There are roles that manage operations—and then there are roles that change the trajectory of lives.
Hushabye Nursery is seeking a mission-driven, operationally sophisticated, and deeply compassionate leader to serve as its next Chief Operating Officer. This is a rare opportunity to join an organization that is not only delivering exceptional care, but actively reshaping how communities understand and support substance-exposed infants and their families.
Founded on the belief that every baby deserves a healthy start—and every caregiver deserves dignity and support—Hushabye Nursery provides integrated, evidence-based care that treats both the infant and the family system.
The COO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, partnering closely with the Founder/Executive Director to translate vision into disciplined, sustainable operations—ensuring that the organization’s growth is as strong as its heart.
The Role
Reporting to the Founder/Executive Director, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring that systems, processes, and teams are aligned to deliver high-quality, sustainable outcomes.
The COO oversees inpatient and outpatient services, operational infrastructure, and key administrative functions, while partnering closely with the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer to ensure alignment between operations, strategy, and financial sustainability. The organization overall has a team of approximately 117, with two direct reports to the COO.
This role also serves as the organization’s Chief Compliance Officer for compliance, licensure, and accreditation, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met and embedded within daily operations.
The ideal candidate will thrive in a hands-on, mission-driven, and evolving environment, bringing both structure and flexibility to support a team deeply committed to the work.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee all day-to-day operations across inpatient, outpatient, and family services
- Develop and implement systems, workflows, and standard operating procedures
- Ensure alignment, communication, and accountability across functional areas
Financial & Operational Alignment
- Partner with the CFO on operational components of financial performance and sustainability
- Strengthen revenue cycle processes, including documentation, authorizations, and billing readiness
- Provide operational insights to inform financial planning and forecasting
Compliance & Accreditation
- Lead compliance efforts, including licensure (ADHS) and CARF accreditation
- Ensure ongoing audit readiness and adherence to regulatory standards
- Integrate compliance into daily operational practices
Data & Performance Management
- Establish clear, consistent performance metrics and reporting structures
- Improve data integrity, transparency, and usability for decision-making
- Translate data into actionable operational improvements
Leadership & Culture
- Lead and develop program and operational leaders
- Foster a culture of accountability, clarity, and compassion
- Support a high-performing, mission-driven team
Opportunities and Challenges
Operational Structure & Consistency
The organization has grown rapidly with a strong commitment to doing what is right for each family—often in real time. The opportunity is to introduce clear, consistent operational processes and accountability structures that support sustainability while honoring the organization’s compassionate culture.
Financial & Operational Sustainability
With a payer mix heavily influenced by Medicaid and grant funding, operational efficiency is essential. The COO will strengthen alignment between care delivery and financial performance—ensuring that systems support both mission and margin.
Data Integrity & Transparency
There is an opportunity to establish clear, consistent, and trusted data practices. Standardizing how data is defined, collected, and reported will improve decision-making, build trust across leadership, and support board-level insights.
Leadership Alignment & Communication
As the organization has evolved, communication and alignment across leadership teams have become increasingly important. The COO will help ensure that decisions, priorities, and expectations are clearly communicated and consistently executed across the organization.
Scaling a Founder-Led Organization
Hushabye’s success is deeply tied to its founder’s vision and leadership. The COO will play a critical role in translating that vision into repeatable systems and scalable infrastructure, ensuring the organization can grow without losing its essence.
Compliance as a Living System
Compliance is not a standalone function—it is embedded in every aspect of care delivery. The COO will ensure that licensure, accreditation, and regulatory requirements are not only met, but fully integrated into daily operations and culture.
Supporting a High-Commitment Team
The team is deeply dedicated to the mission, often going above and beyond for the families they serve. The opportunity is to create clarity, structure, and operational support that enables the team to sustain that level of commitment over time.
Future Leadership & Organizational Growth
This role offers the opportunity to help shape the future of the organization, including strengthening leadership infrastructure and contributing to long-term organizational sustainability and growth.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare, or related field
- Minimum seven years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, nonprofit, behavioral health, or related environment
- Experience in operational leadership within a regulated setting
- Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in a growing or evolving organization
- Knowledge of compliance, licensure, and accreditation processes
- Background in nonprofit or mission-driven healthcare environments
- Familiarity with Medicaid/AHCCCS and payer environments
- Experience building or refining systems, processes, and infrastructure
- Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
- Feels a genuine calling to serve vulnerable populations
- Thrives in environments where purpose and complexity intersect
- Is energized by building systems that support meaningful outcomes
- Understands that compassion and accountability are not competing values—they are complementary
Base $100k+ DOE, incentive, generous benefits
Application and Nomination Process
Hushabye Nursery and the Search Committee invite applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Cizek Associates, Inc. is assisting Hushabye with this search. All inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest are confidential. To be considered, please submit a resume and letter of interest to [email protected] Please use the same email for inquiries or nominations. The application deadline for review of applications is June 19th, 2026.
Search Consultant:
Sheila Lehker, President
Cizek Associates, Inc.
602-553-1066
About the Area | Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix offers a unique blend of opportunity, energy, and lifestyle that continues to attract professionals and families from across the country. As the fifth-largest city in the United States and one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, Greater Phoenix is known for its dynamic economy, innovation, accessibility, and exceptional quality of life.
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, residents enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, mountain preserves, and year-round recreational opportunities. Hiking, biking, golf, professional sports, and weekend escapes to Northern Arizona, Sedona, or the California coast are all within easy reach.
Phoenix is home to a thriving healthcare, nonprofit, education, and technology ecosystem, creating a collaborative environment for mission-driven leaders who want to make a meaningful impact while advancing professionally. The region also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, award-winning dining, diverse neighborhoods, and an international airport consistently ranked among the most convenient in the nation.
For families, the area offers a wide variety of communities, highly regarded public and private schools, and abundant opportunities for connection and engagement. Whether seeking urban energy, suburban comfort, or outdoor adventure, the Phoenix metropolitan area provides a lifestyle that is both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
Most importantly, Phoenix is a community of builders, innovators, and changemakers—individuals and organizations committed to shaping the future and improving lives. For leaders passionate about purpose-driven work, Hushabye Nursery’s mission and the Phoenix community together create a truly compelling opportunity.