OverviewThe Senior Director of Radiation Oncology provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for one of the nation's premier academic radiation oncology programs within Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. Reporting within the clinical operations leadership structure, this executive leader is responsible for the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered radiation oncology services across a growing multi-site network, including the flagship academic medical center, community locations, and future expansion sites.
The Senior Director will provide leadership for approximately 150 faculty and staff members across multiple disciplines and locations, with anticipated workforce growth as services continue to expand. This leader will oversee radiation therapy, nursing, dosimetry, patient access and scheduling, billing and revenue cycle functions, and administrative operations through a team of direct leaders and supervisors.
This position plays a critical role in advancing the institute's mission through innovative program development, operational excellence, and strategic growth. The successful candidate will be an experienced healthcare leader who thrives in complex academic environments and demonstrates expertise in fostering collaboration across clinical care, research, and education. Working within a triad leadership model, the Senior Director will partner closely with physician and administrative leaders to drive integration, improve patient access and experience, optimize clinical operations, and support continued expansion of world-class cancer care services across the region.
Our Ideal CandidateThe successful candidate will bring a proven track record of leading large, complex oncology or radiation oncology operations and will be recognized for:
- Navigating highly matrixed healthcare systems and successfully facilitating collaboration across departments, disciplines, and stakeholders.
- Leading through growth, innovation, and organizational transformation.
- Experience operating within a triad leadership model in partnership with physician and clinical leaders.
- Building strong partnerships that integrate clinical operations, research, and educational missions within an academic health system.
- Driving operational excellence, patient access, quality outcomes, and workforce engagement.
- Leading diverse teams through expansion initiatives, technology implementation, and process improvement efforts.
- Creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. As a member of a nationally recognized cancer program and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) member institution, the Senior Director will lead operations across a technologically advanced radiation oncology enterprise that currently includes seven linear accelerators, a proton therapy center, a dedicated brachytherapy suite, and treatment programs serving nearly 200 patients daily. The department is experiencing significant growth, with planned expansion that includes two additional linear accelerators and an additional proton treatment vault.
ResponsibilitiesEssential FunctionsJob Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities- Reports to the Executive Director of Huntsman Cancer Hospital, and engages in, supports, and develops strategic initiatives within the cancer hospital, Vineyard, and its satellite and affiliate locations.
- Oversees management-level leadership supporting all treatment modalities and department based clinical, business and technical support areas within Radiation Oncology.
- Organizes, leads, and inspires all individuals within and associated with Radiation Oncology.
- Builds and leads effective teams that drive an environment of safety and continuous improvement.
- Acts as a liaison for clinical and operational leadership between the School of Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, University of Utah Health and affiliated partners.
- Contributes as a key member of the Cancer Hospital and the Department of Radiation Oncology leadership teams and other committees, groups and teams.
- Understands and works effectively in the complex, highly matrixed clinical, research and academic setting.
- Proactively engages with internal and external clinical, research and business partners to achieve goals and organizational strategic objectives.
- Forms positive associations with staff, peers, physicians, advanced practice providers, and senior leadership to support the mission, vision, values, and performance standards of the organization.
- Translates strategy into clear, concise and actionable initiatives and action plans.
- Develops and maintains market-specific strategies consistent with evolving methodologies and technologies.
- Analyzes data to identify and recommend new processes, procedures and improvements within the business operation.
Talent Management- Responsible for supporting our employees with dignity and respect.
- Responsible for hiring, training, developing, retaining and communicating with staff.
Financial Management- Develops and maintains a value based strategy consistent with return on investment across multiple business lines.
- Participates in the development of new business, reimbursement models, and ensures contracts meet legal, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
- Responsible for developing, monitoring and achieving budgetary goals.
- Manages labor and non-labor budgets to maximize potential revenue.
- Responsible for revenue stabilization and enhancing initiatives.
Exceptional Patient Experience/Service- Promotes and engages in all initiatives in support of creating the Exceptional Patient Experience.
- Responsible for patient satisfaction scores within the Radiation Oncology.
- Responsible for upholding the PROMISE standards in all internal and external interactions.
Quality- Directs and promotes continuous process improvements across multiple geographical locations.
- Ensures that all guidelines for DNV and all regulatory agencies are understood and adhered to.
- Identifies and recommends strategies to streamline and improve operational efficiencies.
Performance Management- Responsible to provide leadership focused on meeting the operational goals and objectives for all assigned projects.
- Responsible to manage and resolve any business and/or professional conflicts in a proactive manner and to reach resolutions in a timely manner.
- Provides feedback on performance, including on-time appraisals and coaching, when appropriate.
Relationships and Engagement- Actively engages staff, leaders and physicians with updates and news as well as involving these individuals in decision making and work teams.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities- Demonstrated leadership, human relations, and effective communication skills.
- Knowledge of hospital business operations and demonstrated strategic planning skills.
- Knowledge of budgeting practices, reporting analysis, and forecasting.
- Working knowledge and productive experience with information technology, electronic medical records and scheduling, automated billing and coding process, and other software platforms supporting quality monitoring, safety and efficiency management.
- Ability to translate strategy into clear, concise and actionable initiatives and action plans.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in a business or clinical-oriented area.
- Seven (7) years of progressively more responsible leadership experience in a healthcare setting.
Qualifications (Preferred)Preferred- Master's degree in Business Administration, Health Care Administration, or a related area.
- Clinical experience within Oncology, preferably in Radiation Oncology
- Leadership experience within Oncology, preferably in Radiation Oncology
- Leadership experience in the academic healthcare setting.
Working Conditions and Physical DemandsEmployee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
- This is a sedentary position that may exert up to 10 pounds and may lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position involves sitting most of the time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Physical RequirementsListening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Sitting, Speaking, Standing
