Job DescriptionThe Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operational oversight of all clinical and administrative functions across the health center. This leader serves as a key partner to executive leadership in identifying operational challenges, improving workflows, maximizing patient access, enhancing the patient experience, and ensuring organizational performance aligns with FQHC, HRSA, and value-based care requirements.
The Director of Operations consistently identifies operational challenges before they impact performance, develops practical solutions, drives accountability across departments, and ensures the health center achieves excellence in access, quality, compliance, patient experience, and financial stewardship.
The Director of Operations is highly analytical, proactive, and able to quickly identify operational inefficiencies across clinical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, patient access, revenue cycle, and support services. This individual must be capable of developing and implementing scalable solutions while fostering accountability and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
Strategic Operations- Develop and execute operational strategies that support organizational goals and growth initiatives.
- Analyze operational, financial, clinical, and patient access data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Lead process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership regarding operational performance and resource allocation.
- Develop action plans to address operational barriers impacting quality, access, productivity, and patient satisfaction.
Workflow Optimization- Routinely assess workflows across clinical and administrative departments.
- Rapidly identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and compliance risks.
- Design and implement solutions that improve throughput, patient flow, and staff efficiency.
- Conduct site visits and operational audits to ensure consistency across locations.
- Partner with department leaders to standardize best practices and reduce variation.
Clinical Operations Support- Collaborate with Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health, Nursing, and Pharmacy leadership.
- Monitor provider productivity and clinic utilization.
- Optimize appointment templates and scheduling practices.
- Improve cycle times, room utilization, and patient throughput.
- Support implementation of new service lines and operational initiatives.
Administrative Operations- Oversee patient access functions including registration, scheduling, referrals, and call center performance.
- Collaborate with revenue cycle leadership to improve financial outcomes.
- Monitor staffing models and operational efficiency metrics.
- Ensure operational readiness for HRSA operational site visits and audits.
Compliance and Quality- Ensure compliance with HRSA Health Center Program requirements.
- Support UDS reporting initiatives and performance improvement plans.
- Collaborate with Quality teams to improve clinical quality measures and patient outcomes.
- Monitor adherence to organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
Leadership- Develop, coach, and mentor operational leaders and managers.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer service.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams and cross-functional projects.
- Establish clear expectations and performance goals.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field.
- Master's degree preferred (MHA, MBA, MPH).
- Minimum 5 years of healthcare operations leadership experience.
- Minimum 3 years of multi-site healthcare management experience preferred.
- Experience in an FQHC, community health center, ambulatory care, or integrated healthcare environment strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of HRSA regulations, UDS reporting, value-based care, and healthcare operations.
- Demonstrated success leading operational improvement initiatives.
