The Opportunity
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a strategic and operational leader responsible for ensuring KenCrest’s business sustainability, service excellence, and innovation across KenCrest’s multi-state, multi-service operations. The COO will drive efficiency, lead cross-functional teams, and balance regulatory compliance with forward-thinking solutions to enhance our impact and ensure that KenCrest continues to be a leader in providing innovative, high-quality services for individuals with an intellectual or development disability and their families.
A key member of KenCrest’s Executive Office, the COO reports directly to the CEO and leads a core team of six direct reports -- Executive Director of Early Intervention Services, Executive Director of Early Learning Centers, Vice President of Programs, Vice President of Quality and Innovation, Vice President of Finance and Executive Assistant – and an overall team of 25+.
Highlighted responsibilities include:
Operational & Strategic Leadership
- Lead organizational growth and innovation while maintaining regulatory compliance and high-quality service delivery.
- Develop and implement operational strategies that balance sustainability with innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Oversee multi-state service delivery, ensuring compliance with state-specific Medicaid/Medicare regulations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut.
Financial & Business Sustainability
- Drive diversification of funding streams, exploring private pay models, philanthropic engagement, and alternative revenue opportunities to supplement government funding.
- In close partnership with the finance team, strengthen financial controls and risk management to ensure long-term fiscal stability in a changing funding landscape.
- In coordination with the CEO, Program, and Innovation teams, collaborate with government officials and influencers to respond to policy changes and funding allocations that support KenCrest’s mission.
Talent Development & Workforce Strategy
- Address sector-wide recruitment and retention challenges, particularly for direct support professionals, by partnering with program and human resources teams to implement and sustain innovative talent strategies.
- Lead succession planning efforts, ensuring strong leadership development and internal growth opportunities at all levels.
- Foster a mission-driven, inclusive culture, recognizing the personal commitment employees bring to serving individuals with disabilities.
Technology & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Closely partner with Chief Technology Officer to support the implementation of Workday and other key technology investments, ensuring smooth integration and operational efficiency.
- Support and refine data-driven operational processes, leveraging analytics to enhance decision-making and service quality.
Collaboration & Change Management
- Drive cross-functional, people-centered collaboration across the executive leadership team, reinforcing clear communication structures and a culture of teamwork.
- Lead change management efforts, ensuring the organization balances due diligence with agility in decision-making and execution.
- Encourage a culture of innovation, embracing creative service models and new business strategies that position KenCrest as a leader in IDD services.
Candidate Profile
The COO will be instrumental in ensuring KenCrest remains financially strong, operationally efficient, and forward-thinking, while maintaining its commitment to inclusion, service quality, and mission-driven leadership. While no one candidate will bring experience in all the areas outlined in the position profile, the next COO will possess the following attributes and competencies:
Champion of the Mission
The next COO brings a steadfast commitment to advancing KenCrest’s mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), driving inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for every person served. They champion support services that promote dignity, independence, and choice, while advocating for inclusion, empowerment, and forward-thinking solutions in program operations. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, they build meaningful relationships with internal stakeholders, funders, government agencies, and community partners. A passionate advocate for systemic change, they bring experience and understanding of the importance of advocacy initiatives at local, state, and federal levels to ensure the voices and needs of their clients and communities inform critical program and operational decisions. Internally, they foster a collaborative, values-driven culture, guiding teams through change with transparency and compassion while keeping their organization aligned with its core mission and strategic priorities.
Business Acumen
The COO brings strong operations finance experience and expertise navigating complex state and federal funding structures, particularly Medicaid systems, disability services, and/or early childhood education funding streams. They demonstrate strategic financial stewardship by ensuring sustainable revenue through a diversified portfolio of government contracts, private pay models, grants, and philanthropic contributions. Committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with mission-driven decision-making, they prioritize compliance, risk management, and long-term financial health. With a focus on operational efficiency, they optimize processes, leverage technology, and align financial resources to maximize program impact. Grounded in a personal commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and forward-thinking solutions, they ensure that operational decisions advance their organization’s mission and those it serves.
