Chief Operating Officer Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
Location: Connecticut and Rhode Island (multi-site regional responsibility)
The Organization Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is one of the region’s most respected and mission-driven health care organizations, serving communities across Connecticut and Rhode Island through a broad network of health centers and virtual care services. As part of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), PPSNE is committed to advancing reproductive freedom, expanding access to high-quality health care, and ensuring health equity for all people.
PPSNE provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services to more than 60,000 patients annually through 15 health centers and a virtual health center that serves patients across Connecticut and Rhode Island. The organization is recognized for delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care, being a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health education, and as a trusted advocate for reproductive freedom.
PPSNE’s services include family planning, abortion care, primary care, gender-affirming care, HIV prevention and screening, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, contraception, wellness care, and community-based health education. Through an unwavering commitment to dignity, belonging, and equity, PPSNE works to reduce disparities in health outcomes and remove barriers to care for historically underserved communities.
PPSNE operates in a rapidly evolving health care and political environment in which reproductive health access has become increasingly critical. The organization has continued to strengthen its regional impact through operational innovation, telehealth expansion, strategic partnerships, community engagement, and investment in patient-centered clinical services.
History and Mission Planned Parenthood has played a foundational role in advancing reproductive health and reproductive rights in the United States for more than a century. PPSNE brings that mission directly to communities throughout Southern New England, building a legacy of trusted care, advocacy, and education.
Throughout its history, PPSNE has expanded both its geographic reach and the breadth of services offered to patients, evolving from a traditional reproductive health provider into a comprehensive health care organization focused on whole-person care and equitable access. The organization has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all individuals — regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or geography — have access to compassionate, affordable, and high-quality care.
The organization’s mission is grounded in the belief that health care is a human right and that every person deserves the ability to make informed decisions about their body, health, and future.
Organizational Culture and Values PPSNE fosters a collaborative, values-driven culture grounded in its “In This Together” framework, which reflects a shared commitment to supporting one another, advancing equity, and delivering high-quality care. This culture is defined by a set of core workplace values that guide how employees engage with one another, patients, and the broader community:
We Tend to the Team: fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared accountability
We Respect and Honor All People: centering diversity, belonging, and inclusion in all interactions
We Jump In: working collaboratively and proactively to meet organizational and patient needs
We Try and We Learn: embracing continuous learning, reflection, and improvement
We Care for Our Business: ensuring responsible stewardship, operational excellence, and sustainability
We Return to Our Mission: remaining grounded in purpose and a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care
Together, these values create a culture grounded in equity, accountability, continuous improvement, and a strong commitment to patients and community.
Performance and Strategic Priorities PPSNE is widely recognized as a leading provider of reproductive and sexual health care in the region. The organization has demonstrated resilience and adaptability amid shifting regulatory environments, workforce challenges, evolving patient expectations, and increasing demand for accessible reproductive health services.
Key organizational priorities include:
Expanding access to care across Connecticut and Rhode Island
Delivering exemplary patient-centered experiences
Growing visit volumes and improving patient outcomes
Integrating in-person and virtual care delivery models
Expanding mission-aligned services to meet evolving community needs
Advancing health equity and addressing disparities in care outcomes
Enhancing operational efficiency and scalability
Strengthening partnerships and community engagement
Investing in workforce development and organizational culture
PPSNE is positioned for continued growth as it seeks to meet rising demand for accessible reproductive and primary health care services while maintaining operational excellence and clinical quality.
Achievements PPSNE has built a strong reputation as one of the leading reproductive and sexual health organizations in the Northeast and is widely recognized for excellence in patient care, advocacy, education, and operational innovation.
