Director of Operations and Growth

About Healthy Community Alliance

Healthy Community Alliance (HCA) is a nonprofit rural health network based in Gowanda, New York, serving Cattaraugus County and parts of Chautauqua, Erie, and Wyoming counties. Incorporated in 1996, HCA is one of 31 networks supported by the New York State Department of Health’s Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health. Its mission is to improve quality of life in rural areas through inclusive partnerships focused on wellness and prevention.

 

HCA delivers both direct services and regional support. Its programs address health access, caregiver and senior support, maternal and infant health, insurance navigation, nutrition, and more. The organization also strengthens regional capacity through fiscal sponsorship, administrative infrastructure, and network coordination.

 

A distinctive aspect of HCA’s model is its ownership of a multi-use facility in Gowanda. The upper floors house Academy Place Apartments, HUD-supported senior housing managed with People Inc. The first floor’s Community Place serves as a hub for medical, behavioral health, and aging services, as well as recreation and food access. This integration of housing, care, and community services reflects HCA’s commitment to addressing the social drivers of health.

 

HCA’s impact is grounded in long-standing partnerships with public agencies, healthcare providers, and local organizations. With a team of approximately 20, the organization continues to adapt to community needs while maintaining a clear focus on health equity and access.

 

Healthy Community Alliance is participating in the NextWave Mission Accelerator Pilot Program which is offered, in partnership with regional funders who care about talent and capacity building, to a selection of nominated organizations.

 

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, and as a member of the leadership team, the Director of Operations and Growth, works in partnership with management to design and implement systems and procedures to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. They translate strategic goals into everyday workflows, establishes and monitors performance metrics, facilitates intra-agency communications, and fosters a positive work environment. In collaboration with the CEO, they develop strategic initiatives that support the mission and the growth and sustainability of the organization.

 

Why This Role Matters

This newly created leadership role represents a unique opportunity to help a high-impact rural health organization grow its operational foundation, deepen impact and advance their mission.

 

You’ll join a small, mission-driven team known for innovation, collaboration, and is guided by community insights. The Director of Operations and Growth will play a key role in strengthening systems, supporting staff, and expanding HCA’s reach—all while improving health outcomes for underserved rural populations.

 

The Ideal Candidate

The Director of Operations and Growth will thrive in a nimble, community-centered organization where initiative, follow-through, and flexibility are essential. This position will identify opportunities for improvement and growth, create structure and processes, and support others with clarity and care. They have a collaborative spirit, a systems-thinking mindset, and the ability to move comfortably between strategy and execution.

 

Key attributes and experience may include:

• A track record of improving operations and internal systems in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting
• Experience creating protocols or workflows while supporting teams in adopting them
• The ability to foster cohesion and build trust across departments, even without formal authority
• Comfort working in rural or community-based settings, especially with lean teams
• Strong strategic thinking paired with a hands-on, practical approach
• Interpersonal instincts that balance listening, support, and accountability
• Familiarity with grant-funded environments, how funding influences organizational priorities, and compliance

 

Essential Functions

 

1. Strengthen Systems and Improve Operations

• Design and implement organizational policies, workflows, and tools that streamline operations across programs, facilities, and functions
• Lead process improvement efforts to reduce inefficiencies, improve coordination, and support consistency across the organization
• Develop systems for collecting and using data to track impact and inform decision-making
• Help translate strategic goals into clear, sustainable operational practices

 

2. Build Organizational Capacity for Growth

• Build infrastructure that supports professional development, knowledge transfer, and succession planning
• Collaborate with leadership to design and implement scalable systems aligned with strategic goals
• Operationalize goals related to continuous improvement and long-term planning
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that can lead to organization growth and sustainability

 

3. Support People and Culture

• Create systems for performance management, employee development, and staff engagement
• Promote a collaborative, mission-driven culture through clear communication and intentional practices
• Serve as a trusted partner to the CEO, staff, and Board, helping align people strategies with organizational priorities

 

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in office and facility operations, including rotating office coverage
• Performs other duties as assigned by CEO

 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a proactive, solutions-oriented leader who thrives in a dynamic, small-team environment. They are energized by turning vision into structure—developing systems that improve coordination and impact. With a collaborative, hands-on approach, they support team cohesion while helping others stay aligned and accountable. A background in quality, compliance, or organizational change is helpful, as is familiarity with the realities and resourcefulness required in rural or community-based work.

 

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit operations, program management, or organizational development
• Proven ability to design and implement systems that improve internal workflows and efficiency
• Strong project management skills with attention to detail and follow-through
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading or supporting organizational change and team development
• Collaborative leadership style and comfort working across roles and functions
• Familiarity with compliance, quality improvement, or people-centered HR practices is a plus
• Experience in rural health, public health, or community-based services preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

 

Travel

This is a hybrid position located at HCA’s office in Gowanda, NY. The candidate must be able to travel to the office, among communities in the service area, and occasionally to regional and statewide meetings and conferences.

 

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $65,000 – 70,000 annually plus a full benefits package including:

• Insurance (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, life, supplemental)
• Flexible Savings Accounts
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• PTO, Sick Time and Paid Holidays
• Flex Time
• Hybrid schedule
• Professional Development

How to Apply: You may send resume to [email protected] or apply directly on linkedin

HCA is also committed to supporting the professional growth of our employees. In addition to our support, this role will be a part of the NextWave Mission Accelerator Pilot Cohort program and will receive additional investments in their growth.