Operational Excellence & Change Management
With a commitment to operational excellence, the COO leverages their expertise in large-scale technology adoption and process optimization to enhance service delivery and administrative efficiency. They consistently lead operational improvements that increase accessibility, streamline workflows, and sustain high-quality support for their programs and services. Their strong regulatory acumen ensures compliance with state and federal requirements while proactively managing risk to safeguard both the organization and those it serves. As an experienced change leader, they guide staff through transitions, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. Grounded in a personal appreciation for inclusion, empowerment, and forward-thinking solutions, they ensure that every advancement furthers their organization’s mission, values, and needs.
Spirit of Innovation
Always forward-thinking, our next leader identifies and capitalizes on opportunities to enhance sustainability, expand services, and diversify funding streams. They proactively drive innovation, fostering a culture that embraces creative problem-solving and continuous improvement. With a focus on scalable, impactful business models, they balance financial sustainability with mission impact, ensuring services remain accessible, high-quality, and responsive to community needs. Their strategic and adaptive mindset enables them to navigate complex funding landscapes, positioning their organization for long-term growth and resilience. Grounded in data-driven decision-making, they leverage technology to improve efficiency, inform strategy, and create new pathways for service delivery.
People-centered Leadership
With a strong commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and forward-thinking solutions, the COO fosters a mission-driven, people-centered culture where staff feel valued, supported, and connected to the organization’s purpose. They inspire employees by prioritizing coaching and leadership development, ensuring staff at all levels have the tools and guidance to grow and succeed. Through visible, engaged leadership, they build trust with active listening, open communication, and a consistent presence across programs and teams. By championing collaboration, well-being, and belonging, they create an engaged workforce that drives stronger program outcomes. Committed to shared leadership, they empower their teams as key fundraisers and relationship stewards, recognizing their essential role in positioning the organization as a best-in-class thought leader.
In addition, strong candidates will offer:
- Experience in Pennsylvania (strongly preferred), with additional experience in Delaware or Connecticut considered a plus.
- Program, advocacy or policy experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
At KenCrest we believe in investing in our team as much as we do those we support. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The compensation range for this position is $267,237 - $ 322,192. The final salary offered will reflect internal compensation equity policies and the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills, and qualifications.Kencrest offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and AD&D insurance; disability coverage; a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contributions; an employee assistance program (EAP); tuition reimbursement; and paid time off. For more information regarding benefits, please visit https://careers.kencrest.org/benefits/.
About KenCrest
At KenCrest, we believe in the power of inclusion, connection, and opportunity. Since 1905, we have been dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families, bringing “ability to life” through compassionate care and innovative programs. Today, we empower over 12,000 people annually to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and thrive.
Our success is driven by a community of more than 2,100 dedicated staff members and independent contractors, who bring our values to life with compassion and creativity, fostering spaces where dreams are realized, independence is celebrated, and potential has no limits.
For 120 years, KenCrest has led the way in supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential services, community engagement programs, early intervention, enabling technology, and Early Learning Centers. All of this is rooted in our mission: to support community development by exploring possibilities, mobilizing resources, and championing dreams.
To learn more about our programs and services, please visit https://www.kencrest.org/.
Our Culture
KenCrest is committed to equal opportunities for all, beginning with early intervention and extending through lifelong support. We are more than a leader in lifecare services—we are a community united by a shared mission. With a focus on innovation and strategic growth, we remain dedicated to fostering inclusive communities and advancing our impact. Our mission is driven by our why and we believe that everyone can be a leader at every level.
At KenCrest, our values guide every aspect of our work and include:
- Positive Approaches: Empowering individuals with dignity and respect.
- Reaching Higher: Pushing boundaries beyond the status quo
- Inclusion: Creating equitable access for all.
- Discovery: Embracing learning and new possibilities.
- Excellence in Leadership: Going beyond expectations to drive positive impact.
Our work is driven by a commitment to equity, sustainability, and empowerment—principles that shape our programs, guide our decisions, and ensure we deliver high-quality, person-centered support to those who need it most. Our core principles include:
- Social Responsibility: Advocating for equitable access and inclusive communities.
- Economic Accountability: Delivering high-quality, cost-effective services.
- Workforce Development: Investing in our teams and cultivating career pathways in human services.
We know that our impact is only possible when we champion equal opportunities for everyone—regardless of race, gender, nationality, identity, ability, or background. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond advocacy—it is part of our daily culture, ensuring that everyone we serve, and everyone who serves with us, thrives and lives an enriched life.
To learn more about life at Kencrest, visit https://careers.kencrest.org/our-culture/.