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Chief Operating Officer

Korn Ferry Executive Search

New Haven, CT

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Accreditation Standards, Alliance/Partner Management, Budgeting, Business Administration, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Business Skills, Business Strategy, Cancer, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Monitoring, Clinical Research, Clinical Support, Communication Skills, Community Health, Community and Social Services, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Delivery Driving, Diversity, Enterprise Protection, Establish Priorities, Facilities Management, Facilities Planning, Facilities and Maintenance, Family Planning, Financial Operations, Geography, HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), Health Education, Healthcare, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Providers, Healthcare Quality, Human Health, Interpersonal Skills, Laboratory Operations, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Nonprofit, Operational Improvement, Operational Measurement, Operational Strategy, Operational Support, Operations Management, Operations Processes, Organizational Culture, Organizational Development/Management, Organizational Skills, Outsourcing, Patient Care, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Pharmacovigilance, Primary Care, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Public Health, Quality Management, Quality of Care, Regulatory Compliance, Resource Management, Risk Management, Safety Compliance, Sales Prospecting, Scalable System Development, Service Delivery, Standards of Care, Stewardship, Strategic Analysis, Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, Sustainability, System Integration (SI), Systems Scalability, Talent Management, Team Player, Telehealth, Time Management
LOCATION
New Haven, CT
POSTED
1 day ago
The Organization
Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is one of the region's most respected and mission-driven health care organizations, serving communities across Connecticut and Rhode Island through a broad network of health centers and virtual care services. As part of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), PPSNE is committed to advancing reproductive freedom, expanding access to high-quality health care, and ensuring health equity for all people. PPSNE provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services to more than 60,000 patients annually through 15 health centers and a virtual health center that serves patients across Connecticut and Rhode Island. The organization is recognized for delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care, being a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health education, and as a trusted advocatefor reproductive freedom.

PPSNE's services include family planning, abortion care, primary care, gender-affirming care, HIV prevention and screening, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, contraception, wellness care, and community-based health education. Through an unwavering commitment to dignity, belonging, and equity, PPSNE works to reduce disparities in health outcomes and remove barriers to care for historically underserved communities.

PPSNE operates in a rapidly evolving health care and political environment in which reproductive health access has become increasingly critical. The organization has continued to strengthen its regional impact through operational innovation, telehealth expansion, strategic partnerships, community engagement, and investment in patient-centered clinical services.

History and Mission

Planned Parenthood has played a foundational role in advancing reproductive health and reproductive rights in the United States for more than a century. PPSNE brings that mission directly to communities throughout Southern New England, building a legacy of trusted care, advocacy, and education. Throughout its history, PPSNE has expanded both its geographic reach and the breadth of services offered to patients, evolving from a traditional reproductive health provider into a comprehensive health care organization focused on whole-person care and equitable access. The organization has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all individuals - regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or geography - have access to compassionate, affordable, and high-quality care. The organization's mission is grounded in the belief that health care is a human right and that every person deserves the ability to make informed decisions about their body, health, and future.

Organizational Culture and Values

PPSNE fosters a collaborative, values-driven culture grounded in its "In This Together" framework, which reflects a shared commitment to supporting one another, advancing equity, and delivering high-quality care. This culture is defined by a set of core workplace values that guide how employees engage with one another, patients, and the broader community:
• We Tend to the Team: fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared accountability
• We Respect and Honor All People: centering diversity, belonging, and inclusion in all interactions
• We Jump In: working collaboratively and proactively to meet organizational and patient needs
• We Try and We Learn: embracing continuous learning, reflection, and improvement
• We Care for Our Business: ensuring responsible stewardship, operational excellence, and sustainability
• We Return to Our Mission: remaining grounded in purpose and a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care

Together, these values create a culture grounded in equity, accountability, continuous improvement, and a strong commitment to patients and community.

Performance and Strategic Priorities

PPSNE is widely recognized as a leading provider of reproductive and sexual health care in the region. The organization has demonstrated resilience and adaptability amid shifting regulatory environments, workforce challenges, evolving patient expectations, and increasing demand for accessible reproductive health services.

Key organizational priorities include:
• Expanding access to care across Connecticut and Rhode Island
• Delivering exemplary patient-centered experiences
• Growing visit volumes and improving patient outcomes
• Integrating in-person and virtual care delivery models
• Expanding mission-aligned services to meet evolving community needs
• Advancing health equity and addressing disparities in care outcomes
• Enhancing operational efficiency and scalability
• Strengthening partnerships and community engagement
• Investing in workforce development and organizational culture

PPSNE is positioned for continued growth as it seeks to meet rising demand for accessible reproductive and primary health care services while maintaining operational excellence and clinical quality.

