Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Pathways to Life Inc. North Carolina Full-Time Exempt

About Pathways to Life Inc.

Pathways to Life Inc. is a leading community-based behavioral health organization committed to providing compassionate person-centered services across North Carolina. We serve individuals and families through a wide scope of programs including Community Support Teams (CST) Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT) Personal Care Services (PCS) Group Homes Targeted Case Management (TCM) and more.

Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve stability independence and improved quality of life through high-quality clinical residential and supportive services.

We are looking for a dynamic experienced and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Leadership Team and help lead the organization into its next phase of growth and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team overseeing daily operations across all Pathways programs and locations. The COO is responsible for ensuring that systems structures staffing and processes are aligned with organizational goals compliance standards and sustainable growth.

This role requires a forward-thinking leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment can navigate complex behavioral health operations and can inspire high-performing teams. The COO works closely with the CEO CFO CHRO/HR Director Clinical Leadership and Program Directors to ensure consistent operations high-quality service delivery and organizational alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Oversight

• Provide executive oversight and direction for all Pathways programs including ACTT CST IIH PCS Group Homes TCM Residential Services and Administrative Departments.

• Oversee operational performance across multiple offices and regions ensuring continuity efficiency and compliance.

• Implement systems processes and policies that strengthen operational infrastructure and improve service delivery.

Strategic Planning & Growth

• Partner with the CEO to execute organizational strategy and drive long-term business development.

• Lead expansion initiatives including new program launches geographic expansion and service enhancements.

• Analyze operational performance metrics and make data-driven decisions to optimize performance.

Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Build a positive accountable high-performing culture across all programs and locations.

• Provide mentorship coaching and leadership development for Directors Program Managers and administrative leaders.

• Promote respectful collaborative and mission-driven leadership practices throughout the organization.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all programs operate in compliance with NC Medicaid NC DHHS State Service Definitions accreditation standards and internal policies.

• Collaborate closely with the Corporate Clinical Director to maintain high standards of clinical quality and documentation compliance.

• Identify risks and implement corrective actions to maintain regulatory adherence.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Work closely with HR Finance Billing Credentialing and IT to ensure seamless operational support for all programs.

• Oversee staffing structures operational workflows and interdepartmental communication to eliminate bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

• Partner with HR on performance issues workforce planning staffing models and organizational development.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration Healthcare Administration Behavioral Health or related field.

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience preferably in behavioral health healthcare or human services.

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site operations.

• Strong knowledge of NC Medicaid behavioral health service definitions and regulatory environments.

Preferred:

• Masters degree (MBA MHA MSW MPA or related field).

• Experience leading operations in a medium to large behavioral health organization.

• Proven success in scaling programs leading organizational change or restructuring operations.

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills

• High emotional intelligence and professionalism

• Ability to implement structure in a fast-paced environment

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities

• Demonstrated ability to hold teams accountable while fostering a healthy workplace culture

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and scope of responsibility

• Medical dental and vision insurance

• 401K

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid holidays

• Professional development opportunities

• Supportive mission-driven work environment

Pathways to Life Inc is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

Required Experience:

Chief