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Chief Operations Officer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CEO

Iowa City, IA · On-site

Ensure efficient operations that support exceptional patient care, employee engagement, and ... What Success Looks Like The successful CEO is a collaborative and forward-thinking healthcare ...

Showing results 41-60

Chief Operations Officer information

See Iowa salary details

$39K

$142K

$253.1K

How much do chief operations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief operations officer in Iowa is $142,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,700.00 and $173,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief operations officer do?

A Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a company. They implement business strategies, manage operational processes, and ensure that the organization runs efficiently and effectively. The COO often works closely with the CEO and other executives to align operations with the company’s overall goals. Their duties can include managing departments, improving performance, and leading major projects or initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief operations officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Operations Officer, you need extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership, often supported by a business-related degree and significant managerial experience. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, process optimization tools, and relevant industry certifications (such as Six Sigma) is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills help COOs lead teams and drive cross-functional initiatives. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, aligning business objectives, and achieving organizational growth.

What are some typical challenges a chief operations officer faces when aligning operations with company strategy?

A Chief Operations Officer (COO) often encounters challenges in translating high-level strategic goals into actionable operational plans across multiple departments. Balancing efficiency with innovation, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring consistent communication between leadership and staff are common hurdles. Additionally, COOs must adapt quickly to market changes and scale operations without compromising quality. Strong leadership, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset are essential to successfully navigate these complexities.

What is the difference between Chief Operations Officer vs Operations Manager?

AspectChief Operations OfficerOperations Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall company operations, strategic planning, and executive decision-makingManages daily operations, implements policies, and supervises staff
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Management, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's degree; experience in operations or management roles
Work EnvironmentExecutive office, strategic meetings, cross-departmental collaborationOperational sites, team supervision, process management
Industry UsageCommon in large corporations and enterprisesFound in organizations of various sizes, often as a mid-level management role

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Operations Manager both focus on company operations, but the COO holds a higher strategic and executive role, overseeing multiple departments and long-term planning. The Operations Manager handles day-to-day activities and reports to senior leadership. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and organizational structure.

What is a typical chief operations officer salary?

The average salary for a Chief Operations Officer (COO) varies widely depending on the industry, company size, and location, but typically ranges from $100,000 to over $300,000 annually. In large corporations, COOs often earn higher compensation packages that include bonuses and stock options, and strong leadership and strategic skills are essential for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Operations Officer jobs in Iowa?

For Chief Operations Officer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Chief Operations Officer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Chief Operations Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Operations Officer jobs in IA?

For Chief Operations Officer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Operations Officer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,020 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Chief Executive Officer

Hillcrest Family Services

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide overall leadership and operational oversight for all programs, service lines, and support functions.

  • Drive organizational performance through accountability, goal setting, and measurable outcomes.

  • Partner with senior leaders to align strategy, operations, and resources around organizational priorities.


Job description

For more than 125 years, Hillcrest Family Services has been a trusted provider of behavioral health and human services across Eastern Iowa. Today, the organization delivers more than 20 services spanning outpatient mental health, residential treatment, community-based adult services, crisis stabilization, and addictions recovery. Hillcrest partners with hospitals, schools, public safety agencies, and community organizations to provide accessible, mission-driven care throughout the region.


As the organization continues its transformation and growth, Hillcrest is seeking an experienced and visionary President & Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of organizational stability, operational excellence, and community impact.


The Opportunity:


This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established organization that has recently completed significant operational and strategic changes. The next CEO will build upon that foundation by driving performance, strengthening accountability, developing talent, and ensuring Hillcrest remains a leading provider of behavioral health and human services in Iowa.

The successful candidate will be an engaged, hands-on executive who can balance strategic leadership with operational execution. Working closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team, the CEO will guide the organization's long-term vision while ensuring financial sustainability, clinical quality, regulatory compliance, and organizational effectiveness.


What You’ll Lead:

  • Provide overall leadership and operational oversight for all programs, service lines, and support functions.
  • Drive organizational performance through accountability, goal setting, and measurable outcomes.
  • Partner with senior leaders to align strategy, operations, and resources around organizational priorities.
  • Lead financial stewardship efforts, including budgeting, revenue cycle oversight, payer strategy, and long-term planning.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, accreditation, and payer requirements.
  • Strengthen relationships with community partners, referral sources, government agencies, and key stakeholders.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance and regular organizational updates.
  • Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing leaders across the organization.
  • Continue strengthening governance practices, financial controls, and compliance infrastructure.


Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Exceptional operational leadership and execution skills.
  • Strong business and financial acumen.
  • Experience leading organizational change and transformation.
  • A track record of accountability and sound decision-making.
  • The ability to build trust with boards, employees, partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Success developing and mentoring leadership teams.
  • A passion for advancing behavioral health and human services within the communities served.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in healthcare administration, business, public administration, behavioral health, or a related field preferred.
  • Seven or more years of progressive executive leadership experience.
  • Experience within behavioral health, healthcare services, nonprofit healthcare, human services, or similarly regulated environments strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success leading multi-site operations, organizational turnarounds, operational restructuring initiatives, or growth-oriented organizations.
  • Strong financial management experience, including oversight of budgets, payer relationships, and performance metrics.
  • Knowledge of CCBHC requirements, Medicaid prospective payment systems, and federal grant management is a plus.
  • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership development skills.


Interested candidates should submit the following materials:


  • A resume and cover letter outlining relevant leadership experience


Application materials should be submitted electronically to:


Jaime Mead

jmead@theoverturegroup.com

319.362.1317


The Overture Group is a premier Midwest executive level search and compensation consulting firm, which draws on a vast network of expertise from pre-search preparation through post-placement transition to find and fit the right professionals in various industries. www.TheOvertureGroup.com