Director Patient Throughput

University of Maryland Medical System•Baltimore, MD

32d

About The Position

This newly created leadership role sits at the heart of our Medical Center's operational strategy - partnering with a triad of physician and nursing leadership to drive proactive, data-informed improvements in patient flow across the enterprise. The Director of Patient Throughput is responsible for overseeing and optimizing patient flow across all clinical and procedural areas. This role drives efficient care coordination, improved patient access, and a better overall experience by identifying and resolving barriers to flow. Working closely with executive and operational leaders, the Director develops data-driven strategies to reduce length of stay, improve capacity management, and support organizational goals.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Finance, Nursing, or related field.
Minimum of 7 years progressive experience in healthcare, quality management, or finance.
Minimum of 3 years of managerial experience in a hospital or healthcare system overseeing patient throughput, quality management, or a related field.
Strong data literacy - able to interpret length of stay, throughput, and capacity data to identify gaps and drive solutions
Proven ability to influence without authority and lead through change
Confident engaging physicians and executive leadership
Solution-oriented, innovative, and comfortable trying new approaches in complex environments
Experience with executive-level engagement and performance improvement initiatives
Advanced knowledge of healthcare management, administrative and operational principles, and best practices, including technology.
Advanced knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations that govern delivery of patient care (e.g., The Joint Commission, HIPPA, etc.).
Advanced knowledge of technology and systems used within operations.
Strong financial acumen.
Advanced skill in the management of staffing models and budgets for large and diverse departments.
Proven ability to synthesize complex data sets into clear, actionable insights and strategic plans.
Advanced leadership skills, including situational awareness, conflict resolution, establishing alignment and clear direction, and driving continuous improvement.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams efficiently, prioritizing tasks, optimizing workflows, and establishing a goal-driven environment with clear procedures and performance metrics.
Proven history in leading projects successfully through ideation, planning and execution.
Exhibit sound judgment and self-direction, operating confidently and constructively without the need for detailed guidance.
Proven ability to successfully motivate and inspire staff to high performance levels.
Advanced skill using innovative thinking to solve problems and facilitate the decision-making process.
Proven ability to influence key decision making across diverse functional areas including executive management.
Advanced skill developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with all levels of leadership and staff.
Advanced skill presenting findings, conclusions, alternatives and information clearly and concisely at all levels within the organization.
Advanced analytical, quantitative, strategic thinking, planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Advanced skill managing multiple initiatives and meeting changing requirements and priorities to accomplish objectives.
Advanced skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).
Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma certification.

Responsibilities

Oversee all admissions, discharges, and transfer operations to ensure timely, safe, and efficient care delivery
Lead and implement initiatives to address barriers to patient flow, including capacity constraints, staffing challenges, and process inefficiencies
Direct centralized patient flow functions including bed management, transfer center, transport coordination, and throughput command infrastructure
Serve as a key liaison between departments and faculty providers, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and accountability for patient flow performance
Partner with the Maryland Access Center (UMAC) to streamline access to care
Develop real-time capacity dashboards and predictive analytics in collaboration with the Office of Healthcare Analytics and Informatics
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including length of stay, admission-to-bed assignment time, and discharge efficiency
Present patient flow performance, trend analysis, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements across all patient flow initiatives
Manage budgets, position requests, and staffing models to drive operational efficiency
Build strategic partnerships with external stakeholders including post-acute facilities, payers, home care providers, and regional transfer networks
Lead special projects, develop work plans, assess resource needs, and drive successful execution and outcomes
Oversee staff development, training programs, and performance management in accordance with UMMS policies