Thank you for your interest in the Chief Operating Officer position. In addition to completing the application, please submit your resume and cover letter (2 pages or less) addressing the following:
- Why are you interested in Unity Care NW and our mission?
- Summarize your experience that makes you a good fit for this role.
- Describe a time you led a significant operational improvement and the key results achieved.
First consideration given to materials received by 4/11/25. Position open until filled.
WHO WE ARE
Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving Whatcom County since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve. To learn more about our organization and the services we provide, please visit us at https://unitycarenw.org/
WHAT WE VALUE
- Respect
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Innovation
We are united by our vision, mission, and values, and actively cultivate an inclusive culture, with the aim of leveraging the diverse, collective talents and strengths of each member of our team.
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation:
- Salary, exempt
- Eligible for Sign-On/Relocation Bonus (subject to payback clause)
- New hires can expect to be placed on our starting wage scale of $178,402 to $230,194 per year
- Based on performance, there is room to grow on our full wage scale of $178,402 to $281,902 per year
Benefits: Unity Care NW offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, & vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
- 6 paid holidays
- Generous paid time off of 160 hours accrued in Year 1 and gradually increasing to 248 hours per year over 10 years
- Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty, Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
- Life/AD&D insurance
- Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
- Employee Assistance Program
- Alternative transportation incentives
- Healthy Living reimbursement
- Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonus, Will preparation services & a gym discount
JOB SUMMARY
Unity Care NW seeks experienced, strategic leadership partner to lead UCNW’s medical, dental, support services, Way Station, and care & case management program operations.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for leading UCNW’s medical, dental, support services, Way Station, and care & case management programs. Leads continuous improvements in operational efficiencies and effectiveness through identification and successful implementation of internal and external best practices. Provides leadership and coaching to their team which includes Medical and Dental Operations Managers, Support Services Manager, The Way Station Health & Hygiene Manager, Care & Case Management Program Manager, and Senior Administrative Assistant. Partners with operational and clinical leaders in budget development, monitoring, and adherence. As a member of the senior leadership team, partners with other senior leaders to define organizational priorities and develop strategic and operational plans for the organization.
To see the full job description and qualifications, click on the following link:
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent leadership skills to oversee teams, lead strategic initiatives and successfully achieve sustained operational improvements
- Deep expertise in process improvement methodologies
- Financial acumen in budgeting, operational performance, and resource stewardship within the healthcare setting
- Knowledge of healthcare compliance and regulatory requirements
- Experience with healthcare technology (EHR) and using tools to make data-driven decisions
- Proficient with internal software tools such as MS Office Suite
- Strong strategic planning, operational management, performance tracking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written, oral, and listening communication skills
- Demonstrated skill and effectiveness as a relationship builder and internal consultant
- Passion for mission-driven, community-oriented work
Education & Experience:
- 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in health care operations management required
- Prior supervisory experience required
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Operations, or related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
- Experience managing in a federally qualified health center strongly preferred.
- Other combinations of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the position
Other Requirements:
Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires that all employees receive annual flu vaccines. UCNW also requires vaccination against COVID-19 as a vital public health measure that has truly been lifesaving. We are proud of the leadership role we’ve played in protecting our community from this devastating virus. Following CDC and state guidelines, we have granted a very limited number of exemptions for employees who qualify.
WHERE WE LIVE
Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. To learn more about Bellingham and Whatcom County visit: https://www.bellingham.org/.