New

Senior Director - Operations

Telligen
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Jan 28, 2026
Telligen is seeking an experienced Healthcare Operations Leader to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a designated contract with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). This position will be accountable for all contract operations as well as responsible for the daily conduct and operations of both employees and vendor partners. This position requires prior approval by HFS and is contingent on award of the contract. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operations leader with a background in a community mental health or federally qualified health system, combining operational expertise with strong clinical acumen. What you'll do: Operational Leadership & Contract Management Oversee daily operations of staff and partners with full operational authority Lead implementation of all operational contract responsibilities Collaborate with Finance to manage contract budgets, Serve as a liaison between the client, contract leadership, and corporate management Ensure timely project execution and client satisfaction Strategic Business Development Research and develop new business opportunities aligned with strategic objectives Stay current on healthcare industry trends, particularly in behavioral health and FQHC settings Present strategic recommendations to senior management Partnership Development & Stakeholder Relations Develop partnerships with stakeholders, providers, and community leaders Represent the company at meetings with clients, legislators, and business leaders Leverage community partnerships to drive results Team Leadership Hire, train, coach, and evaluate operations directors and managers Build high-performing teams and foster continuous improvement Quality Assurance Ensure technical accuracy and compliance with HFS requirements Review and edit contract proposals and documentation Additional Duties Perform other duties as assigned Required Skills and Experience Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business, management, or related field 10+ years in healthcare operations 10+ years managing professional staff Strong background in CMHC, FQHC, or similar healthcare delivery settings Experience with Illinois Medicaid programs Experience in both clinical and business operations Proven ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments Prior approval by HFS (Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services) required Some contracts may require U.S. Citizenship Regular and predictable attendance required Travel: 25% local and overnight travel Preferred Skills and Experience Master's degree in healthcare administration, business, or public health Senior operations leadership experience Knowledge of Illinois Medicaid programs and HFS regulations Behavioral health service delivery experience Who We Are: Telligen is one of the most respected population health management organizations in the country. We work with state and federal government programs, as well as employers and health plans offering clinical, analytical, and technical expertise. Over our 50-year history, health care has evolved - and so have we. What hasn't changed is our deep commitment to those we serve. Our success is built on our ability to adapt, respond to client needs and deliver innovative, mission-driven solutions. Our business is our people and we're seeking talented individuals who share our passion and are ready to take ownership, make an impact and help shape the future of health. Are you Ready? We're on a mission to transform lives and economies by improving health. Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned company, our employee-owners drive our business and share in our success. Community: We show up - for our clients, our communities and each other. Being a responsible corporate partner is part of who we are. Ingenuity: We value bold ideas and calculated risks. Innovation thrives when we challenge the status quo and listen to diverse perspectives. Integrity: We foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment built on trust and excellence. Thank you for your interest in Telligen! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more about our mission-driven culture and stay up to speed. While we use artificial intelligence tools to enhance our initial screening process, all applications are thoroughly reviewed by our human recruitment team to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each candidate. Telligen and our affiliates are Equal Opportunity Employers and E-Verify Participants. Telligen will not provide sponsorship for this position. If you will require sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, we cannot consider your application at this time. We will not accept 3rd party solicitations from outside staffing firms. Telligen is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected class. Telligen is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals who need assistance during any part of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-base basis. If you need assistance to navigate Telligen's careers website or to apply for a position, please send an email to careers@telligen.com