Chief Operating Officer

Role Overview

SunCoast Blood Centers is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee enterprise operations and help shape long-term organizational direction. This executive role works closely with the CEO and senior leadership to convert strategy into execution, strengthen performance across departments, and support mission growth.

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to set organizational strategy and turn priorities into clear operational targets.
• Define measurable performance standards and accountability measures across the operating functions.
• Share operational insights, recommendations, and performance updates with executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Drive initiatives that advance growth, sustainability, and mission impact.
• Guide enterprise planning, technology direction, and organization-wide transformation efforts.

Operational Oversight

• Lead the organization’s core operational areas, including Technical Director, Donor Outreach and Collections, Marketing, Recruiting, Information Technology, Contact Center, Facilities & Fleet, and other assigned leaders.
• Align staffing, systems, and resources to current and future service needs while maintaining strong operational performance.
• Direct emergency preparedness, disaster response, and continuity planning.
• Track operational results and put corrective actions in place when needed.
• Provide executive oversight for IT strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and business systems.
• Ensure technology choices improve efficiency, compliance, and growth.
• Work with department leaders to prioritize technology projects that streamline workflows, enhance donor experience, improve employee productivity, and protect data quality.
• Oversee cybersecurity, disaster recovery, data protection, and business continuity planning.
• Encourage innovation through automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
• Oversee marketing, branding, public relations, and communications efforts that build community awareness, donor engagement, and organizational reputation.
• Ensure marketing work supports growth goals, donor recruitment, and community partnerships.
• Partner with development and operations leaders on fundraising campaigns, public education efforts, and outreach initiatives.

Leadership and Talent Development

• Hire, coach, develop, and retain strong leaders.
• Build a workplace culture centered on accountability, teamwork, and ongoing improvement.
• Support succession planning within operational teams.
• Encourage employee engagement and professional development.
• Complete performance reviews and provide regular leadership guidance.

Financial Stewardship

• Create and manage operational budgets.
• Monitor spending and financial performance.
• Look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Work with finance leaders on forecasting, capital planning, and resource allocation.
• Protect organizational assets through responsible stewardship.
• Assess operational investments, capital spending, and resource strategies that support long-term sustainability.
• Develop long-range technology investment plans and lifecycle strategies for technology assets.

Organizational Excellence

• Lead continuous improvement efforts across the organization.
• Use operational data and key performance indicators to inform decisions.
• Improve efficiency, quality, donor satisfaction, and employee engagement through process optimization.
• Guide enterprise technology rollouts, system integrations, AI-related initiatives, and operational improvement projects.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, accreditation, and safety standards.
• Maintain readiness for inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Partner with Quality and Compliance leaders to resolve findings and implement corrective actions.
• Help maintain a culture of safety and risk awareness across the organization.

External Relations and Strategic Partnerships

• Represent the organization in professional associations, healthcare networks, and community partnerships.
• Build and sustain relationships with hospitals, healthcare providers, government agencies, and industry organizations.
• Support visibility and strategic growth opportunities.
• Act as an ambassador for SunCoast Blood Centers by promoting its mission, values, and strategic priorities in the communities it serves.

Additional Responsibilities

• Take part in organizational meetings and professional development activities.
• Serve on the Executive Leadership Team.
• Support board initiatives and strategic planning.
• Handle other assigned duties that contribute to organizational success.

Direct Reports

• Technical Director
• Director of Donor Outreach and Collections
• Director of Recruiting
• Director of Marketing
• Director of Information Technology
• Facilities & Fleet Manager
• Contact Center Manager
• Other operational leaders as assigned

Core Competencies and Expectations

• Mission-focused leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Operational excellence
• Accountability
• Change leadership
• Emotional intelligence
• Financial stewardship
• Collaboration and relationship building
• Talent development
• Continuous improvement
• Professionalism and integrity
• Customer and stakeholder focus
• Executive presence
• Strategic execution
• Organizational leadership

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use standard office equipment.
• Willingness to travel between locations and attend community events when needed.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Work may occur in office, laboratory, donor center, mobile blood drive, and healthcare settings.
• Possible exposure to blood and blood products.
• Possible exposure to infectious materials associated with blood center operations.
• Frequent use of computers and other technology.

Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Medical Technology, Nursing, Public Health, Operations Management, or a related discipline is required. A master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: Candidates should bring at least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including 5 years at the executive level. Background leading large teams and multiple departments in healthcare, blood banking, laboratory, manufacturing, logistics, or another highly regulated environment is preferred. Experience in strategic planning, budget oversight, organizational development, and process improvement is also required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong executive leadership, team development, strategic planning, organizational management, financial oversight, and analytical decision-making skills are essential. The role also requires excellent writing, speaking, and presentation ability; comfort managing complex projects and competing priorities; the ability to build relationships across all organizational levels; and proficiency with Microsoft Office and business management systems. A strong commitment to the mission and values of SunCoast Blood Centers is expected.

Additional Requirements: A valid Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required. The role requires travel across the SunCoast Blood Centers service area, flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, and the ability to respond during emergencies, disasters, or critical organizational situations.

Equal Opportunity, ADA, and Employment Terms

SunCoast Blood Centers is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity. Hiring and employment decisions are made without discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of the job, with or without accommodation, and accommodation requests are handled through Human Resources. Employment is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may end the relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Application Information

Interested candidates may submit an application through the organization’s website or as otherwise instructed.

Disclaimer

This description outlines the general nature and level of work expected in the role. It is not intended to cover every responsibility and may be updated as organizational needs change.