Achievements

PPSNE has built a strong reputation as one of the leading reproductive and sexual health organizations in the Northeast and is widely recognized for excellence in patient care, advocacy, education, and operational innovation.

Key organizational achievements and distinguishing strengths include:
• Serving more than 60,000 patients annually across Connecticut and Rhode Island through a network of 15 health centers and virtual care services
• Establishing one of the region's most trusted brands in reproductive and sexual health care
• Expanding access to telehealth and integrated care delivery models to improve convenience, reach, and patient outcomes
• Advancing comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion care, gender-affirming care, HIV prevention, and primary care
• Maintaining a strong reputation for patient-centered, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care
• Developing clinical partnerships and community collaborations that strengthen regional health equity efforts
• Demonstrating resilience and operational agility amid rapidly changing legislative and health care environments
• Building a highly mission-driven culture grounded in equity, belonging, advocacy, and social justice
• Continuing to expand impact through clinical research, health education, and community engagement initiatives
• Serving as a leading voice and advocate for reproductive freedom and equitable access to health care throughout Southern New England

PPSNE's ability to balance mission impact with operational excellence has positioned the organization as a respected leader within both the Planned Parenthood Federation and the broader nonprofit health care community.

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as a transformative operational and strategic leader for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England during a critical period of growth and heightened national importance for reproductive health care. Reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the COO will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and will partner closely with executive leaders across the organization to drive operational excellence, enhance access to care, and strengthen PPSNE's impact throughout the region. The successful candidate will also serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, contributing to enterprise-level decision-making, strategic prioritization, and organizational leadership.

The COO will oversee a broad and complex operational portfolio that includes frontline clinical operations across 15 health centers and virtual care services, clinical support functions, care coordination, facilities, security, laboratory operations, clinical research, and quality and risk management. This executive will be responsible for ensuring that PPSNE delivers high-quality, culturally responsive, patient-centered care while advancing models of service delivery and improving operational performance across the enterprise.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic vision, operational rigor, health care innovation, and authentic people leadership, along with a deep commitment to reproductive freedom, health equity, and social justice. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading and optimizing the operational performance of PPSNE's health care delivery system while ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, values, and long-term strategic priorities.

The COO will:
• Lead enterprise-wide clinical operations and operational strategy
• Expand patient access and improve patient experience across all channels of care
• Drive operational efficiency, scalability, and accountability
• Advance innovative care delivery models and service line expansion
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and organizational alignment
• Ensure operational excellence across facilities, safety, security, and clinical support services
• Champion equity-centered leadership and organizational culture
• Support sustainable growth and long-term organizational impact

The COO will play a critical role in shaping the future of PPSNE by ensuring that the organization continues to deliver exceptional care while responding effectively to changing patient needs, workforce dynamics, and the broader health care landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence
• Serve as the senior operational leader for PPSNE's clinical services enterprise
• Partner closely with the President/CEO and Executive Leadership Team to shape and execute organizational strategy
• Build strong cross-functional alignment through transparent communication, effective prioritization, and the ability to navigate complex decisions and difficult conversations with clarity and accountability
• Lead initiatives that expand access to care and improve operational performance across the organization
• Develop and implement scalable operational systems and processes that support organizational growth and sustainability
• Ensure alignment between strategic priorities, operational execution, and measurable outcomes

Clinical Operations Leadership
• Oversee operational performance across PPSNE's health centers and virtual care services
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centered, culturally responsive care
• Partner with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure clinical quality, safety, compliance, and regulatory excellence
• Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Clinical Operations on staffing models, workforce optimization, and frontline operations
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including patient access, patient experience, throughput, visit volumes, operational efficiency, and staff engagement
• Ensure strong coordination between clinical operations and support services

Growth, Innovation, and Access to Care
• Advance innovative models of care delivery, including integrated telehealth and in-person service models
• Identify opportunities for new service line expansion aligned with community needs and organizational mission
• Lead strategic initiatives focused on improving access, reducing barriers to care, and enhancing patient outcomes
• Drive implementation of transformative operational and clinical initiatives
• Identify opportunities to enhance PPSNE's technology and digital infrastructure, in partnership with outsourced providers, ensuring solutions are cost-effective and support operational efficiency, data integrity, and patient access