Key organizational achievements and distinguishing strengths include:
Serving more than 60,000 patients annually across Connecticut and Rhode Island through a network of 15 health centers and virtual care services
Establishing one of the region’s most trusted brands in reproductive and sexual health care
Expanding access to telehealth and integrated care delivery models to improve convenience, reach, and patient outcomes
Advancing comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion care, gender-affirming care, HIV prevention, and primary care
Maintaining a strong reputation for patient-centered, evidence-based, and culturally responsive care
Developing clinical partnerships and community collaborations that strengthen regional health equity efforts
Demonstrating resilience and operational agility amid rapidly changing legislative and health care environments
Building a highly mission-driven culture grounded in equity, belonging, advocacy, and social justice
Continuing to expand impact through clinical research, health education, and community engagement initiatives
Serving as a leading voice and advocate for reproductive freedom and equitable access to health care throughout Southern New England
PPSNE’s ability to balance mission impact with operational excellence has positioned the organization as a respected leader within both the Planned Parenthood Federation and the broader nonprofit health care community.
The Opportunity Position: Chief Operating Officer Location: Connecticut and Rhode Island (multi-site regional responsibility)
Purpose of the Position The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as a transformative operational and strategic leader for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England during a critical period of growth and heightened national importance for reproductive health care. Reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the COO will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and will partner closely with executive leaders across the organization to drive operational excellence, enhance access to care, and strengthen PPSNE’s impact throughout the region. The successful candidate will also serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, contributing to enterprise-level decision-making, strategic prioritization, and organizational leadership.
The COO will oversee a broad and complex operational portfolio that includes frontline clinical operations across 15 health centers and virtual care services, clinical support functions, care coordination, facilities, security, laboratory operations, clinical research, and quality and risk management. This executive will be responsible for ensuring that PPSNE delivers high-quality, culturally responsive, patient-centered care while advancing models of service delivery and improving operational performance across the enterprise.
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic vision, operational rigor, health care innovation, and authentic people leadership, along with a deep commitment to reproductive freedom, health equity, and social justice. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading and optimizing the operational performance of PPSNE’s health care delivery system while ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and long-term strategic priorities.
The COO will:
Lead enterprise-wide clinical operations and operational strategy
Expand patient access and improve patient experience across all channels of care
Drive operational efficiency, scalability, and accountability
Advance innovative care delivery models and service line expansion
Foster cross-functional collaboration and organizational alignment
Ensure operational excellence across facilities, safety, security, and clinical support services
Champion equity-centered leadership and organizational culture
Support sustainable growth and long-term organizational impact
The COO will play a critical role in shaping the future of PPSNE by ensuring that the organization continues to deliver exceptional care while responding effectively to changing patient needs, workforce dynamics, and the broader health care landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence
Serve as the senior operational leader for PPSNE’s clinical services enterprise
Partner closely with the President/CEO and Executive Leadership Team to shape and execute organizational strategy
Build strong cross-functional alignment through transparent communication, effective prioritization, and the ability to navigate complex decisions and difficult conversations with clarity and accountability
Lead initiatives that expand access to care and improve operational performance across the organization
Develop and implement scalable operational systems and processes that support organizational growth and sustainability
Ensure alignment between strategic priorities, operational execution, and measurable outcomes
Clinical Operations Leadership
Oversee operational performance across PPSNE’s health centers and virtual care services
Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centered, culturally responsive care
Partner with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure clinical quality, safety, compliance, and regulatory excellence
Collaborate closely with the Vice President of Clinical Operations on staffing models, workforce optimization, and frontline operations
Monitor and improve key performance indicators including patient access, patient experience, throughput, visit volumes, operational efficiency, and staff engagement
Ensure strong coordination between clinical operations and support services
Growth, Innovation, and Access to Care
Advance innovative models of care delivery, including integrated telehealth and in-person service models
Identify opportunities for new service line expansion aligned with community needs and organizational mission
Lead strategic initiatives focused on improving access, reducing barriers to care, and enhancing patient outcomes
Drive implementation of transformative operational and clinical initiatives
