Chief Administrative Officer

Providence•Mission Viejo, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Providence is seeking a seasoned executive to serve as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)—a critical leadership role responsible for advancing operational excellence, quality, and strategic alignment across the ministry. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead at scale within a mission-driven organization, partnering closely with executive and clinical leaders to deliver measurable impact across the continuum of care. The Chief Administrative Officer serves as the principal operational executive for the ministry, providing strategic leadership, planning, and oversight across administrative and operational functions. Under the direction of the Service Area CE, the CAO is a key member of the executive leadership team and plays an essential role in advancing organizational performance. The CAO provides senior-level administrative oversight of daily operations, ensuring excellence in quality, safety, caregiver and provider engagement, and patient experience across the Integrated Delivery Network (IDN). This role partners with regional, system, and clinical leaders to align operational priorities with the Providence St. Joseph Health Integrated Strategic & Financial Plan. The CAO leads initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness, optimize resource utilization, and improve outcomes across assigned service lines. This includes accountability for operating budget performance, productivity, key contracts, and operational metrics. In the absence of the Service Area CE, the CAO assumes division-level leadership responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required
10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience within healthcare organizations
7+ years of senior-level operational leadership within ambulatory, hospital, or integrated delivery system environments
Experience operating in large, complex, matrixed health systems
Proven success partnering with physician leaders and executive teams
Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through change, growth, and transformation
Strong operational and financial acumen, including budget management and performance accountability
Ability to translate strategy into operational execution with measurable results
Executive presence with the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups
Excellent communication and decision-making skills in complex environments
Demonstrated commitment to quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement
Leadership style aligned with Providence’s Mission, Values, and Promise

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations of the IDN to ensure high-quality, safe, and reliable care delivery
Translate strategic priorities into operational execution, delivering sustainable clinical, financial, and operational results
Provide executive leadership for regulatory and accreditation readiness in partnership with clinical leadership
Oversee operational performance, resource management, and financial stewardship across select service lines
Drive continuous improvement through standardization, performance improvement initiatives, and change leadership
Build and maintain strong relationships with physicians, caregivers, executive peers, and external stakeholders