Chief Administrative Officer

CARDEA HEALTH•Oakland, CA

3d•$185,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Administrative Officer serves as a key member of Cardea Health’s executive leadership team, providing strategic oversight and hands-on management of the organization’s legal, compliance, risk, and administrative functions. This role ensures the organization’s operations and governance remain compliant, ethical, and aligned with Cardea Health’s mission and regulatory obligations as a healthcare and nonprofit entity. The CAO will serve as the organization’s primary in-house compliance officer, working closely with external counsel, consultants, and interna

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of CAO or equivalent experience including at least 3 years in a senior legal, compliance, or risk management role
Direct experience advising on corporate governance, contracts, and employment law matters
Working knowledge of California employment law, OSHA, HIPAA, and data protection regulations
Demonstrated ability to manage external counsel, insurance programs, and organizational compliance systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
Strategic, solutions-oriented mindset with ability to anticipate organizational risk.
Strong ethical judgment, diplomacy, and alignment with Cardea Health’s mission and values
Strategic and analytical thinker with ability to balance legal risk and operational needs.
Trusted advisor and collaborative leader
Deep understanding of compliance frameworks applicable to healthcare and nonprofit entities
Strong ethical grounding and professional integrity.
Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment
Occasional sitting or stationary work
Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, and ascending stairs
Occasional lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs
Frequent pushing and pulling
Frequent reaching high, low, and level

Nice To Haves

10+ years experience working in legal, compliance, or risk management, including 5+ years in a chief compliance officer, or executive administrative role
Experience within healthcare, nonprofit, or other regulated industries.
Proven track record managing multi-line insurance portfolios (e.g., D&O, EPLI, workers’ comp, professional liability)
Familiarity with Home Health Agency (HHA) licensure, regulatory reporting, and accreditation standards
Demonstrated success in building or leading compliance and risk management programs
Experience advising boards of directors and supporting governance best practices

Responsibilities

Compliance Oversight
Oversee organizational compliance across OSHA, HR, corporate, healthcare, and data protection domains
Lead policy development and training to ensure organization-wide adherence to regulatory requirements
Partner with external compliance consultants to monitor and maintain Home Health Agency (HHA) licensure and related certifications
Legal Management
Manage relationships with external legal counsel
Provide advice on employment law, corporate governance, contracts, and healthcare compliance matters
Maintain awareness of legislative and regulatory changes impacting Cardea Health’s operations
Insurance Administration
Manage and renew all organizational insurance programs, including:
Professional and general liability
Property
Workers’ compensation
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
Directors & Officers (D&O) coverage
Ensure adequate risk coverage and coordinate claims management as needed.
Corporate Governance and Formation
Maintain the organization’s nonprofit and corporate status, ensuring timely filings and board documentation
Support the CEO and Board of Directors in governance and compliance matters, including policy updates and meeting preparation
Contracting and Procurement
Review, negotiate, and occasionally draft service agreements, vendor contracts, and MOUs
Support internal departments in developing standardized contract templates and workflows
Risk Management
Identify and assess key areas of organizational risk, including operational, legal, reputational, and financial risks
Develop and advise on risk mitigation strategies, reporting mechanisms, and crisis response planning