Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the Opportunity

Program Development Services (PDS) is in the midst of a transformational period as an organization. After the departure of its founder-leaders after nearly forty years of service, PDS is positioning itself to move to a new stage in its development, one characterized by expansion and excellence. Under the direction of a new CEO, new headquarters and program space have opened in Industry City, Brooklyn, within a vibrant community rich with potential partners and program development opportunities. The agency is in the process of rebranding, including a name change and the launch of a new website and communications strategy. Leaders and staff at all levels of the organization are engaged in the formulation of a new strategic vision for the future. Building on a strong tradition as a residential provider and with a healthy financial outlook, PDS is poised to assemble a stronger staff infrastructure, invest in expansion and development opportunities, and grow its market share and reputation among providers of services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and the neurodiversity services community more broadly.

To meet this moment, Program Development Services is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to become its Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO will be responsible for overseeing the organization's ongoing operations and strategy implementation. As a key member of the senior management team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The COO role is a critical leadership position, requiring a strategic thinker who can translate vision into actionable plans and drive organizational growth and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing complex operations, developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and leading diverse teams. They will possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven record of accomplishment achieving operational excellence and organizational effectiveness.

Job Description

The COO will be responsible for ensuring that PDS’s operational processes are efficient, effective, and aligned with the agency's strategic goals. The COO will collaborate closely with other senior executives to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures. They will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, ensuring that all departments are functioning smoothly and efficiently. The COO will also be responsible for identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. In addition, the COO will play a critical role in financial planning and budgeting, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently. They will oversee the development and implementation of operational budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure that the organization meets its financial targets and objectives.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of program operations, financial management, and strategic planning. They will be able to analyze complex operational issues, develop innovative solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve organizational goals. The COO will also be responsible for managing relationships with key stakeholders, including program participants, suppliers, partners, and regulatory agencies.

The COO will be expected to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the organization. They will provide leadership and guidance to department heads and managers, ensuring that they have the resources, support, and direction needed to achieve their objectives. The COO will also be responsible for developing and mentoring future leaders within the organization, ensuring that the agency has a strong pipeline of talent to support future growth and success.

This role requires a dynamic, results-oriented individual who is capable of managing multiple priorities and driving organizational change. The COO must be able to work effectively in a fast paced, dynamic environment, and must be comfortable making decisions under pressure. They must also possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the CEO to create a vision and a roadmap for the future, one that takes into account new developments and trends in the marketplace.

• Develop and implement strategic growth initiatives to help realize the vision, including for new lines of service.

• Manage day-to-day operations and ensure effectiveness and efficiency across all departments.

• Oversee the finance department, including monitoring financial performance and operating and capital budgets.

• Identify opportunities for improvement and the implementation of best practices.

• Upgrade and implement appropriate systems for policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.

• Lead project teams to manage change and drive organizational results.

• Collaborate with senior programmatic and operational leaders to align operational activities with organizational goals.

• Lead, manage, and mentor direct reports and other key department heads and managers using a collaborative, supportive, and participatory approach.

• Oversee corporate compliance and quality improvement activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and agency policies, as well as better outcomes for program participants.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement by establishing priorities, and monitoring and evaluating results in ways that value learning.

• Provide analytical support to the CEO and the internal management team, including the development of data analytic and performance measurement capabilities.

• Communicate effectively, including in presentation, writing, and listening formats, including serving as a management liaison to the board of directors and representing the organization externally, as necessary.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, public or business administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years in an executive role or similar senior management position, preferably in Human Services, Social Services, Behavioral Health, or Healthcare.

• Demonstrated success in program development, operational management, and staff development.

• Strong understanding of program operations, financial management, and strategic planning.

• Proven record of accomplishment facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.

• Excellent judgment, leadership, communication, and creative problem solving skills.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with an energetic, flexible, and proactive approach to organizational challenges.

• Capable of charting a course toward a strategic objective while at the same time maximizing tactical, operational impact on a daily basis.

• Ability to analyze complex operational issues and develop innovative solutions.

• Experience managing diverse teams and driving organizational change, including with teams with differing levels of expertise.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships.

• Strong understanding of Medicaid, Medicare, and other governmental funding mechanisms.

• Commitment to social justice and passion for the PDS mission.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of an organization with a long history of service and tradition, working in collaboration with a CEO committed to positive change. PDS seeks an individual of outstanding quality with a respected record of accomplishment.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $190,000 to $220,000, commensurate with the selected candidate's professional experience and qualifications.

PDS offers comprehensive benefits coverage, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additional benefits include transit, parking, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts and a 403(b) plan. Generous PTO policy includes vacation, sick and personal leave time, as well as 13 paid holidays.

Location

The COO is expected to work onsite at PDS headquarters in Industry City, Brooklyn. Industry City is conveniently located near the MTA’s 36th Street N-R-D subway station, just one stop from Atlantic Avenue. PDS has programs throughout Brooklyn, and in Manhattan and the Bronx, and occasional travel to these locations may be required.

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume and a cover letter that describes your interest in PDS’s mission and your qualifications for the COO position to the PDS Human Resources Department contact listed below and send them to search@4pds.org.

Please specify ‘COO Candidate’ in the subject line. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Natalie Barback

Recruitment Specialist

Program Development Services

search@4pds.org

PDS provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants, with employment based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (with or without sexual conduct), age, disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic disposition or carrier status, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $190,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• senior management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $190,000 - $220,000