Chief Operating Officer

VQ; Town of Texas (WI); Remote; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A national child and family services organization seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee operations and ensure high-quality, trauma-informed services. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in human services, focusing on equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 10 years of leadership experience in human services or behavioral health.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and complex program portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and daily management of all programs.
• Collaborate with the CEO to develop long-term growth strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accrediting bodies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Crisis Management

Equity and Inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

VQ operates across the nation, offering care services such as residential programming, community-based services, and in-home support for children and their families. We collaborate with state and federal governments to serve areas of greatest need and give back to communities that require our services the most. We believe every child deserves an opportunity for a good life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Note: Only candidates residing in Texas will be considered for this remote role.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive responsible for overseeing and optimizing operations across all Human Services, Community, Shelters, Educational, and Functional Family Therapy (FFT) programs. The COO ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and client-centered services aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO provides leadership, direction, and operational oversight to ensure effective service delivery, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate is deeply committed to serving children, youth, and families, with proven operational management skills and the ability to lead through change or crisis.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide visionary leadership and daily management of all programs and operations in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan and mission.
2. Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement long-term growth strategies and infrastructure improvements.
3. Ensure all programs meet or exceed standards set by regulatory and accrediting bodies.
4. Oversee operational performance metrics and generate reports on program status, fiscal outcomes, and compliance.
5. Guide the development, implementation, and refinement of organizational policies, procedures, and reporting structures.
6. Drive continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives across all service areas to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.
7. Lead the identification and development of new business opportunities, including contract negotiations and partnership development.
8. Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, such as funders, government agencies, community partners, and advocacy groups.
9. Oversee and ensure successful execution of the CARF accreditation process across all programs, maintaining full compliance and continuous quality improvement.
10. Support regional chiefs, program directors, and managers with case-specific problem-solving, staffing, and operational challenges.
11. Monitor and adapt to legislative and public policy changes impacting services, funding, or program design.
12. Supervise staff development initiatives to promote ongoing training and professional growth.
13. Oversee the maintenance and safety of physical facilities at all sites.
14. Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations or program management within human services or behavioral health settings.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and complex program portfolios.
• Deep knowledge of residential care, shelter systems, and evidence-based interventions like Functional Family Therapy.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and crisis management skills.
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally competent service delivery.
• Ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable work culture.

The pay range for this role is: $150,000 - $175,000 USD per year (Remote, Texas, US).