Chief Operations Officer

Anne Carlsen•Fargo, ND

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive team, responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and day-to-day operations of all programs and services at Anne Carlsen. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a legal officer of the organization, the COO ensures operational excellence through effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategies, systems, and processes. This role provides executive leadership to program directors and support departments, driving alignment with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and a mission-centered approach. The COO partners closely with the CEO, Executive Team, and Board to shape strategy, manage operational aspects of the annual budget, and lead cross-functional initiatives that support growth and impact. This role fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring the organization remains financially strong and mission aligned. The COO also represents Anne Carlsen externally, cultivating strong relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders.

Requirements

Master’s degree in healthcare, business management/administration or related field
Five years of proven leadership experience in a senior executive role within the healthcare sector.
Five years of experience developing and implementing a programmatic and operational approach to a multifaceted healthcare organization.
Five years of experience leading strategic planning efforts and shaping both short- and long-term organizational goals.
Effective skills in organization, supervision, management, leadership and communication both oral and written.
Effective interpersonal skills with tactful, courteous, and diplomatic communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Ten years of experience in senior healthcare leadership.
Prior experience as a COO in a healthcare organization.
Knowledge and experience in educational, therapeutic, community-based, and residential programs, regulations and systems management.

Responsibilities

Oversee operations and all related functions on a day-to-day basis with 24/7 oversight.
Shape, articulate, and translate the organization’s strategic vision into operational reality by co-developing a comprehensive operational strategic plan with the Executive Team.
Lead the alignment of departmental objectives with organization-wide strategic goals, ensuring alignment and cohesion across operations/functional areas of the organization.
Develop, implement, and review operating policies and procedures, along with members of the Executive Team and Operations management, ensuring regulatory and other relevant compliance.
Efficiently and effectively utilize human, financial, and organizational resources to achieve organization objectives with continual monitoring for need and availability of resources operating in a cost-effective manner without sacrificing quality.
Support the integration of clinical and non-clinical operations and ensures effective systems exist to meet the operational plan.
Champion innovation and lead organizational change initiatives to adapt to evolving needs in disability services and healthcare.
Provide strategic oversight of the financial performance of operations in close partnership with the CFO; continuously monitors and analyzes financial metrics to drive informed decision-making; leads comprehensive budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning initiatives to ensure fiscal sustainability and operational efficiency.
Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer to lead strong workforce development through recruitment and retention, employee satisfaction/engagement, maximizing employee growth/development, and succession planning.
Establish clear work standards and expectations, monitors performance, motivates employees, utilizes coaching and correction action when necessary, and conducts performance appraisals annually.
Efficiently delegate tasks, monitor progress, and take actions towards goal accomplishment.
Promote a culture of inclusion, engagement, and service above self, aligned with staff and people served.
Create a person-centered environment with a focus on establishing systems that meet individualized client goals and acts as an advocate for individuals served.
Facilitate the vision for family-centered behavioral care, healthcare and educational services through the philosophy, mission, goals and objectives of Anne Carlsen.
Assure quality services through maintenance of the Anne Carlsen Quality Enhancement Program and reports quarterly to the Board of Directors.
Maintain compliance with CQL accreditation standards regarding Shared Values, Basic Assurances, and Personal Outcomes and Cognia standards for school accreditation.
Maintain all licensure standards (i.e., Title XIX, HCBS, Life Safety, Dept. of Health, or any other required licensure surveys).
Ensure activities comply with organizational requirements for quality management, risk management, legal stipulations, and general duty of care.
Follow all Anne Carlsen policies and procedures.
Provide transparent and timely communication across departments to align teams with organizational goals, reinforce culture, and drive accountability.
Weigh alternative actions and make reasonable and appropriate decisions that reflect the facts of the situation in order to have the best possible outcome for all served.
Develop consensus regarding decisions or courses of actions from individuals with real or perceived conflicting interests.
Build and maintain strong relationships with advisory boards, policy makers, referral sources and community partners.
Serve as a subject matter expert for donors, partners, and stakeholders, strengthening organization reputation and influence.
Serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO and may assume leadership responsibilities in the CEO’s absence, ensuring continuity of executive functions.