Director,Ops/Strat Initiatives

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000

Position Summary

The Director of Operational & Strategic Initiatives will play a crucial role in supporting the Department of Anesthesiology's vision to become the best destination in the world among both trainees and faculty for excellence in clinical care, bold discovery, and outstanding training. The Director will work closely with the Department Administrator and departmental leaders to develop, implement, and monitor key operations and strategic initiatives aligned with the department's mission and goals. This role is critical in supporting the department's growth and maintaining a positive operating margin, while also ensuring cohesion across multiple care sites and supporting the educational and research missions.

Responsibilities

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  Strategic Planning and Implementation:
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with the Chair, Department Administrator, and other departmental leaders to develop and refine the department's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the overall mission, vision, and goals.
  • Under the direction of the Department Administrator, lead the implementation of strategic initiatives, including meeting timelines, assigning responsibilities as appropriate, and reporting on progress.
  • Conduct data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and share recommendations for adjustments as needed.
  • Work with all members of the department to build a collective vision for the future and strive to achieve it.
  
  
  
  
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  Clinical Operations and Efficiency:
  
  
  
  • In alignment with goals defined by the Chair, Executive Vice Chair and Department Administrator, support the expansion of the clinical and geographic footprint of the department, ensuring cohesion and efficiency across all sites.
  • Suggest data-driven strategies and develop implementation plans to optimize clinical operations, scheduling, and deployment of staff.
  
  
  
  
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  Research and Innovation:
  
  
  
  • In alignment with leadership, facilitate the growth of the department's research portfolio, build on existing strengths and add new programs.
  • Support the development of programs in perioperative implementation science, including the creation of a new research center.
  • Promote the department's commitment to discovery and leverage its strengths in multiple research areas.
  • Foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance the department's research agenda.
  • Work with the Chair and VP&S Development team to identify funding sources to support the research mission.
  
  
  
  
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  Education and Training:
  
  
  
  • Support the creation and implementation of innovative educational programs for trainees, advanced practice providers, and faculty.
  • Identify opportunities to support the education and professional development of nurse anesthetists and anesthesia technicians.
  • Work with the Chair and VP&S Development team to identify funding sources to support the education mission.
  
  
  
  
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  Workforce and Talent:
  
  
  
  • Contribute to the development of a positive and supportive work environment that promotes engagement, transparency, and respect for all team members.
  • Support the recruitment and retention of talented faculty and staff with broad skill sets and relevant experience, focusing on a sense of belonging and shared strategic planning.
  • Implement initiatives to improve job satisfaction and work-life integration, addressing potential burnout and actively promoting wellness.
  
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

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  • Bachelor's degree required or equivalent in education and experience. Master's degree preferred in healthcare administration, business administration, public health, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in strategic planning and implementation, preferably in an academic healthcare setting.
  • Strong understanding of healthcare operations, clinical management, and research processes.
  • Proven ability to analyze complex data and develop data-driven strategies.
  • Experience with process improvement methodologies.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of implementation science principles is desirable.
  • Familiarity with the field of anesthesiology is a plus.
  
  
  
  

  Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

  
  
  
  
  • Strategic thinking
  • Project management
  • Data analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication (written and verbal)
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Process improvement
  • Financial management
  
  
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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