Chief Operating Officer

As a critical partner to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO provides leadership across various departments and serves as a liaison to centralized functions such as Human Resources, IT Services, and campus vendor programs. This role demands a commitment to excellence in meeting The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and DPH standards while spearheading initiatives to improve organizational processes and services. The COO is also entrusted to act as the Appointing Authority in the CEO's absence, ensuring seamless operations and continuity of leadership. This is a dynamic opportunity for a seasoned professional dedicated to advancing hospital operations, driving impactful change, and supporting a mission-driven healthcare environment.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to assigned departments and divisions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Evaluate departmental performance, resource allocation, and utilization to establish and prioritize goals and activities.
• Oversee hospital-wide compliance with TJC, CMS, and DPH standards and regulations.
• Ensure continuous survey readiness through education, training, and adherence to external regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to maintain effective hospital operations with a focus on safety, quality, and data-driven decision-making.
• Act as the liaison to centralized functions, including Human Resources, IT Services, and vendor programs, ensuring alignment with hospital operations and regulatory standards.
• Develop and implement organizational and operational improvements to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.
• Support the design and execution of system reorganizations in collaboration with senior staff to meet current and future organizational needs.
• Provide guidance on program and service adjustments to address evolving requirements, including transitioning to the East Newton Pavilion building.
• Attend and lead relevant committees and workgroups, delegating functions as necessary to ensure smooth operations and project implementation.
• Act as the Appointing Authority in the absence of the CEO, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making.
• Monitor and manage the preparation and maintenance of hospital-wide operations to support compliance and regulatory excellence.

Preferred Qualifications for the Chief Operating Officer:

• Certifications in healthcare-related fields are highly desirable, such as Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Specialist in Healthcare Accreditation (CSHA), or Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM).
• At least seven years of hospital operations experience, including a minimum of three years in supervisory and management roles.
• Strong knowledge of medical care and support services in inpatient hospital and public health issues, with state government experience preferred.
• Proven experience working effectively with oversight agencies and federal and state regulatory bodies.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare quality improvement guidelines and accreditation standards, including federal and state regulations.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to analyze complex problems, design practical solutions, and delegate authority effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve personnel conflicts and motivate staff in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to lead and adapt in a dynamic healthcare environment while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diplomatically across management and clinical staff.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc

About the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital:

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully Joint Commission accredited teaching facility that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care to patients referred by public agencies and private sector providers. Shattuck Hospital's services help economically and socially disadvantaged patients to get high quality, cost-effective care from a staff that respects their dignity.

Located in the heart of Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, the Shattuck Hospital includes 248 inpatient beds including 95 Psychiatric beds and 29 Correctional Health beds. In addition, the Shattuck has a full outpatient clinic with many specialties that offers treatment to patients of the Department of Mental Health as well as Department of Correction and House of Correction inmates and community patients.

The Shattuck hospital is on the forefront of substance use disorder treatment including a Suboxone clinic serving 200 patients. In addition to direct medical services LSH hosts and supports an array of services located on the campus, serving patients struggling with addictions and homelessness.

Learn more about Shattuck Hospital: https://www.mass.gov/locations/lemuel-shattuck-hospital

Relocation information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/dph-renovation-for-shattuck-hospital-replacement-building

Pre-Hire Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division before the candidate is hired.

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website, http://www.mass.gov

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.