Job Description

Job Function Summary:

Involves strategic planning, organization, and general management for population health, delivery system reform / innovation and accountable care. Assures proactive response to local, state and national initiatives and supports the development of a highly reliable care delivery system. Works with medical staff, department chairs, and medical center leadership in developing and implementing delivery system reforms.

Custom Scope:

The Assistant Clinical Director (ACD) is a highly visible and influential leadership role within the Office of Population Health (OPH) at UCSF Health. As a key member of a dynamic and mission-driven leadership team, this individual brings a strong leadership presence, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence in advancing innovative models of care.

This role provides comprehensive operational oversight for the following disciplines: Nursing Supervisors/Managers, Registered Nurses, Advance Nurse Specialists, other Nursing positions, along with other disciplines across a diverse and growing portfolio of programs, with a focus on Complex Care Management, Transitions, and other Care Coordination Programs for both Adults and Pediatrics. In addition, the ACD shares accountability for OPH Community Events and provides joint leadership for the OPH Pharmacy Program (e.g., Vaccines for Children and community-based vaccine initiatives). The portfolio may continue to expand in alignment with OPH and UCSF Health strategic priorities.

The ACD delivers strategic, operational, and administrative leadership across multiple population health initiatives. This leader is responsible for translating vision into execution-developing actionable plans, optimizing performance, and achieving measurable outcomes that advance equitable, high-quality care.

Core areas of accountability include financial stewardship, workforce leadership, regulatory compliance, and the design and implementation of standardized, scalable processes. The ACD fosters a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement while building strong partnerships across clinical, administrative, and community stakeholders to support UCSF Health's mission and improve outcomes for diverse populations.

Reporting to the Vice President of Population Health, the ACD plays a critical role in shaping and advancing UCSF Health's population health strategy. This individual collaborates closely with senior leaders-including the Chief Population Health Officer, Medical Directors, and key internal and external partners-to drive program innovation, operational excellence, quality and safety, and strategic growth.

This is an on-site leadership position requiring a five-day-per-week presence, with flexibility to work across UCSF Health locations (East and West Bay).

Responsibilities

% of timeEssential Function (Yes/No)Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)20Yes
Program Development & Implementation

1. Lead the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), care pathways, and workflows
2. Design and execute implementation plans in collaboration with stakeholders
3. Apply performance improvement methodologies (e.g., PDSA cycles) to drive innovation and continuous improvement
4. Develop tools, training, and resources to support program success

15Yes
Leadership & Operations

1. Provide operational leadership across assigned programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and performance goals.
2. Lead program planning and execution to achieve annual goals, productivity targets, and growth objectives.
3. Partner with Medical Directors and leadership to address operational challenges and implement improvements.
4. Foster a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations, motivating teams, and supporting individual professional development.
5. Represent UCSF Health in internal and external meetings, collaboratives, and community engagements.
6. Ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.

15Yes
Financial & Resource Management

1. Participate in the development and management of program budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
2. Ensure efficient resource utilization and long-term program sustainability.
3. Establish appropriate reporting structures and accountability mechanisms across initiatives.

15Yes
People Leadership & Human Resources

1. Oversee all aspects of workforce management, including hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management
2. Ensure compliance with HR policies, labor laws, and union requirements
3. Promote staff engagement, development, and retention through coaching and mentorship
4. Address employee relations issues and facilitate effective conflict resolution

15Yes
Quality, Evaluation & Performance Improvement

1. Establish and monitor key performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness
2. Lead data-driven decision-making and continuous evaluation of program outcomes
3. Identify opportunities for improvement and implement evidence-based interventions

Assess risks and benefits of program changes to ensure achievement of targets and high-quality care delivery
15Yes
Partnerships, Communication & Reporting

1. Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal departments, providers, and community-based organizations
2. Collaborate to address barriers to care, improve access, and reduce health disparities
3. Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and updates to internal and external stakeholders
4. Participate in local, state, and national collaboratives to advance population health initiatives

5YesOther duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Requires five or more years of managerial or leadership experience in a hospital, clinic, or care management setting.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, assign, and delegate work, and effectively. Should have prior experience in the nursing leadership in a ambulatory, inpatient, public health or care.
• Ability to motivate, influence and persuade others. Proven conflict resolution skills. Ability to maintain a climate of teamwork, collaboration and trust.
• Ability to work effectively with senior management on operational and performance issues (e.g. developing goals, policies, strategies, programs and systems to improve operational results).
• Strong skills in written, verbal, and interpersonal communications.
• Ability to deal with sensitive and / or confidential issues, exercising discretion and tact.
• Strong clinical practice management skills and experience.
• Ability to effectively work with multiple professions and with medical care providers in particularly.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of budget development and management.
• Knowledge of health care delivery as well as principles, concepts, best practices, policies and processes, central to Population Health and Accountable Care operations.
• Knowledge of provider and hospital billing practices and/or ICD-10 coding.
• Proficient in all software applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and database applications.
• Analytical and critical thinking ability to analyze complex problems and formulate solutions.
• Master's Degree

Licenses/Certifications:

• Registered Nurse in the State of CA
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
• Current AHA Basic Life Support

About the Team

The UCSF OPH (Office of Population Health) Clinical Programs department is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing health equity through the development, implementation, and management of innovative clinical programs. By leveraging data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices, the department supports UCSF-s mission of providing high-quality, patient-centered care while addressing the needs of diverse populations in both local and global contexts. The OPH Clinical Programs team specializes in designing initiatives that enhance care coordination, preventive health services, and chronic disease management. Through collaboration with clinicians, researchers, and community stakeholders, the department develops tailored programs that aim to reduce disparities, improve access to care, and optimize health outcomes for underserved and high-risk populations. A key focus of the department is harnessing technology and analytics to inform program design and evaluate impact. By utilizing advanced tools such as population health dashboards, predictive analytics, and electronic health records (EHRs), the team ensures real-time insights drive continuous improvement and effective decision-making. Additionally, the department integrates innovative approaches, such as telehealth and digital health solutions, to expand access and enhance care delivery. The OPH Clinical Programs department emphasizes partnerships and collaboration, working closely with UCSF-s clinical teams, community organizations, and public health agencies to align initiatives with institutional goals and community needs. The department also prioritizes compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring all programs are ethically sound, secure, and aligned with best practices. Through its commitment to innovation and collaboration, the UCSF OPH Clinical Programs department plays a vital role in advancing UCSF-s mission to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and create healthier communities both locally and globally.