Chief Operating Officer

Role overview

JK Executive Strategies is supporting a mission-led organization in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and healthcare sector in its search for a Chief Operating Officer. This executive appointment is based in Syracuse, Utica, or New York, NY and offers the chance to join a senior leadership team focused on expanding a complex, multi-entity organization that serves individuals with IDD.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will be a key strategic and operational partner, helping shape long-term direction, improve organizational performance, and strengthen the systems required for growth. The position calls for an experienced leader who can bring structure, accountability, and a person-centered approach to service delivery.

The role is suited to someone who enjoys mission-driven work, can lead through change, and has a strong record of guiding organizations through scaling, operational improvement, and transformation.

Key responsibilities

• Work alongside the CEO and executive team to define and carry out a five-year strategy, supported by annual operating plans and performance tracking.
• Provide steady day-to-day leadership that promotes coordination across programs and support departments.
• Direct internal operations across program and support areas, including leadership oversight of vice presidents in major functional areas.
• Improve service quality, strengthen satisfaction and performance outcomes, and ensure adherence to internal standards and outside regulatory obligations.
• Support services for high-need individuals and complex cases, while advancing modern, evidence-based service approaches.
• Oversee enrollment, customer service, and learning and development activities.
• Shape a coaching-focused workplace culture and lead talent acquisition, retention, training, performance management, and employee relations efforts.
• Assess and improve technology systems and infrastructure so they can support ongoing organizational expansion.
• Build and sustain relationships with members, providers, government stakeholders, and other external partners.
• Support member engagement, advocacy efforts, and brand-building initiatives.
• Lead quality assurance work and ensure best practices are implemented in line with all relevant policies and regulations.
• Handle additional duties as required to support efficient operations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
• Travel as needed and maintain a valid driver’s license or reliable access to transportation.

Candidate profile

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 10 years of senior leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in an operational leadership position.
• Strong understanding of IDD services, Medicaid, New York State healthcare systems and regulations, and the OPWDD regulatory environment.
• Proven success in growing operations and improving organizational performance.
• Solid financial judgment, strategic planning ability, and analytical thinking.
• Effective leadership, communication, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Track record of delivering results, including P&L management and balancing mission-based programs with financial sustainability.
• Strategic thinker who can identify trends early and adjust organizational direction accordingly.
• Experience building organizational capacity, improving processes, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and hold teams accountable.
• Action-oriented decision-maker who can operate effectively in fast-moving environments.
• Broad business knowledge spanning finance, human resources, information technology, and operations.
• Genuine commitment to mission-driven work and serving individuals with IDD.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $250,000 to $300,000 per year.

Equal opportunity statement

The employer is committed to equal opportunity in employment and working conditions. Hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job-related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside the workplace, or any other legally protected status.