Health Equity and Community Impact
• Champion PPSNE's commitment to health equity across all operations and service delivery models
• Ensure that operational decisions and care models are informed by equity-centered practices and patient needs
• Advance initiatives focused on reducing disparities in health outcomes and improving access for underserved populations
• Build authentic relationships internally and externally to strengthen trust, collaboration, and community engagement

Organizational Leadership and Talent Development
• Lead and mentor high-performing teams across multiple operational and clinical support functions
• Build an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
• Support leadership development and succession planning across the organization
• Promote employee engagement, workforce resilience, and professional growth
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration and break down organizational silos

Clinical Support Services Oversight
• Provide strategic and operational oversight for:

o Clinical Research Program

o Clinical Risk and Quality Management

o Care Coordination and Centralized Clinical Follow-Up

o Laboratory Services

o Facilities and Infrastructure

o Security and Safety Operations

o Outsourced operational and technology partners

Facilities, Security, and Infrastructure
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient management of PPSNE's physical infrastructure
• Oversee capital planning, facilities maintenance, and operational readiness
• Lead enterprise security strategy and risk mitigation efforts
• Ensure continuity of operations and organizational preparedness

Financial and Operational Accountability
• Maintain accountability for operational budgets and financial performance
• Ensure achievement of annual operational goals and performance targets
• Utilize data and analytics to inform decision-making and operational strategy
• Optimize operational workflows and resource allocation to improve efficiency and impact

The Candidate

Experience and Professional Qualifications

PPSNE seeks a strategic, operationally sophisticated, and mission-driven healthcare executive who brings strong business acumen alongside authentic, values-centered leadership. This individual will be an experienced operator capable of leading complex, multi-site healthcare delivery systems while driving performance, advancing transformation, and building a high-performing, engaged organization.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to reproductive freedom, health equity, and patient-centered care, and will lead with resilience, sound judgment, and a grounded, people-centered approach in a dynamic and highly visible environment.

The ideal candidate will possess:
• 10+ years of progressive healthcare leadership experience with significant operational responsibility
• Proven success leading complex, multi-site healthcare operations and improving performance at scale
• Experience driving operational excellence, implementing scalable systems, and leading change initiatives
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance management
• Demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to inform decision-making and strategy
• Experience building, developing, and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across executive leadership, clinical teams, boards, and external stakeholders
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
• Commitment to fostering inclusive, equity-centered workplace cultures
• Bachelor's degree required; Advanced degree strongly preferred, including: Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Organizational Development or related field

Preferred experience may include:
• Reproductive, women's, or community health
• Federally qualified health centers or similar care delivery models
• Telehealth and integrated care delivery
• Highly regulated clinical environments and accreditation standards
• Oversight of outsourced operational or technology partnerships
• Mission-driven or advocacy-oriented organizations

Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate strength across the following areas:

Executive Leadership
• Sets clear direction and executes strategy in complex, evolving environments
• Exercises sound judgment and makes timely, high-impact decisions
• Leads organizational change and transformation with clarity and discipline
• Communicates with confidence, transparency, and executive presence

Operational Leadership
• Leads and optimizes multi-site healthcare operations at scale
• Drives performance improvement, operational efficiency, and system integration
• Applies systems thinking to design and implement sustainable processes
• Ensures strong financial stewardship and resource alignment

Healthcare Delivery & Access
• Advances patient-centered, high-quality care delivery models
• Expands access through innovative, integrated service approaches
• Ensures quality, compliance, and risk management across clinical operations

People & Culture Leadership
• Builds and develops high-performing, engaged, and collaborative teams
• Leads with emotional intelligence, empathy, and authenticity
• Fosters a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning
• Navigates conflict and difficult conversations with clarity and respect
• Brings resilience, adaptability, and a grounded sense of perspective, contributing to a positive and sustainable team environment

Strategic & Analytical Capability
• Uses data and insight to drive decision-making and organizational strategy
• Balances long-term vision with disciplined execution and prioritization
• Solves complex problems with rigor, creativity, and sound judgment
• Drives innovation and continuous improvement across systems and processes

Communication & Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Builds trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders
• Communicates transparently and effectively in complex situations
• Listens actively and engages others with openness and respect
• Influences, aligns, and builds consensus across teams and constituencies

Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.

About the Company

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Korn Ferry Executive Search