The Institute for Child Health Policy (ICHP) is seeking an Associate Director of Health Care Administration for its External Quality Review Organization (EQRO) and other state and federally funded healthcare quality improvement, quality assurance, and evaluation programs.

Working closely with the Director, this senior leadership position provides strategic direction and oversight for a healthcare quality portfolio exceeding $100 million, ensuring the successful implementation of organizational priorities, contractual obligations and strategic initiatives.

As a member of the leadership team, the Associate Director leads healthcare operations, strategic planning, workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and continuous process improvement efforts. The position requires exceptional leadership, independent judgment, and strong relationship management skills to oversee complex healthcare programs, drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory and contractual compliance, and foster collaboration among University leadership, faculty, staff, sponsors, and external partners.

Duties:

Healthcare Administration Operations and Strategic Leadership: Provides strategic leadership, operational direction, and administrative oversight for complex state and federally funded healthcare quality improvement, quality assurance, and evaluation programs supporting state Medicaid and CHIP populations. Establishes operational priorities and implements strategies that advance organizational objectives while ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and applicable state and federal regulations. Serves as a strategic partner to the Director in organizational and operational planning, and financial stewardship, workforce planning, and implementation of organizational priorities. Oversees budget planning, expense monitoring, and contract obligations to ensure responsible stewardship of resources. Implements guidelines, policies, and procedures in all the above areas.

Workforce Development and Organizational Effectiveness: Fosters a collaborative and high-performing work environment that supports employee engagement, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the department. Assesses workforce needs, establishes staffing priorities, and aligns personnel resources with programmatic objectives, contractual requirements, and organizational goals. Supports initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, employee engagement, communication, collaboration, workforce effectiveness, and continuous improvement. Provides leadership, supervision, and mentorship for project management staff. Establishes performance expectations and measurable goals, provides ongoing guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to support employee performance, accountability, and professional growth. Collaborates with leadership and Human Resources personnel to support recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning efforts. Leads recruitment and hiring activities, including development of position descriptions, coordination of search processes, and onboarding activities. Provides organizational leadership, consultation, and mentorship to staff across functional areas, including employees outside of direct supervisory responsibility.  

Strategic Operations and Stakeholder Engagement: Provides strategic leadership for cross-functional operational initiatives that improve organizational performance, strengthen administrative effectiveness, optimize business processes, and support successful execution of healthcare quality improvement and quality assurance programs. Builds collaborative partnerships with University leadership, administrative offices, faculty, state and federal agencies, contractors, and external stakeholders to advance organizational priorities, resolve complex operational issues, and ensure successful program implementation. Develops operational reports, presentations, and executive communications to support organizational decision-making, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Identifies opportunities for process improvement, operational efficiencies, and innovation to strengthen program performance and organizational effectiveness. Identifies opportunities to improve organizational performance, expand program capabilities, and support long-term strategic growth.

Regulatory Compliance and Project Oversight: Supports the Director in ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, sponsor requirements, contractual obligations, and University policies governing healthcare programs. Oversees the development and maintenance of DUAs, BAAs, RFPs, IRB submissions (when applicable) and other regulatory and contractual documentation. Develops and implements and continuously improves organizational policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures. Oversees processes for monitoring project milestones, deliverable submissions, approvals, and corrective actions to ensure contractual and regulatory compliance.

Other Duties as Assigned: Performs other duties as assigned by the Director.

Ten years of experience in administration roles in an academic research setting. Experience working on a variety of research studies and experience with research administration. Master’s degree in Public Health or Health Administration preferred. Computer competence with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of the University of Florida, State and Federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to extramural grant and research contracts. A comprehensive knowledge of the College of Medicine administration procedures and practices. Knowledge of UF financial systems: Concur –UFGO, MyUFMarketPlace, and myUFL.