Chief Operating Officer
23 hours ago
Chicago
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the enterprise executive responsible for driving operational excellence, financial performance, and organizational scalability across One Hope United’s multi‑state portfolio. This role functions as the CEO’s primary business integrator — ensuring that strategy, operations, technology, and people systems work together to deliver consistent, high‑quality outcomes. The COO oversees enterprise operations, business processes, shared services alignment, and performance management. This leader brings a corporate operating mindset to a mission‑driven environment: disciplined execution, data‑driven decision‑making, operational rigor, and a focus on efficiency, margin improvement, and sustainable growth. Key Responsibilities 1. Enterprise Operations & Business Performance • Lead day‑to‑day enterprise operations with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and operational discipline., • Establish and manage KPIs, dashboards, and performance reviews across all business units., • Implement standardized operating models, SOPs, and enterprise workflows to drive consistency., • Ensure operational readiness for new markets, partnerships, and service expansions. 2. Financial & Operational Stewardship • Partner with the CFO to optimize cost structures, improve margins, and strengthen financial performance., • Drive operational forecasting, capacity planning, and resource allocation., • Lead enterprise initiatives to reduce waste, streamline processes, and improve productivity., • Ensure programs and business units meet financial, contractual, and operational targets. 3. Organizational Transformation, Process Improvement & Operational Excellence • Assess current-state administrative and operational structures to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities., • Serve as executive sponsor for redesign efforts, including operating model changes, governance updates, and process reengineering, • Design future-state structures that improve clarity, accountability, and cross‑functional collaboration., • Partner with HR to update job architecture, competencies, and leadership expectations., • Build transformation roadmaps with clear milestones, metrics, and accountability structures., • Streamline workflows across departments and establish performance dashboards and operational KPIs. 4. Strategic Execution & Enterprise Integration • Translate strategic priorities into operational plans, execution roadmaps, and measurable outcomes., • Lead cross‑functional initiatives that improve enterprise performance and long‑term sustainability., • Ensure alignment across shared services (HR, Finance, IT, Communications, Facilities) to support business unit success., • Serve as executive sponsor for major transformation initiatives, including Hope House United expansion. 5. Business Systems, Technology & Infrastructure • Oversee operational systems, technology platforms, and data infrastructure that support enterprise performance., • Partner with IT to modernize systems, improve data integrity, and enhance user experience., • Ensure HRIS, EHR, case management, and financial systems are integrated and aligned with business needs., • Lead digital transformation initiatives that improve efficiency and decision‑making. 6. Facilities, Safety & Infrastructure Management • Ensure all sites meet licensing, regulatory, safety, and accreditation standards., • Support capital planning, renovations, maintenance, and long‑term facilities strategy., • Implement safety protocols, emergency preparedness plans, and risk mitigation strategies., • Partner with Finance on facilities budgeting, capital expenditures, and long‑term asset planning., • Ensure facilities support program needs, staff workflow, and client experience 7. Organizational Effectiveness & Workforce Optimization • Partner with the VP of HR to strengthen workforce planning, leadership capability, and organizational design., • Ensure staffing models, spans of control, and supervisory structures support operational excellence., • Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance., • Support leadership development and succession planning across business units. 8. Operational Controls, Risk, Program Quality, & Compliance • Support enterprise risk management, operational controls, and compliance frameworks., • Ensure audit readiness, licensing compliance, and adherence to regulatory requirements., • Strengthen incident management, audit readiness, corrective action processes, and operational safeguards., • Implement business continuity and crisis response protocols., • Reduce operational risk through proactive monitoring, root‑cause analysis, and system improvements. 9. Cross-Functional Leadership & Change Management • Build strong partnerships with HR, Finance, IT, Programs, and Compliance., • Lead change management strategies that support the adoption of new systems and structures., • Ensure staff are trained, supported, and engaged throughout the transformation., • Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders. Qualifications Required • 10+ years of senior operational leadership in a complex, multi‑site organization (corporate, healthcare, human services, education, or related sector)., • Demonstrated success leading enterprise operations, business systems, and cross‑functional teams., • Proven ability to lead organizational change, process improvement, and operational transformation., • Strong financial acumen with experience managing large budgets and improving operational margins., • Proven experience managing complex projects and cross‑functional teams., • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills., • Experience with regulatory environments and contract‑driven service delivery. Preferred • Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field., • Experience in organizations undergoing transformation or rapid growth., • Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies., • Experience with multi‑state operations, government contracts, and compliance‑heavy industries., • Familiarity with accreditation bodies and human‑services regulatory frameworks., • Experience with digital transformation, enterprise systems, and data analytics., • Experience with residential treatment, early childhood education, and child welfare programs. Leadership Attributes • Enterprise Operator: Thinks in systems, processes, and scalable models., • Execution‑Driven: Moves from strategy to action with speed and discipline., • Financially Savvy: Understands cost drivers, margins, and operational levers., • Data‑Oriented: Uses analytics to drive decisions and performance., • Systems Thinker: Connects strategy, operations, and culture into a cohesive whole., • Integrator: Aligns people, processes, and technology across the enterprise., • People‑Focused: Builds strong teams, culture, and leadership capability., • Mission‑Aligned: Balances business performance with impact for children and families. Success Measures (First 12–18 Months) • Improved operational efficiency, cost structure, and financial performance., • Standardized operating model implemented across business units., • Stronger enterprise dashboards, KPIs, and performance management systems., • Modernized operational systems and improved data integrity., • Workforce stabilization and improved leadership capability., • Successful execution of strategic initiatives and expansion priorities., • Enhanced cross‑functional alignment and operational cohesion. We Invest in You! • Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year, • Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, up to 5 paid Sick days annually, and a Mental Health Day., • Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, and health savings account., • Agency paid life and ADD up to $50K based on salary, • Multiple Voluntary Supplemental plans for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren), • Voluntary Legal Plans and Pet Insurance., • The agency paid long-term disability and short-term disability., • Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities A Different Kind Of Employer One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us? • 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois and Florida, • Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency- strong since 1895, • Energetic leadership and a rich community of support One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. OHU participates in eVerify.