Chief Operating Officer

Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operational leadership and direction of hospital services, supporting the strategic goals of the organization. The COO ensures efficient delivery of quality patient care and oversees administrative functions, financial performance, compliance, and alignment with organizational policies. This role partners with the Market CEO and executive leadership team to drive operational excellence, staff engagement, and patient satisfaction.

Essential Functions

• Lead all operational aspects of the hospital, including clinical and support departments
• Implement policies established by the hospital’s Governing Body
• Partner with the Market CEO in strategic planning and development of organizational objectives
• Oversee budget development and financial performance, ensuring alignment with hospital goals
• Ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines, including The Joint Commission
• Monitor hospital operations to assess patient population, risk factors, service needs, and efficiency
• Supervise finance and business office functions to ensure accurate financial practices
• Support department leaders in staffing plans and operational performance
• Collaborate with the medical staff, board, and community to meet patient care needs
• Attend executive committee, board, and administrative meetings
• Serve as the hospital’s Privacy Officer, managing privacy-related policies and investigations
• Promote compliance, ethical standards, and adherence to the hospital's Code of Conduct
• Ensure safe, well-maintained facilities and a positive work environment
• Encourage employee engagement and high morale across the organization

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities
• Knowledge of hospital operations, budgeting, and regulatory compliance
• Understanding of cost reporting, profit/loss, and productivity metrics
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and healthcare-related software
• Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information
• Frequent sitting, walking, and computer use
• Occasional standing, reaching, and lifting up to 20 lbs
• Visual and auditory acuity required
• Office and hospital campus settings
• Occasional exposure to hospital hazards such as noise, environmental conditions, or biohazards
• Use of standard PPE when in clinical areas as required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, finance, or clinical specialty required
• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or related field preferred

Licenses/Certifications

• None required

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of healthcare administration or management experience, preferably in a hospital setting
• Prior experience as COO or CEO in a healthcare organization preferred