Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Pathways to Life, Inc. – North Carolina
Full-Time | Exempt

About Pathways to Life, Inc.

Pathways to Life, Inc. is a leading community-based behavioral health organization committed to providing compassionate, person-centered services across North Carolina. We serve individuals and families through a wide scope of programs including Community Support Teams (CST), Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT), Personal Care Services (PCS), Group Homes, Targeted Case Management (TCM), and more.

Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve stability, independence, and improved quality of life through high-quality clinical, residential, and supportive services.

We are looking for a dynamic, experienced, and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Leadership Team and help lead the organization into its next phase of growth and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, overseeing daily operations across all Pathways programs and locations. The COO is responsible for ensuring that systems, structures, staffing, and processes are aligned with organizational goals, compliance standards, and sustainable growth.

This role requires a forward-thinking leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can navigate complex behavioral health operations, and can inspire high-performing teams. The COO works closely with the CEO, CFO, CHRO/HR Director, Clinical Leadership, and Program Directors to ensure consistent operations, high-quality service delivery, and organizational alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight and direction for all Pathways programs including ACTT, CST, IIH, PCS, Group Homes, TCM, Residential Services, and Administrative Departments.
  
  

• Oversee operational performance across multiple offices and regions, ensuring continuity, efficiency, and compliance.
  
  

• Implement systems, processes, and policies that strengthen operational infrastructure and improve service delivery.
  
  

• Partner with the CEO to execute organizational strategy and drive long-term business development.
  
  

• Lead expansion initiatives, including new program launches, geographic expansion, and service enhancements.
  
  

• Analyze operational performance metrics and make data-driven decisions to optimize performance.
  
  

• Build a positive, accountable, high-performing culture across all programs and locations.
  
  

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and leadership development for Directors, Program Managers, and administrative leaders.
  
  

• Promote respectful, collaborative, and mission-driven leadership practices throughout the organization.
  
  

• Ensure all programs operate in compliance with NC Medicaid, NC DHHS, State Service Definitions, accreditation standards, and internal policies.
  
  

• Collaborate closely with the Corporate Clinical Director to maintain high standards of clinical quality and documentation compliance.
  
  

• Identify risks and implement corrective actions to maintain regulatory adherence.
  
  

• Work closely with HR, Finance, Billing, Credentialing, and IT to ensure seamless operational support for all programs.
  
  

• Oversee staffing structures, operational workflows, and interdepartmental communication to eliminate bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
  
  

• Partner with HR on performance issues, workforce planning, staffing models, and organizational development.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Behavioral Health, or related field.
  
  

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in behavioral health, healthcare, or human services.
  
  

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-site operations.
  
  

• Strong knowledge of NC Medicaid, behavioral health service definitions, and regulatory environments.
  
  

• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MSW, MPA, or related field).
  
  

• Experience leading operations in a medium to large behavioral health organization.
  
  

• Proven success in scaling programs, leading organizational change, or restructuring operations.
  
  

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills
  
  

• High emotional intelligence and professionalism
  
  

• Ability to implement structure in a fast-paced environment
  
  

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
  
  

• Demonstrated ability to hold teams accountable while fostering a healthy workplace culture
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience and scope of responsibility
  
  

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  
  

• 401K
  
  

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  
  

• Paid holidays
  
  

• Professional development opportunities
  
  

• Supportive, mission-driven work environment