Director of Operations, Clinical Care - TEMPE, AZ

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for operational excellence in healthcare?  Join us as the Director of Operations, Clinical Care (DOCC) and become an integral part of our journey towards redefining healthcare delivery.  Sonoran University is a dynamic hub of innovation, education, and community impact.  As a premier non-profit health sciences university, we are dedicated to training the next generation of naturopathic physicians, nutritionists, and mental health professionals while making a tangible difference in the lives of our patients and our community.   

In addition to offering the highest quality education to the next generation of health professionals, Sonoran University sees over 10,000 patient visits annually at our two clinics on our Tempe campus – the Sonoran University Medical Center and the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine.  Complementing both the academic and clinical offerings, Sonoran University also boasts a natural pharmacy (Medicinary), on-site laboratory, IV suite, and is home to the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research.  Sonoran University furthers its mission via the Sage Foundation, which funds the operations of several off-site community clinics that provide healthcare to the uninsured and underserved in the Phoenix metropolitan area.  As a seasoned operations leader, you will drive transformative changes in our clinics, ensuring seamless operations, unparalleled patient experiences, and sustainable growth. 

Summary: 

Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Operations, Clinical Care (DOCC) must be a proven successful clinic operations leader, a highly organized information analyst, advocate, and team leader.  This valuable team member is responsible for implementation and management of the Medical Center, Medical Center Laboratory, IV Suite, and Neil Riordan Center business operating procedures and regulations, ensuring evidence-based best practices are established and followed, assuring full compliance of all regulations regarding patient, employee, and student safety, engaging marketing efforts to increase patient volume and enhance brand positioning, and assuring established financial KPIs are achieved.  Alongside the Chief Medical Officer and the Associate Dean for Naturopathic Clinical Education, the DOCC will engage in continuous improvement efforts and establishing and supporting programs that drive community access to Sonoran’s healthcare services.  Reporting to the DOCC is the Sr. Practice Manager and her staff of Patient Service Representatives, Medical Assistants, and Lab Technicians.  

This position requires 100% onsite attendance. 

The Director of Operations, Clinical Care will: 

• • Spearhead strategic initiatives to optimize clinic operations driving revenue growth, cost containment and expense reduction, and enhanced patient access. 
  • Champion a culture of excellence and continuous improvement as a member of the Clinic Leadership Team, elevating clinical care, clinical education, and outcomes focused research. 
  • Implement innovative business practices across the Medical Center, Laboratory, IV Suite, Neil Riordan Center, and community clinics setting the gold standard for evidence-based outpatient clinical care. 
  • Forge meaningful community partnerships and referral networks; Support marketing campaigns to expand our reach, attract new patients, and reinforce Sonoran University's brand position of healthcare excellence. 
  • Build consumer confidence by ensuring transparent and consistent pricing, consistent quality of care, efficient and effective clinic operations, respectful humanistic service, the highest degree of professionalism, ease of patient scheduling and financial counseling, cleanliness, and work with the CMO and academic deans to ensure student and clinician competence. 
  • Monitor key financial performance indicators with a keen eye for opportunity, devising and executing plans to drive efficiency and profitability. 
  • Ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards (e.g., DHS, DEA, HIPAA, OSHA) and perform all necessary reviews, audits, education, and training affecting clinical operations/patient services. 
  • Cultivate a diverse and empowered workforce, providing mentorship, training, and growth opportunities for our dedicated team members. 
  • Coordinate with the Chief Financial Officer, insurance providers, and legal counsel regarding contractual negotiating efforts with health plan payors, managed care entities, third party administrators, and direct contracting opportunities. 
  • Establish and maintain appropriate staffing and budget to support operations, practitioners, clinical faculty, and student clinical education training schedules. 
    
    The successful candidate will have: 
    • 
      

      • -Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Healthcare Administration, Accounting with a healthcare emphasis, Nursing Management, or related healthcare/business discipline.  Master’s in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 

      • -A minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations, preferably in a multi-specialty group practice or medical center setting. 

      • -A track record of success in driving business development initiatives, process improvement strategies, and patient retention programs. 

      • -Strong analytical skills and proficiency in healthcare management software (EHR systems) and data analysis tools. 

      • -Excellent interpersonal skills with a desire to build collaborative relationships across departments and within the community. 

Working Environment     

Activities are generally performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.  Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to 25 pounds.  Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.  Communicate to perform essential functions. 

Workplace Values 

At Sonoran University, we support work-life balance as evidenced by our emphasis on wellness initiatives.  Additionally, our Vacation and Sick time off policies are highly competitive in the Higher Ed community. 

Background/Screening 

All candidates offered a position at Sonoran University undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire.  All employees must show documentation of required vaccinations including MMR, TB, Hepatitis B, as per Sonoran University and Medical Center policies, prior to the first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file).  Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position. 

Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce!  We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

Sonoran University is a Smoke-Free campus. 

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