Temporary Chief Operating Officer

Waterfall Community Health Center•North Bend, OR

12h

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides executive leadership for all operational functions of the organization, ensuring efficient, compliant, and patient-centered delivery of services across a rural, multi-site Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The COO is responsible for operational performance, workforce execution, and infrastructure that supports high-quality clinical services. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO partners closely with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to ensure alignment between clinical quality and operational execution. The COO owns the systems, workflows, staffing models, and performance management structures that enable providers to deliver care consistent with organizational standards and regulatory requirements. The COO ensures operational compliance with the HRSA Health Center Program and maintains the integrity of the approved scope of project. The COO partners with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to implement organizational strategy, maintain compliance with HRSA Health Center Program requirements, ensure operational integrity, and maintain the organization’s operational quality infrastructure and performance management systems, in close collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works in close partnership with the Board of Directors and executive leadership team. Provides direct and indirect oversight of operational leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, Public Health, or related field; Master's degree strongly preferred
5–7 years of progressive healthcare operations leadership experience; previous executive experience strongly preferred
Experience managing multi-site operations and cross-functional teams
Experience with FQHC operations, HRSA/Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) compliance, and rural healthcare delivery
Demonstrated strategic, financial, and operational leadership
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and community engagement skills
Ability to handle sensitive information with objectivity, confidentiality and professionalism
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or obtained upon hire)
Non-violent Crisis Intervention Comprehensive training class completed within 6 months of hire and recertify prior to the expiration date.
TB (test upon hire).

Nice To Haves

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) preferred
Prior experience reporting to or working with a nonprofit governing board
Knowledge of Oregon’s CCO model, Medicaid managed care, and integrated care systems preferred
Bilingual speaking skills desirable

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee day-to-day operations across all service lines, including primary care, women’s health, behavioral health, school-based health centers (SBHCs), and specialty programs
Implement organizational strategy and ensure operational alignment with mission, Board priorities, and community needs
Standardize workflows across sites while accounting for rural access challenges and program-specific requirements
Establish clear accountability structures, performance expectations, and operational discipline
Ensure operational compliance with all applicable Health Resources and Services Administration Health Center Program requirements
Maintain oversight of operational components of the approved scope of project, including sites, hours of operation, staffing models, and service accessibility
Ensure implementation and operational integrity of required programs such as the Sliding Fee Discount Program (SFDP) and enabling services
Lead operational preparation and response for HRSA Operational Site Visits (OSVs), audits, and corrective actions
Own the operational quality infrastructure, including dashboards, reporting systems, and performance accountability processes
Partner with the CMO to support the organization’s QI/QA program by ensuring data availability, operational follow-through, and performance improvement execution
Monitor operational KPIs (access, throughput, cycle times, patient flow, no-shows) and support achievement of clinical quality goals
Lead cross-functional performance reviews and ensure implementation of improvement plans
Oversee operational components of risk management, incident reporting workflows, and grievance tracking (clinical determination remains with CMO)
Ensure timely access to care across all sites and service lines
Optimize scheduling, staffing, and workflows to support provider productivity and continuity of care
Remove operational barriers impacting patient access, particularly in rural and underserved communities
Ensure front-end processes (registration, scheduling, referrals) support compliant and efficient care delivery
Oversee operational budgets and resource allocation in partnership with the CFO
Align staffing models and workflows with productivity and financial sustainability goals
Monitor operational performance against budget and utilization targets
Lead and develop operational leaders and managers
Ensure appropriate staffing structures to support clinical care delivery (CMO defines clinical standards; COO ensures staffing execution)
Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, retention, and workforce planning
Promote a culture of accountability, consistency, and service excellence
Oversee facilities, safety programs, and emergency preparedness
Ensure regulatory compliance related to environment of care and operational infrastructure
Support site expansion, service delivery optimization, and capital planning
Support operational alignment with community partners, referral networks, and regional systems
Collaborate with external entities as needed to ensure continuity of care and access
Support alignment with Medicaid delivery systems under the Oregon Health Authority
Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team
Provide operational performance reporting to the CEO and Board
Ensure alignment between operational execution and organizational strategy
Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational success