Chief Administrative Officer - Community Programs

Oak Hill (Legal name: CT Institute for the Blind); Connecticut; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Hill is seeking a dynamic Chief Administrator for Community Programs to provide executive leadership for one of Connecticut's largest community-based service systems.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CACP oversees residential and community-based programs operating across more than 59 locations, delivering person-centered services with a focus on independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• At least 5 years of senior-level management experience overseeing large programs or service systems.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for residential and community-based programs.
• Oversee strategic and operational leadership to drive growth and compliance.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation; monitor financial performance.
• Collaborate with state agencies, families, guardians, and community partners to advance person-centered services.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Operations Management

Budget & Financial Oversight

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement

Team Development

Education

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Founded in 1893 as the Connecticut Institute for the Blind, Oak Hill has evolved into a dynamic, forward-thinking organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to live, learn, and thrive. Today, Oak Hill stands as a leader in providing innovative services and solutions that support independence, dignity, and full community inclusion. Our work spans a comprehensive continuum of care, meeting individuals where they are and supporting them at every stage of life. From early education through adulthood, Oak Hill partners with individuals and families to unlock potential, remove barriers, and create meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and success.

Oak Hill’s roots trace back to Emily Wells Foster, whose pioneering vision created one of the nation’s first educational opportunities for children who were blind. That spirit of innovation and advocacy continues to define who we are today. What began as a school has grown into a comprehensive organization supporting individuals with a wide range of disabilities. Our history is not just a reflection of where we’ve been, but a foundation for how we continue to evolve, adapt, and lead.

Oak Hill provides a comprehensive, person-centered continuum of services, including:

• Assistive Technology offering evaluations, tools, and training that increase independence in everyday life
• Integrated Center, bringing together services, supports, and innovation in one collaborative environment
• Outpatient Clinic services, delivering therapeutic and clinical supports tailored to individual needs
• Residential continuum of care, including group homes and supported living arrangements that promote independence, safety, and community connection
• Statewide educational services, including specialized classrooms and supports that meet students where they are

Across all programs, Oak Hill is committed to delivering individualized, high-quality supports that evolve with each person’s goals and aspirations.

About Community Programs

Oak Hill’s Community Programs are designed to support individuals in living full and meaningful lives. Through residential services, recreational opportunities, and community engagement opportunities, individuals are empowered to build independence, relationships, and purpose. Our residential model prioritizes choice, dignity, and inclusion, offering a range of living options supported by experienced, compassionate staff. Community Programs is built on a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves to live the life they choose. Every day, the Community Programs Team works alongside individuals to help them achieve personal goals, strengthen relationships, maintain independence, and fully participate in their communities. Learn more about Oak Hill at https://oakhillct.org/

About the Role

Oak Hill is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven Chief Administrator for Community Programs to provide executive leadership for one of Connecticut's largest community-based service systems. Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CACP oversees residential and community-based programs operating across more than 59 locations, serving individuals throughout multiple communities. This role leads a high-performing management team and provides strategic, operational, clinical, and financial oversight to ensure exceptional, person-centered services and sustainable organizational growth.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Provide executive leadership for residential and community-based programs.
• Drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and financial performance.
• Balance long-term strategic planning with day-to-day operational oversight.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Participate in leadership coverage and emergency response as required.
• Leadership Development & Organizational Effectiveness
• Lead, mentor, and develop a large multidisciplinary leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce development and succession planning initiatives.
• Strengthen organizational alignment through effective communication and leadership.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide strategic planning and decision-making.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Oak Hill within the community.
• Build and maintain relationships with families, guardians, funding agencies, service providers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with state and regulatory agencies, including DDS, DSS, HUD, and other stakeholders.
• Partner with internal departments to support organizational priorities and community engagement efforts.
• Financial & Regulatory Oversight
• Oversee community program budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Lead efforts to maintain licensing, accreditation, and quality standards.
• Promote organizational transparency, accountability, and operational integrity.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Human Services, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• At least 5 years of senior-level management experience overseeing large programs, departments, or service systems.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Experience managing complex budgets and financial operations.
• Strong knowledge of Medicaid-funded services and associated regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or related populations.
• Demonstrated success leading operational improvement and organizational change initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and navigate complex environments effectively.
• Experience responding to operational issues and crisis situations.
• Commitment to person-centered care, diversity, equity, inclusion, and community integration.
• Ability to participate in on-call leadership coverage and support

We support equality for and advancement of all people, based on their qualifications and actions alone, without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.

Our company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to [e-mail]. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs in accordance with applicable laws and our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.