ABOUT THE CENTER FOR DISCOVERY: The Center for Discovery® (TCFD, The Center) is a non-profit organization, designated as a Center of Excellence by the New York State Department of Health and OPWDD. The Center is a major research and specialty center that offers residential, medical, clinical, specialty hospital, and special education programs as well as world-class Music and Creative Arts Therapy, Adapted Physical Education, and a biodynamic agricultural program among other unique services.

Located on 1,500 acres of land in the Mid-Hudson Region less than two hours from New York City, The Center has become a magnet institution where individuals from around the region and world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research and treatment for a myriad of complex conditions. The Center has a long history of innovation in curriculum development, program implementation, and assistive technology, leading to significant breakthroughs and life-changing opportunities.

Each year, The Center serves 1,200 children and adults from across New York State and beyond. Growing from 25 employees in 1980 to over 1,800 employees in 2024, The Center is the largest employer in Sullivan County, New York. Throughout 2010 and 2019, The Center for Discovery generated $1.77 billion of economic impact for the State of New York. The organization’s current operating budget is approximately $175 million with anticipated growth to $200 million.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key component of the senior leadership team of this best-practice, major research and specialty center with cutting-edge care and education for the most medically and behaviorally complex individuals. The Center has become a magnet institution where individuals from around the region and the world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research.

The COO ensures the efficient execution of the CEO’s vision by overseeing daily operations across key departments, including education, residential and medical services, clinical programs, and facilities management. The COO directs staffing, recruitment, and training initiatives to support workforce development while leading major strategic projects such as Children’s Specialty Hospital, and the newest program, a skilled nursing facility for aging adults, and facility expansions.

Most recently, the Center has embarked upon a new, ambitious strategic growth trajectory, with new programs and capital projects planned and in process. Please click here to review TCFD quick facts.

The COO reports to the Center’s President and CEO, Theresa Hamlin, Ed.D., and works with virtually every division and department of the organization. The COO will also work with an engaged board of directors and will also work closely with appropriate board committees.

The COO will hire and/or scale up the teams for the divisions and departments that report directly, including Operations, Residential Programs, School Programs (Clinical Services, Psychology), Health and Clinical Services (Nursing, Article 28 Clinic), People Operations, and Rock Hill Complex (Children’s Specialty Hospital, Center for Advanced Medical Care).

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 10 years of programmatic and operations management and leadership in a large, growth-oriented, relevant not-for-profit setting.
• Experience in the healthcare and/or human service sector is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a comprehensive operational strategy to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
• Capacity to serve as a trusted strategic advisor and partner to the CEO and Board.
• Financially sophisticated.
• Able to establish ambitious goals and objectives and to reach benchmarks and deliverables.
• Innovative thinker with a history of translating ideas into action plans and output.
• Clear understanding of large, high-profile, complex not-for-profit settings.
• Tech savvy and data driven; able to analyze trends, project management deadlines, and performance metrics.
• Ability to influence and engage direct reports and peers.
• Demonstrated success in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of specialists.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in working with diverse teams and individuals.
• An effective communicator with strong verbal, written, and presentation skills and the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment with high expectations.
• The ability to travel occasionally to attend conferences, meetings, and other events related to TCFD operations.
• Master’s degree or higher in business or healthcare administration or a related field.
• Candidates must live within a reasonable distance from TCFD headquarters in Harris, NY to respond quickly to critical situations when they arise.

The annual compensation range for this role is $325,000-$375,000 commensurate with experience and accomplishments, plus generous benefits.

Howe-Lewis International is pleased to assist TCFD with this key search. Please click here to apply online via the Howe-Lewis Talent Portal. You may also email your resume and letter of interest in confidence to kirk@howe-lewis.com

About The Center for Discovery

Howe-Lewis has a 30-year+ track record of success identifying and attracting leaders to the not-for-profit community. Our clients include cultural arts organizations, human service agencies, educational institutions, community health organizations, advocacy organization, foundations, and more. From our experience working with executive and board-level search committees, to our understanding and appreciation of the mission and goals of each client we serve, Howe-Lewis develops long-lasting consultative relationships with clients and candidates alike. Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Much more than words, they are among the guiding principles of our firm. DEI expands the network of qualified professionals, empowers our clients to better address the needs of the communities they serve and adds the unique experiences and perspectives that help to drive innovation and progress. We are proud to be part of this vibrant sector and invite you to visit our website at howe-lewis.com.

Connections working at The Center for Discovery