Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

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 advocate for 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.

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
• Clinical Operations Leadership
• Growth, Innovation, and Access to Care
• Health Equity and Community Impact
• Organizational Leadership and Talent Development
• Clinical Support Services Oversight
• Facilities, Security, and Infrastructure
• Financial and Operational Accountability

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

• Executive Leadership
• Operational Leadership
• Healthcare Delivery & Access
• People & Culture Leadership
• Strategic & Analytical Capability
• Communication & Interpersonal Effectiveness