Job description
About Us
For over 55 years, the El Paso Center for Diabetes has been at the forefront of diabetes prevention, management, and education in our region. Through Medical Nutrition Therapy, Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support (DSMES), prevention programs, and youth camps, we empower individuals and families to take control of their health. Our work goes beyond patient care — we strengthen awareness, advocacy, and access to resources, ensuring our community has the tools needed to thrive while living with or preventing diabetes.
We are seeking an accomplished and mission-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.
Position Overview
The COO is a critical member of the senior leadership team, serving as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors. This role oversees the daily operations of the Center, manages a staff of nine, and ensures all programs meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness.
The COO will also play a highly visible role externally — cultivating physician and referral networks, developing payer and provider partnerships, and strengthening relationships with donors, funders, and community stakeholders. This leader will ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Center by growing philanthropic revenue, securing grants, and building contracts with insurers and health systems.
The successful candidate will be a collaborative, entrepreneurial leader with strong business acumen, a passion for healthcare and nonprofit service, and the ability to step in as Acting CEO when needed.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Team Development
- Oversee all day-to-day operations of the Center, ensuring that programs, clinical services, and patient flow are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with measurable impact.
- Manage, mentor, and support a staff of nine, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
- Implement and monitor systems, workflows, and performance metrics to improve patient throughput, scheduling efficiency, and overall access to care.
- Ensure timely and accurate charting, data entry, and documentation in accordance with compliance, billing, and quality standards.
- Develop and refine operational policies that promote organizational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient experience.
Program Growth & Community Impact
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based diabetes education, nutrition therapy, and community programs.
- Expand and maintain strong referral networks with physicians, clinics, and healthcare providers.
- Strengthen partnerships with businesses, and community organizations to expand outreach and impact.
- Strong leadership and analytical skills to help manage client and room scheduling—not by scheduling individual patients, but by strategically planning class times, staff assignments, and program flow to maximize both patient outcomes and the Center’s revenue.
Fundraising, Revenue Development & External Relations
- Lead efforts to diversify and increase revenue through contracts, grants, and insurance payer partnerships.
- Build and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders to grow philanthropic support.
- Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to increase visibility and strengthen the Center’s reputation.
Strategic & Financial Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to shape organizational strategy, growth plans, and financial sustainability.
- Provide input on budget development, forecasting, and financial monitoring.
- Serve as Acting CEO in the absence of the CEO, ensuring continuity of leadership.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
- At least 7 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, healthcare, or private health-related business.
- Proven track record in fundraising, donor relations, grant acquisition and management, contracts, or payer/insurance partnerships.
- Strong staff leadership skills with experience building high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
- A mission-driven mindset with passion for advancing health equity and chronic disease prevention.
Why Join Us
- Competitive salary: $85,000–$90,000
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and PTO
- Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
- The chance to work with a dedicated, mission-driven team making a lasting difference in the fight against diabetes
