Executive Director / Chief of Staff to CEO

MemorialCare•Fountain Valley, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the CEO of the health system. This role drives executive-level priorities, ensures organizational alignment, and enhances the effectiveness of the CEO by managing critical initiatives, facilitating decision-making, and coordinating communication across clinical, operational, and administrative functions. The Chief of Staff acts as an integrator, problem-solver, and liaison between senior leaders, physicians, external partners, and the Board.

Requirements

8 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, consulting, strategy, or operations.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and supporting executive-level leaders.
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Strong understanding of healthcare operations, regulatory environment, and industry trends.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
High emotional intelligence, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive information.
Proven ability to influence without authority and build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
Highly organized, proactive, and adaptable.
Confident yet humble, with strong executive presence.
Mission-driven and committed to improving patient care and community health.
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity.
Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a complex health system, academic medical center, or large multi-hospital environment is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate system-wide strategic initiatives on behalf of the CEO, ensuring alignment with mission, vision, and long-term goals.
Translate the CEO’s priorities into actionable plans, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
Monitor progress on strategic objectives and provide regular updates, risk assessments, and recommendations.
Support enterprise planning, including annual strategic planning, budget alignment, and performance reviews.
Serve as a thought partner to the CEO, providing analysis, insights, and recommendations on key organizational issues.
Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and decision documents for the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive leadership.
Conduct research and synthesize complex information to support executive decision-making.
Oversee the CEO’s office operations, ensuring efficient workflow, prioritization, and follow-through on commitments.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives that require collaboration between clinical, operational, and administrative leaders.
Identify operational gaps and facilitate solutions that improve system performance, patient experience, and organizational efficiency.
Serve as a primary liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders, including physicians, executives, community partners, and government agencies.
Ensure consistent, clear communication of CEO directives and organizational priorities.
Draft executive communications, speeches, and messaging for internal and external audiences.
Support Board of Directors activities, including agenda development, materials preparation, and follow-up on Board directives.
Coordinate with governance leaders to ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and transparency across the health system.
Mentor and support leaders and teams involved in CEO-sponsored initiatives.
Model leadership behaviors aligned with the MemorialCare’s values and mission.