Washington Rural Healthcare COO Opportunities

Rural Staffing Services partners with rural hospitals, clinics, public hospital districts, and community healthcare organizations throughout Washington to identify experienced operational leaders who understand the complexity and importance of rural healthcare.

We are currently connecting with senior healthcare executives who may be interested in active and upcoming Chief Operating Officer and senior operations leadership opportunities across Washington.

These opportunities may include leadership within Critical Access Hospitals, rural and community hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, public hospital districts, long-term care organizations, and integrated rural healthcare systems.

This Is More Than a COO Role

In rural healthcare, the Chief Operating Officer helps turn strategy into action.

The COO often works across departments, teams, and service lines to strengthen operations, improve communication, support employees, and ensure the organization can continue meeting the needs of its community.

Rural operations leadership requires someone who can see the big picture while also understanding the realities of day-to-day care delivery. The strongest leaders are visible, collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working closely with executives, department leaders, medical staff, boards, and frontline employees.

Every operational decision can affect patient access, employee stability, financial performance, and community trust.

What You May Lead

Responsibilities will vary by organization and may include:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership across multiple departments and service lines
• Translating organizational goals into practical operating plans
• Supporting efficient, safe, and patient-centered care delivery
• Strengthening communication and accountability across departments
• Improving workflows, productivity, and organizational performance
• Partnering with clinical and financial leaders on staffing, budgeting, and resource planning
• Supporting recruitment, retention, and leadership development
• Overseeing facilities, support services, clinic operations, or ancillary departments
• Helping guide growth, restructuring, turnaround, or service expansion
• Supporting regulatory readiness, quality improvement, and organizational compliance
• Presenting operational updates and recommendations to executive leadership and governing boards
• Building strong relationships with employees, providers, community partners, and local leaders

What You Will Bring

Qualifications will vary by opportunity, but organizations may seek:

• Progressive healthcare operations leadership experience
• Experience as a COO, Vice President of Operations, Chief Administrative Officer, Administrator, Executive Director, or comparable senior leader
• Strong knowledge of hospital, clinic, or healthcare system operations
• Experience leading multiple departments or service lines
• A track record of improving performance, communication, and organizational effectiveness
• Experience with budgeting, workforce planning, change management, and strategic implementation
• Rural, Critical Access Hospital, public hospital district, FQHC, or community healthcare experience
• A bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business, public administration, or a related field
• A master's degree may be preferred for some opportunities
• A collaborative, visible, and relationship-focused leadership style

Why Rural Washington?

Washington's rural healthcare organizations serve communities surrounded by mountains, forests, farmland, rivers, islands, and coastlines. These organizations are often among the most important employers and community resources in their regions.

Operational leadership in a rural setting offers the opportunity to make a direct impact, strengthen an entire organization, and help preserve healthcare access for the people who depend on it.

Join the RSS Rural Talent Network

By applying through this page, you are joining the confidential Rural Staffing Services leadership network. You may be considered for current or upcoming COO and senior operations opportunities that align with your experience, goals, location preferences, and availability.

Please include your résumé and let us know:

• Which Washington communities or regions you would consider
• Whether you are open to relocation
• Whether you are interested in permanent, interim, fractional, or multiple types of opportunities
• Your experience with rural hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, public hospital districts, FQHCs, or community healthcare organizations
• Which opportunity or community you were viewing on RSSJobs.org

Our team personally reviews each application. When we identify an opportunity that may be a strong match, we will contact you directly to share more about the organization, community, operational priorities, and next steps.

Your information will be handled professionally and confidentially.

Work Where It Matters.