Chief Operating Officer
About The Position
Since 1971, New Horizons has been committed to Keeping Kids First by providing safe, therapeutic, and loving environments where children and families can heal, grow, and succeed. We serve children and adolescents impacted by abuse, neglect, and exploitation through our Child Placing Agency, Family Programs, and two Residential Treatment Programs: Audrey Grace House in Abilene and The Ranch near Brownwood. We are seeking a mission-driven, strategic, and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operations of all programs and ensure excellence in care, compliance, and organizational performance. This executive leader works closely with Program Administrators and Directors to ensure services reflect our philosophy, meet the highest standards of safety and quality, and operate effectively across multiple sites. This role requires a leader who can balance big-picture strategy with daily operational leadership while fostering a culture where safety, accountability, and child-centered care guide every decision.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related human services field
- 5–7+ years of progressive leadership experience in child welfare, residential care, behavioral health, or related services
- Licensed Child-Care Administrator in Texas (or ability to obtain)
- Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care and child welfare regulations
- Experience leading quality improvement initiatives using data
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and commitment to child safety
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data systems
Nice To Haves
- Experience overseeing multi-program or multi-site operations preferred
Responsibilities
- Provide operational oversight of all New Horizons programs
- Lead, support, and develop Program Administrators and Directors
- Ensure compliance with state regulations, licensing standards, and internal policies
- Oversee organization-wide quality improvement and performance management systems
- Collaborate with the CFO to support budget planning, monitor financial performance, and ensure operational decisions align with the organization’s fiscal health
- Strengthen systems, processes, and cross-program collaboration
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and trauma-informed, child-centered care
- Partner with executive leadership on strategy, growth, and financial sustainability
- Support workforce planning, hiring, and leadership development efforts
- Monitor program performance, risk trends, and corrective action efforts
- Represent New Horizons with community, professional, and state partners
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Paid Time Off starting on your first day
- 401(k) retirement match after 1 year of employment
- Flexible Spending Account contribution after 2 years of employment
- Paid work anniversary trips beginning at 5 years of service
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
