The Arc Erie County NY is a leading nonprofit supporting people with developmental & intellectual disabilities across Western New York, through innovative residential, educational, clinical and employment services. Proudly celebrating our 75th anniversary, we remain committed to empowering individuals and building inclusive communities.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Lead a Mission. Transform a System. Build What’s Next.
Location: Western New York (Buffalo Region)
Compensation: $160,000 – $180,000 + Executive Benefits
This Is Not a Traditional COO Role
This is an opportunity to reshape how an entire system of care operates—not just manage it.
At The Arc Erie County New York, we serve individuals with developmental disabilities across residential, clinical, educational, and community-based programs. Our next Chief Operating Officer will do more than oversee operations—they will define what operational excellence looks like in a mission-driven organization for the next decade.
You will step into a system with strong foundations and be expected to elevate performance, unify services, and unlock growth opportunities across a complex, multi-division organization.
This role is for a leader driven to elevate and leave a lasting impact- not simply maintain the status quo. It requires a genuine passion for improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and a deep connection to the mission we serve every day.
The Impact You Will Own
This role is about measurable transformation:
- Operational Excellence at Scale
Lead and optimize a diverse portfolio of services—from 25+ residential programs to clinical, vocational, day habilitation, educational divisions—ensuring consistency, quality, and full utilization across all lines.
- Strategic Execution That Delivers Results
Translate vision into action—driving clear goals, accountability structures, and outcomes across Vice Presidents, Directors, and Principals.
- Financial Performance & Sustainability
Own operational budgets and performance—balancing mission with margin through smarter utilization, staffing models, and revenue optimization.
Build and coach high-performing senior leaders who can scale impact, strengthen culture, and drive accountability across the organization.
Identify new service opportunities, expand programs, and play a key role in initiatives like Black Water Acres, a first-of-its-kind accessible workforce and community development project.
Break down silos and create a coordinated, person-centered service model that improves outcomes for the people we support.
Why This Role Is Different
Most COO roles maintain. This one builds.
You will:
- Operate in a mission-critical, 24/7 environment where your decisions directly impact lives
- Partner directly with the CEO and Board to shape long-term strategy
- Influence systems governed by complex regulatory environments (OPWDD, NYSED, Medicaid)
- Lead in a space where purpose and performance must coexist—and both matter equally
Who We Are Looking For
This search requires a rare combination of leadership, operational depth, and mission alignment.
- A strategic operator who turns vision into execution
- A decisive, builder of leaders comfortable owning outcomes in complex environments
- Financially fluent, with a deep understanding of budgets, margins, and performance drivers
- Mission-driven, with a genuine commitment to disability rights, inclusion, and person-centered care
You bring:
- Master’s Degree in a relevant field
- 10+ years progressive leadership experience
- 5+ years in senior/executive leadership
- Experience overseeing large, multi-program operations and budgets
- Strong working knowledge of regulatory environments and funding models (Medicaid, OPWDD, Social Security, etc.)
The Leadership Challenge
Within your first 12–18 months, success will look like:
- Increased program utilization and operational efficiency
- Strengthened leadership accountability across all divisions
- Clear, measurable performance standards tied to outcomes
- Enhanced employee engagement and retention strategies
- Identifiable growth opportunities and program expansion pathways
Why Join The Arc Erie County NY
- Purpose at Scale – Impact thousands of lives across Western New York
- Executive Influence – Direct access to CEO and Board-level strategy
- Growth Opportunity – Lead transformation in a complex, multi-service organization
- Legacy Work – Help define the future of care delivery in your field
The Arc Erie County NY is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Affirmative Action Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.
