• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000

Position Summary

The Department of Medicine at the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University is seeking a Director of Operations to join our team in a full-time position. We are committed to innovation and excellence in clinical medicine, education, research, community health, global health, and the development of our faculty and staff.

The Director of Operations is a key member of the department's senior executive management team, responsible for maintaining and driving operational results within the Department of Medicine. This role will report to and work closely with the Department Administrator/COO, as well as other senior leadership team members including the Departmental Chair, Vice Chairs, and Division Chiefs, to provide operational leadership and strategic vision to the department. The Director will assist the DA/COO in ensuring an efficient, high-functioning infrastructure to support the Department's clinical, educational, and research missions.

The Director of Operations will ensure oversight of all clinical operations and ambulatory services related to medicine. In conjunction with divisional leadership, this role is responsible for planning and executing special projects related to program operations to ensure the achievement of strategic, operating, financial, and customer service goals.

Special project scope can include departmental initiatives aimed at improving clinical operations, practice design and patient flow, resource use redesign, patient access, and customer service in all areas of the Department, as well as other special projects as assigned. The Department has many practices that encompass multiple specialties associated with CUMC, as well as outside practice locations working across all divisions and specialties.

This position is accountable for assessing, planning, developing, implementing, and executing strategies and tactics of clinical practices to achieve clinical superiority, quality performance, optimal financial performance, cost efficiency, business growth, and market leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage administrative activities for various programs as necessary for the department.
• Serve as a liaison between the Department Administrator, Division Chiefs, and other clinical VP&S departments as appropriate.
• In conjunction with the Chair and Department Administrator, develop and implement strategic plans for the recruitment of faculty in areas targeted for growth jointly with the hospital.
• Support faculty and staff within the clinical mission to meet goals and ensure operational excellence.
• Serve as a liaison between the department and FPO (Faculty Practice Organization) administration.
• In conjunction with the Department Administrator, oversee all staff development and training programs in the Department. Promote an environment conducive to shared learning.
• Assure compliance with regulatory mandates of the New York State Department of Health, New York City Department of Health, and Rules and Regulations and Bylaws of Medical Staff and corporate compliance officer.
• Actively participate in, lead, and support multidisciplinary clinical initiatives and related programs across the department, including, but not limited to, patient satisfaction, patient safety, and quality and outcomes measures.
• Develop and process changes required to comply with new or changing regulations. Develop and approve effective complaint procedures.
• Serve as resource/partner for clinical faculty related to development and tracking of strategic metrics and identification and implementation of operations enhancements/programs.
• Drive department results from both an operational and financial perspective, working closely with the DA/COO, Department Chair, and other key senior team members.
• Assist and participate in the formulation of strategic plans for the department; create administrative plans that support the overall goals of the department; coordinate strategic planning processes.
• Collaborate with the DA/COO and Directors & Divisional Leadership to create, implement, and roll out plans for operational processes, internal infrastructures, and reporting systems to foster growth, profitability, and efficiencies.
• Meet with Division heads to stay up to date on clinical operations and, in collaboration with the DA/COO, strategize best practices and workflow for daily healthcare operations.
• Participate in development of business plans for new and proposed programs; implement marketing plans and work with Divisional Leadership to ensure plans are actualized and effective upon implementation.
• Assist with managing the department's finance and accounting practices, as well as its financial relationships with the Medical School, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYP), and other affiliations.
• Develop strategies to ensure optimization of funding and financial support for professional activities.
• Develop strategies for cost containment and maximization of revenues.
• Support annual budget preparation and ongoing monitoring of clinical P&Ls.
• In partnership with the Faculty Practice Organization and DA/COO, manage the clinical operations of the Department, including the faculty practice plan & various Managed Services Agreement contracts throughout the divisions.
• Establish and distribute metrics used to gauge patient access, utilization, and throughput across practice sites and divisions.
• Supervise site, practice, and operational managers to ensure strong fiscal accountability and the highest level of patient care is delivered to our patients and families.
• Responsible for annual budget preparation of ambulatory clinical sites.
• Act as a resource person for divisional leadership in operational matters.
• Oversee special projects and strategize on long-term space planning throughout the Department.
• Create and assist in the implementation of new practice locations and business initiatives.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus at least five years of related experience.
• Master’s degree would substitute in part for experience
• Proven experience in managing complex clinical operations, including ambulatory services, patient access, and practice management.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management (including budget preparation and P&L oversight), and business development within a healthcare setting.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and quality improvement initiatives in healthcare.
• Prior experience in a leadership role, including supervising and developing staff.
• Exceptional communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and healthcare-specific software/systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, public health, or a related field.
• Leadership experience with 5-10 years in program/academic leadership, financial, administrative, and sponsored projects management in an academic medical center.
• Proficiency in financial management principles and healthcare financial systems.
• Strong understanding of healthcare regulations, compliance, and quality metrics.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.