Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the University of Cincinnati Physicians are launching a national search to fill the newly created position of Associate Dean for Operations and Chief Operations Officer.

The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (COM) is a leading institution known for its clinical excellence and innovative research. Situated near the university's uptown campus, it attracts healthcare professionals and patients from around the world. Recognized as a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institution, it ranks #42 among the best colleges and is among the top 25 medical schools for research according to U.S. News and World Report.

Central to the clinical mission is the University of Cincinnati Physicians, Inc. (UCP), led by CEO Michael Archdeacon, MD. UCP operates as the faculty practice plan for the College of Medicine, allowing clinical faculty and staff to practice within their specialties. This partnership supports the delivery of high-quality patient care and facilitates the integration of clinical services within the broader healthcare system.

The scope and scale of COM and UCP activities has made apparent the need for a strong operational executive to partner with Senior Associate Dean for Operations and Finance (COM) /Chief Administrative Officer (UCP) Neil Holsing and provide him the opportunity to focus on strategy and financial management. The new position, Associate Dean of Operations (COM)/Chief Operating Officer (UCP) will have responsibility for the operational management of the COM and UCP. Additionally, the AD, Operations/COO will oversee facilities and space, information systems, human resources, provider productivity, business plans, value-based initiatives, and UC Health operational interface, among other duties. Reporting to the AD, Operations/COO will be the Executive Director, Facilities & IT; Executive Director, Human Resources; and Sr. Data Analyst. This position reports to the Senior Associate Dean/CAO and will be expected to work closely with the CEO of UCP.

The ideal candidate will possess a demonstrated history of successive accomplishments in the overall improvement of operational, quality, and strategic performance of a large, integrated healthcare delivery system, preferably an academic medical center. He/she will be an operationally talented and innovative leader who has a proven capability of collaborating and working synergistically with various constituencies to affect the cultural and operational changes necessary to ensure a high-quality, patient centered, value-based healthcare delivery system. 

Essential Functions

• Operational Management: Oversee the operational functions of COM and UCP, ensuring effective and efficient processes are in place.
• Facilities & Space Allocations: Manage the allocation and optimization of physical spaces within the organization.
• Information Systems: Ensure the functionality and security of information systems that support operational activities.
• Websites: Oversee the management and content of organizational websites to enhance communication and accessibility.
• Human Resources: Oversee the human resource functions, including, 
  • Offer letters and employment agreements
  • Onboarding
  • Hiring and termination procedures
  • Ongoing performance evaluations and behavior assessments
  • Training and development initiatives for staff
• Effort Reporting: Ensure accurate reporting of employee efforts to meet compliance and operational standards.
• Provider Productivity: Analyze and report on provider productivity metrics to drive improvements.
• Business Plans: Develop and implement strategic business plans to support organizational objectives.
• Practice & Standards: Establish and uphold best practices and operational standards.
• Employee Lease Agreement: Manage employee lease agreements in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Operational Interface: Coordinate with UC Health for seamless operational integration across Ambulatory, OR, IP, and Service Lines.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Charge Capture: Oversee charge capture processes to maximize revenue.
• Payor Contracting: Assist in negotiating and managing payor contracts to enhance financial performance.
• Value-Based Initiatives: Support the implementation of value-based initiatives to improve care quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Contract Review: Review UCPC contracts to ensure alignment with operational objectives.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to long-term strategic planning efforts for the organization.
• Coordination with Administrators: Work closely with departmental administrators (EDBAs) to address operational issues related to COM, UCP, UCPC, and Ambulatory.
• Support SAD and O&F responsibilities as needed.

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree.

Required Experience

Twelve (12) years of relevant work experience.

Additional Qualifications Considered

The ideal candidate will possess at least six (6) years of progressive leadership experience as a proven operations administrator within a high performing, fast-paced complex and matrixed environment.

Additionally, the new AD, Operations/COO will possess many of the following qualities:

• Experience in an academic medical center.
• A “systems thinker” who demonstrates an understanding, innovative thinking, and an expertise with various operating entities of an integrated healthcare system including both ambulatory and inpatient operations.
• Proven ability to build positive, effective relationships and work from a position of influence with academic, clinical and physician leaders, as well as diverse management teams to set and execute performance goals.  
• Demonstrated ability to drive the implementation of strategic and annual operating plans that ensure people, systems, and processes are coordinated, integrated and aligned for optimal organizational performance.
• An excellent operational track record and understanding of the key levers within the management of a complex health care organization operating within the context of healthcare reform.
• Results driven individual with the ability to demonstrate strategic influence, lead organizational change, cultivate strategic relationships and engage and inspire stakeholders.
• Strong executive presence and political savvy including communication skills that enable them to appreciate other’s perspectives and offer compelling insights and recommendations.
• Displays collaborative, flexible, and adaptable leadership style.

Application Information

Priority Application Deadline: January 31, 2025.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment