COO, Hospice Services – Nashville, TN

Role Overview for COO, Hospice Services – Nashville, TN

JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, mission-driven hospice care organization in their search for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) based in Nashville, Tennessee. This is a pivotal executive leadership role for a compassionate and strategically-minded individual dedicated to shaping the future of end-of-life care. Our client is renowned for its unwavering commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and a superior quality of life for patients and their families during one of life’s most challenging journeys. They have established a culture of empathy, clinical excellence, and profound respect for the human spirit.

As the COO, you will be the operational cornerstone of the organization, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You will be entrusted with the overall responsibility for the administrative and clinical functions across all service lines and locations. This role demands a unique blend of operational acumen, financial stewardship, and heartfelt leadership. You will be instrumental in driving strategic initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and expanding the organization’s reach to serve more families in the greater Nashville area. The ideal candidate is not just an operator but a visionary leader who can inspire teams, optimize processes, and ensure that every decision made reflects the organization’s core mission of providing exceptional, patient-centered care. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant, lasting impact on a community and lead a dedicated team of healthcare professionals in a dynamic and growing market.

Key Responsibilities of COO, Hospice Services – Nashville, TN

The Chief Operating Officer will direct and oversee the full spectrum of the organization’s operational activities. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the organization’s long-term strategic plan. Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans, setting clear objectives and performance metrics (KPIs) for all departments. Drive efficiency and productivity across all clinical and administrative functions, implementing best practices to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.

Clinical Operations & Quality Assurance

Provide ultimate oversight for all clinical programs, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and family support are consistently met and exceeded. Champion a culture of safety and quality, overseeing the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including accreditation standards and the rigorous requirements set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Financial Management & Stewardship

Assume full P&L responsibility for the organization’s operations. Develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve strategic goals. Implement robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms to track performance against budget. Identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost containment, and operational efficiencies to ensure the long-term financial health and sustainability of the organization.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of clinical and administrative leaders. Foster a collaborative, positive, and inclusive work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates top talent. Champion professional development and continuous learning opportunities for all staff. Oversee performance management processes, ensuring accountability and recognition for achievements.

Business Development & Community Engagement

Identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities, including service line expansion, new program development, and geographic expansion. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including referral sources, physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community partners. Serve as a prominent representative of the organization in the community, enhancing its reputation as a leader in hospice and palliative care.

Technology & Innovation

Evaluate and implement new technologies and systems to improve operational efficiency, enhance clinical documentation (EHR), and support data-driven decision-making. Stay abreast of industry trends and innovations to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of hospice care delivery.

Requirements for the COO, Hospice Services – Nashville, TN

We are seeking a seasoned and dedicated leader with a proven track record of success in hospice or related healthcare operations. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MHA, MBA, MSN) is strongly preferred.

Experience

A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare administration. At least 5-7 years of recent, senior-level operational leadership experience within a hospice, palliative care, or home health organization is essential. Proven experience managing multi-site operations and a large, diverse team of clinical and non-clinical staff.

Financial Acumen

Demonstrated success in managing a significant P&L, including budget development, financial analysis, and strategic resource allocation. Strong understanding of healthcare reimbursement models, particularly Medicare Hospice Benefit.

Regulatory Expertise

In-depth knowledge of federal and state hospice regulations, licensure requirements, and accreditation standards (e.g., CHAP, JCAHO).

Leadership Skills

Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide teams toward a common vision. A transparent, collaborative, and servant-leadership style is highly desired.

Strategic Thinking

Proven ability to think strategically, analyze complex situations, and develop effective solutions. Experience in strategic planning, business development, and market analysis.

Communication

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences, from frontline staff to board members and community leaders.

Personal Attributes

A deep, personal commitment to the mission of hospice care. High ethical standards, integrity, and compassion. Resilient, decisive, and results-oriented.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a top-tier leader. This includes:

Competitive Base Salary

Generous Executive Performance-Based Bonus Program

Potential for Long-Term Incentives or Equity Participation

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Robust 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Significant Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Package

Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance

Relocation Assistance for Qualified Candidates

Generous Allowance for Professional Development and Continuing Education

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness Initiatives

The invaluable opportunity to lead a mission-focused organization and make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families.

How to Apply

JRG Partners is exclusively managing this search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and your passion for hospice care. We are committed to a thorough and confidential search process.

JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates. We encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. For more information on our expertise in placing top-tier executives, please visit our Hospice Recruiters practice page.