Chief Administrative Officer

Providence Health & Services; Mission Viejo (CA); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Providence Health & Services is seeking a seasoned executive to serve as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), a role focused on advancing operational excellence, quality, and strategic alignment across the ministry.

The CAO reports to the Service Area Chief Executive and leads administrative and operational functions, partnering with regional, system, and clinical leaders to translate strategy into reliable, safe patient care and sustainable performance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership in healthcare.
• 7+ years of senior operational leadership in ambulatory, hospital, or integrated delivery systems.
• Experience operating in large, complex, matrixed health systems.
• Proven success partnering with physician leaders and executive teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through change, growth, and transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the IDN to ensure high-quality, safe, and reliable care delivery.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational execution, delivering sustainable clinical, financial, and operational results.
• Provide executive leadership for regulatory and accreditation readiness in partnership with clinical leadership.
• Oversee operational performance, resource management and financial stewardship across select service lines.
• Drive continuous improvement through standardization, performance improvement initiatives, and change leadership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with physicians, caregivers, executive peers, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Operational excellence

Regulatory & accreditation readiness

Relationship building

Change leadership

Education

Master’s degree in Health Administration/Healthcare Administration

Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration/Business/Healthcare Administration

Job description

Description

Providence is seeking a seasoned executive to serve as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) – a critical leadership role responsible for advancing operational excellence, quality, and strategic alignment across the ministry.

The Role

Reporting to the Service Area Chief Executive, the CAO is the principal operational executive for the ministry, providing strategic leadership, planning, and oversight across administrative and operational functions. It partners with regional, system, and clinical leaders to align operational priorities with the Providence St. Joseph Health Integrated Strategic & Financial Plan.

What You'll Do

• Lead day‑to‑day operations of the IDN to ensure high‑quality, safe, and reliable care delivery
• Translate strategic priorities into operational execution, delivering sustainable clinical, financial, and operational results
• Provide executive leadership for regulatory and accreditation readiness in partnership with clinical leadership
• Oversee operational performance, resource management and financial stewardship across select service lines
• Drive continuous improvement through standardization, performance improvement initiatives, and change leadership
• Build and maintain strong relationships with physicians, caregivers, executive peers, and external stakeholders

Education

• Master’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or related field required

Leadership & Experience

• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience within healthcare organizations
• 7+ years of senior‑level operational leadership within ambulatory, hospital, or integrated delivery system environments
• Experience operating in large, complex, matrixed health systems
• Proven success partnering with physician leaders and executive teams
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through change, growth, and transformation

Professional & Leadership Capabilities

• Strong operational and financial acumen, including budget management and performance accountability
• Ability to translate strategy into operational execution with measurable results
• Executive presence with ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups
• Excellent communication and decision‑making skills in complex environments
• Commitment to quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement
• Leadership style aligned with Providence’s Mission, Values, and Promise

Hybrid Schedule

Leaders applying for this role will be required to work a hybrid schedule: three days onsite, two days remote, and live within a reasonable commuting distance to the ministry or service area they support and lead.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Providence is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and providing opportunities for all candidates.