Identify opportunities to enhance PPSNE’s technology and digital infrastructure, in partnership with outsourced providers, ensuring solutions are cost-effective and support operational efficiency, data integrity, and patient access
Health Equity and Community Impact
Champion PPSNE’s commitment to health equity across all operations and service delivery models
Ensure that operational decisions and care models are informed by equity-centered practices and patient needs
Advance initiatives focused on reducing disparities in health outcomes and improving access for underserved populations
Build authentic relationships internally and externally to strengthen trust, collaboration, and community engagement
Organizational Leadership and Talent Development
Lead and mentor high-performing teams across multiple operational and clinical support functions
Build an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
Support leadership development and succession planning across the organization
Promote employee engagement, workforce resilience, and professional growth
Foster strong cross-functional collaboration and break down organizational silos
Clinical Support Services Oversight
Provide strategic and operational oversight for:
Clinical Research Program
Clinical Risk and Quality Management
Care Coordination and Centralized Clinical Follow-Up
Laboratory Services
Facilities and Infrastructure
Security and Safety Operations
Outsourced operational and technology partners
Facilities, Security, and Infrastructure
Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient management of PPSNE’s physical infrastructure
Oversee capital planning, facilities maintenance, and operational readiness
Lead enterprise security strategy and risk mitigation efforts
Ensure continuity of operations and organizational preparedness
Financial and Operational Accountability
Maintain accountability for operational budgets and financial performance
Ensure achievement of annual operational goals and performance targets
Utilize data and analytics to inform decision-making and operational strategy
Optimize operational workflows and resource allocation to improve efficiency and impact
The Candidate Experience and Professional Qualifications PPSNE seeks a strategic, operationally sophisticated, and mission-driven healthcare executive who brings strong business acumen alongside authentic, values-centered leadership. This individual will be an experienced operator capable of leading complex, multi-site healthcare delivery systems while driving performance, advancing transformation, and building a high-performing, engaged organization.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to reproductive freedom, health equity, and patient-centered care, and will lead with resilience, sound judgment, and a grounded, people-centered approach in a dynamic and highly visible environment.
The ideal candidate will possess:
10+ years of progressive healthcare leadership experience with significant operational responsibility
Proven success leading complex, multi-site healthcare operations and improving performance at scale
Experience driving operational excellence, implementing scalable systems, and leading change initiatives
Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance management
Demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to inform decision-making and strategy
Experience building, developing, and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams
Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across executive leadership, clinical teams, boards, and external stakeholders
Ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
Commitment to fostering inclusive, equity-centered workplace cultures
Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree strongly preferred, including: Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Organizational Development or related field
Preferred experience may include:
Reproductive, women’s, or community health
Federally qualified health centers or similar care delivery models
Telehealth and integrated care delivery
Highly regulated clinical environments and accreditation standards
Oversight of outsourced operational or technology partnerships
Mission-driven or advocacy-oriented organizations
Skills and Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate strength across the following areas:
Executive Leadership
Sets clear direction and executes strategy in complex, evolving environments
Exercises sound judgment and makes timely, high-impact decisions
Leads organizational change and transformation with clarity and discipline
Communicates with confidence, transparency, and executive presence
Operational Leadership
Leads and optimizes multi-site healthcare operations at scale
Drives performance improvement, operational efficiency, and system integration
Applies systems thinking to design and implement sustainable processes
Ensures strong financial stewardship and resource alignment
Healthcare Delivery & Access
Advances patient-centered, high-quality care delivery models
Expands access through innovative, integrated service approaches
Ensures quality, compliance, and risk management across clinical operations
People & Culture Leadership
Builds and develops high-performing, engaged, and collaborative teams
Leads with emotional intelligence, empathy, and authenticity
Fosters a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning
Navigates conflict and difficult conversations with clarity and respect
Brings resilience, adaptability, and a grounded sense of perspective, contributing to a positive and sustainable team environment
Strategic & Analytical Capability
Uses data and insight to drive decision-making and organizational strategy
Balances long-term vision with disciplined execution and prioritization
Solves complex problems with rigor, creativity, and sound judgment
Drives innovation and continuous improvement across systems and processes
Communication & Interpersonal Effectiveness
Builds trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders
Communicates transparently and effectively in complex situations
Listens actively and engages others with openness and respect
Influences, aligns, and builds consensus across teams and constituencies
