partners with the CFO to develop and manage operational budgets that balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.
• Ensures accurate resource allocation, cost efficiency, and operational sustainability.
• Supports grants and funding opportunities by aligning operational metrics with compliance and reporting requirements.

Compliance, Risk, & Quality Management

• Works in partnership with the Compliance Officer and Director of Quality to ensure patient safety, risk management, and adherence to FQHC standards.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including HIPAA, OSHA, and HRSA regulations.
• Supports quality improvement initiatives and ensures performance metrics are met or exceeded.

Technology & Innovation

• Oversees EHR optimization, digital health initiatives, and data-driven decision-making to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
• Ensures effective integration of technology platforms to support care delivery, reporting, and compliance.

Emergency Preparedness

• Provides leadership for organizational safety, security, and disaster preparedness.
• Develops, implements, and monitors business continuity plans to maintain operations during emergencies.

Leadership & Workforce Development

• Provides leadership and direction to Directors, Managers, and Supervisors across clinical and administrative departments.
• Promotes staff engagement, professional development, and succession planning.
• Builds a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develops a sustainable talent pipeline to ensure long-term organizational stability and leadership continuity.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represents Sandhills Medical in the community and with external partners, enhancing visibility and collaborative opportunities.
• Builds positive relationships with patients, employees, Board members, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: At least 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare operations, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role. FQHC or community health center experience is strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-site healthcare operations.
• Strong knowledge of FQHC compliance, HRSA requirements, and value-based care models.
• Proven financial management and budget oversight skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational leadership skills.
• Ability to build consensus and lead teams through change.

Salary 

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision options).
• Retirement plan options.
• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Collaborative, tight-knit, mission-driven team environment.
• CME Funds