Senior Director Radiation Oncology Operations

The Department of Radiation Oncology (RO) is comprised of three Dana-Farber Departments; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) at 44 Binney Street (main campus), Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital, and Libbey Park (both in Weymouth). The departments have combined gross revenue more than $150M. The combined departments include more than 20 physicians and over 75 support staff.

Reporting to the Vice President of Radiation Oncology, the Senior Director of Radiation Oncology Operations serves as a key member of the leadership team, which includes working closely with the Chair of the Department and Chief of Physics. In this role, the Senior Director of Radiation Oncology Operations is responsible for leading and providing oversight in the following areas: radiation therapy operations, supervision of staff, technology review, facilities planning/management (including leading major capital projects), clinical research operations, population health, general process improvement, network development and implementing Department and Institute clinical initiatives. In addition, the Senior Director of Radiation Oncology Operations will support the building design for the Future Cancer Hospital and the collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Drawing on a broad understanding of hospital and department operations, policies and procedures, and displaying a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, the Senior Director will collaborate closely with Departmental and Institutional stakeholders across the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and South Shore Hospital. Due to the level of this position, the position also regularly communicates with, prepares materials for, receives direction from, and provides counsel to the Chair and VP and other departments and the Institute.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead in developing strategies and implementation plans to improve and standardize all aspects of clinical operations within the three Radiation Oncology Departments.
• Work with the Vice President of Radiation Oncology to establish and achieve long range goals for the Department of Radiation Oncology and ensures the implementation of strategic business plans that are aligned with the vision, strategic plans, and goals of the Institute.
• Ensure healthy and collaborative relationships among the faculty and staff within the Department of Radiation Oncology, and related departments.
• Develop effective, clear, and precise methods of communicating with the Vice President, and with departmental leaders, clinical faculty, and staff on a regular basis.
• Continuously assess and improve efficiency of clinical systems and processes within each area in collaboration with the Clinical Director.
• Partner with key stakeholders across Dana-Farber to create Radiation Oncology Operational Standards.
• Develop and launch new strategic initiatives, particularly in the areas of clinical strategy and operations.
• Lead, participate in, or oversee special projects as assigned by the Vice President.

Operations Management

• Partner closely with the Radiation Oncology physician on the planning and execution of clinical operational improvement initiatives or new programs.
• Work closely with IT to buildout a new instance of ARIA (the Radiation Oncology software platform used outside of EPIC).
• Provide senior-level oversight of the Radiation Oncology ambulatory operations.
• Oversee Radiation Oncology projects and collaborate with the Dana-Farber project management team to spearhead complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional initiatives to achieve strategic, operational, and financial objectives of the Department and Institute.
• In collaboration with the Radiation Oncology Director of Quality/Safety, direct the development and implementation of process improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient care and/or outcomes.
• Lead the review of any new technology, or new treatment technique, and the subsequent implementation ensuring they align with strategic goals and are implemented safely with proper training and education.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the changing health care environment and assess the market’s need for clinical services.  Monitor and evaluate the adequacy of existing clinical services (including staffing levels) and ensure the development of programs and services to respond to the market as directed. Develop, support, and manage programmatic initiatives for care improvement and cost reduction.
• Participate in designated committees and special projects within the Dana-Farber, representing the department of Radiation Oncology in various internal and external forums.            
• Lead regular meetings with clinical operations managers.
• Provide leadership in the implementation of regular staff meetings, in-service trainings, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and/or required.

Clinical Research Operations

• Oversee and maintain a clinical research structure that is adaptable and flexible to interact seamlessly with the clinical department.
• Work with internal and external research leaders in facilitating ongoing research projects and clinical trials in the department.
• Act as a liaison between clinical research and the clinical patient care team.
• Continuously assess and improve the efficiency of systems and processes.
• Lead regular meetings with clinical research staff.
• Work closely with Finance and Research Administration to ensure accurate billing of sponsored clinical trials.

Facilities and Space Management

• Participate in the design of the Future Cancer Hospital and identify space needs.
• Oversee the installation of linear accelerators, CT simulators, and other major equipment.
• Responsible for Service Contract management for all major equipment across all locations.
• Maintain good working relationships with Facilities and other departments, so that work can be accomplished in a timely manner.
• Play key leadership role in large renovation projects including developing agendas, minutes and workplans. Oversee space renovations, moves, and relocations throughout the Department.
• Proactively identify facilities-related issues that require action. Participate in and responds to various Executive Rounds.
• Communicate changes and updates in space and environment of care to department managers and staff, ensuring that work is conducted in a way that limits disruption to routine patient care operations.
• Manage emergencies (floods, fires, etc.), working to maintain operations and remediate as quickly as possible.

Financial Management

• Work closely with Finance for cost center fiscal management of all areas of responsibility.
• In partnership with the Vice President, prepare analysis and forecasting for introduction of new programs/services.
• Partner with Radiation Oncology Finance Team to prepare annual budget.
• Present and justify budget requests to the Vice President to ensure proper justification and/or data analysis is included as supporting documentation.
• Lead capital budget requests and operating initiatives.
• Examine, analyze, and interpret financial reports to explain any budget variances.

Human Resource Management

• Recruit and retain all staff within the area of responsibility.
• Create a working environment that supports the ongoing professional growth and development of all staff, ensuring high morale and optimal job satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary resource for all administrative issues concerning human resource policy issues for staff in the areas of responsibility.
• Facilitate resolution of conflicts and issues that emerge between key clinical and administrative stakeholder groups.
• Address conflict and issues between managers, supervisors, and employees within and across divisions and the Department. Consult with Human Resources to resolve disputes.
• Develop, implement, and monitor compliance with policies and procedures mandated by institutional regulatory entities (e.g., The Joint Commission, Department of Public Health, CMS, etc.)
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employment relationships, compensation and benefits are implemented in a manner consistent with Institute policies and procedures.
• Ensure appropriate training of employees. May be asked to write job descriptions, enter discussions with Human Resources to determine grades for new positions, annual rates of pay for new hires, increases for employees who are promoted and equity increases.  Monitor hiring trends to ensure market competitiveness. 

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• MBA, MHA, or equivalent degree required.
• 15 years hospital operations experience required; preferably in an academic medical center environment.
• Prior demonstrated leadership experience, preferably in a matrixed environment.
• Prior staff management experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Direct experience with patient relations, problem solving and conflict management.
• Experience in managing operations and designing strategy for radiation oncology.
• Skilled at management, including strategy development, prioritization, action planning, execution, and development of monitoring tools. 
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively at all levels of complex organization while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Excellent ability to work with senior organizational leadership and with staff across complex multi-entity organization.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with all members of the organization in ways that enhance understanding, respect, cooperation, and problem solving.
• Strong financial and analytical skill.
• Strength in management of a team, including development of a team culture, as well as individual professional development.
• Strong analytical skills and decision-making abilities.
• Must possess the ability to communicate with physician leadership and senior management and effectively facilitate committee work.
• Proven track record of maintaining the highest standards of performance, quality, credibility, and integrity.
• Must be able to maintain confidential information.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.  

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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