HARRIS RAND LUSK

AHRC New York City

Chief Operating Officer

To Apply

AHRC New York City has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search.  Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:
Jack Lusk, CEO and/or Anne McCarthy, COO
Harris Rand Lusk
260 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY  10016

Please put “AHRC NYC COO” in the subject line of your e-mailed application.

Background:
AHRC New York City is the largest nonprofit human services organization in New York State, and one of the largest in the nation, committed to supporting neurodivergent children and adults. With an annual budget of nearly $370 million, primarily funded through Medicaid, Medicare, NYSED and various federal, state, and local contracts, AHRC New York City offers a wide range of services aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AHRC New York City is a Forbes best mid-sized company in America awardee and is fully accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership for Person-Centered Excellence. Its mission is to empower people who are neurodivergent to lead full and equitable lives, and it envisions a socially just world where the power of difference is embraced, valued, and celebrated.

The Position:
AHRC New York City is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to become its Chief Operating Officer (COO). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal management role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of all programs and services. The COO will oversee daily program operations and drive strategic initiatives, and will lead a diverse, passionate, and driven team to achieve the organization’s mission. The COO will also be a key communicator within AHRC New York City, ensuring that policies and procedures are understood and consistently applied, and that its organizational values are reflected in all of its systems.

The COO will be an enthusiastic individual with a proven record of accomplishments in designing and implementing systems that support a complex organization as it grows. The COO should be able to not only solve challenges as they arise, but also draw on their management experience to anticipate future challenges.  The COO’s experience in change management will help reinforce AHRC New York City cultivate a culture that continually inspires employees to produce their best work and reinforce its commitment to equity.

It is critical that the COO be capable of integrating smoothly into the senior management, fitting into the organization’s culture.  They will provide counsel and support to the CEO, the leadership team, and the Board of Directors on program and service matters, as well as work on various strategic initiatives.  They will work with the executive, program, and other leadership staff in a supportive and direct manner.  They will have strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, a hands-on management style balanced with judicious delegating skills, as well as the ability to address and solve problems or issues as they arise.  In addition, it is expected that they will be diplomatic, will operate with the highest integrity, and will possess sound judgment – as well as a sense of humor.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leadership: provide visionary and strategic leadership by inspiring and motivating a diverse team of program and department heads through clearly defined and articulated strategic priorities in alignment with AHRC New York City’s mission and goals.
  • Collaboration: foster a collaborative culture throughout the organization, including with the CEO and executive leadership team, to shape organizational strategy and drive mission-focused initiatives, with program senior management, while building consensus and fostering collaboration while navigating and constructively resolving conflicts.
  • Addressing challenges: proactively identify challenges and implement effective solutions through strong analytical skills and informed, strategic decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Communications: communicate effectively to the Board of Directors, staff, external stakeholders, and funders through exceptional verbal and writing skills and demonstrated ability to actively listen and provide constructive feedback.
  • Mentorship and Development: leverage experience in coaching and developing senior leaders, promoting professional growth and capacity building, and an ability to create a supportive environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: lead through continually changing and evolving internal and external environments while managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Competence: execute all job responsibilities with an understanding of and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences and a commitment to promoting an inclusive and equitable work environment.
  • Quality Assurance and Evaluation and Program Development:
    • Use data and feedback to set performance metrics.
    • Implement rigorous evaluation and quality assurance processes to measure program outcomes and impact.
    • Use data-driven insights to evaluate program outcomes and drive continuous improvement and innovations.
    • Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all programs and services, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness.
    • Lead the development of new programs and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:
    • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, funders, donors, self-advocates, and families.
    • Encourage and model strategic advocacy for policies and practices that support neurodivergent individuals.
    • Represent AHRC New York City in relevant forums, advocating for policies and practices that support neurodivergent individuals and their families.
  • Financial Oversight:
    • Collaborate with the CFO to develop annual Program budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
    • Set program goals according to financial resources and constraints.
    • Deliver all programs and services within the approved budget, and accurately report expenses and revenue generating activities on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
    • Identify and pursue funding opportunities to sustain and expand program offerings.
    • Ensure compliance with all funding requirements, including Medicaid, Medicare, and other governmental contracts.
  • Program and Services Development:
    • Assure systems are in place to meet all regulatory, contractual and grant program requirements.
    • Works assiduously with senior program staff and fathers to design innovative programs, consistent with current technology and leading thought leadership in the field of disabilities.
    • Attracts, engages with, and retains the best possible program management staff to drive exceptional programming throughout the individual’s life cycle.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in social work, psychology, public administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit or government organizations, preferably in Human Services, Social Services, Behavioral Health, or Healthcare.
  • Demonstrated success in program development, operational management, and staff development.
  • Strong understanding of Medicaid, Medicare, and other governmental funding mechanisms.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and team-building skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Passion for the mission, vision, values, and culture of AHRC New York City.

AHRC New York City provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants, with employment based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (with or without sexual conduct), age, disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic disposition or carrier status, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of a highly respected organization. AHRC New York City seeks an individual of outstanding quality with a respected record of accomplishment.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive salary range $285,000 to $310,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 3605, New York, NY 10168