Chief Operating Officer

MedBest Recruiting; New Canaan (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Waveny LifeCare Network seeks an accomplished Chief Operating Officer to strengthen operations across a diverse healthcare platform and lead integrated services from skilled nursing to home care. Reporting to the CEO, you will shape strategy, build leadership teams, and drive growth while maintaining exceptional care and governance.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in senior care leadership, a strong operational and financial track record, and a collaborative, nonprofit-minded leadership

Qualifications

• CT NHA licensure or reciprocity required.
• 10+ years in senior care leadership across skilled nursing/senior living/healthcare.
• Proven track record in operational excellence, financial performance and quality.
• Experience building and guiding high-performing leadership teams.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and strategic execution.
• Collaborative, people-focused leadership style.
• Commitment to nonprofit, mission-driven healthcare and community service.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen operational performance across a diverse healthcare platform.
• Develop and mentor leadership teams to execute growth initiatives.
• Lead strategy implementation for a continuum of care including nursing, living, home care.

Skills

Executive leadership

Operational excellence

Regulatory compliance

Financial performance

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic execution

People-centric leadership

Education

Connecticut Nursing Home Administrator licensure or reciprocity

Job description

Chief Operating Officer | Senior Living & Healthcare

MedBest Recruiting is partnering with Waveny LifeCare Network, a highly respected, nonprofit senior care organization with more than 50 years of service excellence, to identify its next Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This is a newly created executive leadership opportunity for an accomplished healthcare operator who wants more than a traditional operations role. It's an opportunity to help shape the future of a mission-driven organization, influence strategic growth, and lead a comprehensive continuum of care.

With a strong community presence, established reputation, and continued investment in its future, Waveny is entering an exciting chapter of growth, including a 30-bed skilled nursing expansion currently underway.

The Opportunity:

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will play a pivotal role in strengthening operational performance, developing leadership teams, and supporting continued growth across a diverse healthcare platform.

Waveny's continuum includes:

• Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care – Expanding to 106 licensed beds
• Assisted Living & Independent Living – Established, highly regarded residential communities
• Home Care & Hospice – Robust, community-based services
• Innovative Community Programs – Including dementia navigation, caregiver support, and other mission-focused initiatives

Unlike many traditional COO opportunities, Waveny recognizes that exceptional executives bring different strengths. The organization is seeking a proven operator with the vision, versatility, and leadership maturity to help advance its mission across multiple service lines.

Who We're Looking For

An accomplished senior care executive who combines operational sophistication with genuine, people-first leadership.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Connecticut Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) licensure or eligibility for licensure through reciprocity – required
• Progressive executive leadership experience in skilled nursing, senior living, or a broader healthcare continuum (10+ years preferred)
• Demonstrated success driving operational excellence, financial performance, and quality outcomes
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary leadership teams
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, organizational growth, and strategic execution
• A collaborative, visible leadership style with the ability to connect with employees, residents, patients, and families
• An appreciation for nonprofit, mission-driven healthcare and the communities it serves

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• A seat at the executive table: Partner directly with an engaged CEO to shape organizational strategy and operational direction.
• A role with influence: Help define and build a newly established COO position with meaningful responsibility and autonomy.
• Growth already in motion: Join an organization actively investing in its infrastructure, services, and future.
• A mission that matters: Lead an integrated continuum focused on quality, dignity, and exceptional care.
• Long-term executive potential: An opportunity to establish yourself as a key organizational leader with potential for future advancement.