Ambulatory Surgery Center Administrator/DON

Clinical, Financial & Operational Leadership

Reports To:

Governing Board / Medical Director / Regional Vice President of Operations

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Location:

On-site, Ambulatory Surgery Center

Direct Reports:

Clinical Director/DON, Business Office Manager, and center support staff

POSITION SUMMARY

The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Administrator serves as the senior executive responsible for the overall management, direction, and performance of the surgery center. This role holds full oversight of clinical operations, financial performance, and day-to-day administrative functions, ensuring the center delivers high-quality, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant patient care. The Administrator partners with the Governing Board, Medical Director, physician owners/partners, and clinical leadership to advance the center's strategic, quality, and financial goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Oversight
• Ensure delivery of safe, high-quality patient care consistent with state and federal regulations, AAAHC/The Joint Commission/AAAASF accreditation standards, and CMS Conditions for Coverage.
• Partner with the Medical Director and Director of Nursing/Clinical Director to oversee clinical policies, procedures, staffing ratios, and infection control programs.
• Monitor quality assurance/performance improvement (QAPI) programs, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and risk management activities; report results to the Governing Board.
• Ensure appropriate credentialing, privileging, and peer review processes are maintained for all physicians and clinical staff.
• Lead preparation for and response to state health department surveys, accreditation surveys, and CMS/Medicare certification reviews.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, life safety, and environment-of-care programs.

Financial Oversight
• Develop and manage the center's annual operating and capital budgets in partnership with ownership/leadership; monitor performance against budget and implement corrective action as needed.
• Oversee revenue cycle functions including managed care contracting support, coding, billing, collections, and accounts receivable performance.
• Analyze case costing, supply utilization, payer mix, and case volume trends to identify opportunities to improve margin and productivity.
• Review and approve major purchasing, vendor, and service contract decisions; negotiate supply and equipment agreements.
• Prepare and present monthly/quarterly financial reports, dashboards, and business performance updates to the Governing Board and/or ownership group.
• Support distribution calculations, partner reporting, and financial audits as applicable to the center's ownership structure.

Operational Oversight
• Direct daily business operations of the center, including scheduling, registration, materials management, facilities, and support services.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and evaluate center staff and department leaders; foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and service excellence.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix to support case volume while managing labor costs.
• Serve as the primary liaison with physicians, physician offices, hospital partners, payers, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives, including service line growth, block scheduling optimization, and physician recruitment/retention strategies.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, corporate compliance, and all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee facility maintenance, equipment lifecycle planning, and capital improvement projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field required; Master's degree (MHA, MBA, MSN) preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, with at least 3 years in an ambulatory surgery center or comparable outpatient surgical setting.
• Current RN licensure a plus, though not required if clinical oversight is supported by a dedicated Clinical Director/DON.
• Demonstrated experience with ASC accreditation surveys, CMS Conditions for Coverage, and state licensure processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong working knowledge of ASC operations, revenue cycle management, and healthcare finance.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage physician relationships effectively.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including comfort presenting to boards and ownership groups.
• Proficiency with ASC/EHR practice management systems, scheduling systems, and Microsoft Office.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Primarily an on-site office and clinical facility environment. May require occasional evening or weekend availability for emergencies, board meetings, or case coverage. Some local travel may be required for physician, payer, or vendor meetings.