Executive Director, Dermatology

Mass General Brigham•Somerville, MA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham (MGB) is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community by leading innovation across our system. Founded by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, MGB supports a complete continuum of care including two academic medical centers, community and specialty hospitals, a managed care organization, a physician network, community health centers, home care and other health-related entities. The Executive Director of Dermatology (ED) is the lead department administrator for the Department of Dermatology (Department) for Mass General Brigham’s Academic Medical Centers (AMCs): Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital (BWFH), Brigham and Women’s ambulatory sites, and Brigham and Women’s Physicians Organization (BWPO), Mass General Hospital (MGH), Mass General ambulatory sites, and the Mass General Physicians Organization (MGPO). The Executive Director will serve as one of the principal architects of a unified Department of Dermatology across the AMCs. In doing so, the ED will work with the Chair and SVP to develop and execute upon a multi-year plan to horizontally integrate most activities and structures that are presently distinct across the two premier departments of dermatology. This will require not only strategic acumen and interpersonal sensitivity during a time of significant change, but also the development of a strong, integrated administrative leadership team that can simultaneously support ongoing integration efforts and the day-to-day operations of a large department with broadly distributed people, ensuring the continued successful day-to-day functioning of the clinical, education, research, and community-serving activities. The Department of Dermatology will likely be the largest in the country when fully integrated – and supports a balanced portfolio of clinical services, research, and education. The Department is a Harvard Medical School (HMS)-affiliated academic department with ~125 faculty members, 37 trainees in accredited programs, ~$25 million in annual total direct research expenditures, and annual net operating revenue of ~110 million dollars across both the hospital and physician organizations. Reporting jointly to the SVP and to the Chair of Dermatology, the ED is ultimately accountable for the overall administrative and strategic leadership, operating results, and cost center financial performance of the applicable areas, and serves as an institutional leader across both the physicians organizations and the hospitals. The administrative leadership team within the Department report directly to the ED. The ED partners closely with administrative and faculty leaders within the Department, as well as leaders across MGH, BWH/BWFH, MGPO, BWPO, and MGB. The ED will have accountability for managing the resources of the Department, to meet the AMC-wide expectations of performance, MGB integration, and optimization. Due to the senior level of this position, the ED also regularly communicates with, prepares materials for, receives direction from, and provides counsel to the Chief Operating Officer and other executive leaders. The scope of this senior management role spans the AMC entities.

Requirements

10+ years of experience as a leader within an academic medical center.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Demonstrated track record of successfully leading teams.
Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and a high degree of social facility in obtaining cooperation and support from a broad range of people are required. A demonstrated ability to interact with all members of the organization in ways that enhance understanding, respect, cooperation, and problem solving is essential.
Results-driven approach with experience/ability to achieve results in a metrics based analytical environment. The ability to work independently and accurately and concisely disseminate information in both written and verbal formats is required. The ability to independently resolve quickly most problems encountered is essential.
Outstanding organizational skills are necessary to manage many competing timetables and responsibilities and deadline pressures. The ability to delegate, effectively supervise, and plan for the timely and successful completion of short- and long-term objectives is essential. The responsibilities of this position require detailed, concentrated effort and constant re-establishment of priorities as well as complex and sensitive decision-making.
Able to work effectively within a matrixed-based organizational structure
Budget management, data and analytics market knowledge, knowledge and analytical skills to support health care delivery and hospital operations, ability to understand and integrate system budget challenges into proposed annual budgets
A self-starter who can develop roadmaps, frameworks and plans in an area with minimal precedent. A successful track record of front-line management and the ability to provide support, direction, and development counsel to staff is required.
Interpersonal, presentation and organizational skills and professional demeanor; Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, and judgment regarding confidential matters are essential. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary to communicate effectively with a large and diverse constituency, including the Chair, senior Department leaders, hospital and PO leaders and administrative staff, faculty at all levels, trainees and staff, representatives of other hospital offices, collaborating institution officials, granting agencies (NIH, industry and foundations), potential donors, representatives, and vendors. A good command of English language, including medical and scientific terminology, is critical.
Proven ability to develop and implement programs
Proven ability to successfully manage highly complex projects
Creativity in exploring and adapting new “measure to improve” and decision support approaches
Understand and executes effectively amongst the complexities of an academic medical environment, and the broader enterprise. The ability to work collaboratively with chairs, chiefs, senior executives, physicians, service line administrators, operations management, and other employees in a complex matrix organization.
Demonstrated judgement in managing sensitive issues and knowledge of when to escalate problems
Takes personal responsibility in development a team and is passionate about a happy, highly functioning team with the most acceptable level of talent and performance for the responsibilities of the department
Excellent interpersonal, oral communication skills. Possess a leadership style that is open and transparent and an exceptional capacity to build strong relationships. Manages conflict and achieves resolution effectively
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively. Flexibility to work independently and to handle multiple tasks with project deadlines. A tenacious, can-do personality that works to correct mistakes and get things done as efficiently as possible, often utilizing resources across services.
Competency in the latest digital capability to support decision support tools and environments (e.g., command center)
Embraces values to govern decisions, actions and behaviors. These values guide how we get our work done: Patients, Affordability, Accountability & Service Commitment, Decisiveness, Innovation & Thoughtful Risk; and how we treat each other: Diversity & Inclusion, Integrity & Respect, Learning, Continuous Improvement & Personal Growth, Teamwork & Collaboration

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in related field strongly preferred.
Experience working in a highly matrixed organization / environment preferred; healthcare industry experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

In partnership with the Chair and the SVP, determines the overall vision, mission, direction, goals, and objectives of the department and the hospitals’ applicable medical services. The ED will have specific responsibility for work required over the next several years to accomplish the goal of integrating the Department, including, but not limited to, work in the areas of analytics, communication, human resources, finances, operations, and compensation.
Identifies, evaluates, and recommends new business ventures, affiliations, and partnerships consistent with the strategic business plans and the growth and market objectives of the department, the hospitals, and the MGB system. Works with departmental and hospital leadership and the Office of General Counsel to prepare the necessary business plans and documentation. Manages the renewal of any such arrangements.
Ensures healthy and collaborative administrative relationships within the department, the hospitals, and MGB system. The ED acts in the best interest of the AMC-wide and MGB system outcomes, above and beyond individual interests of the department, hospitals, etc.
Develops and implements policies and procedures consonant with the hospitals’ policies in the areas of clinical practice management, research management, and teaching/training. Interacts extensively with the Chair and the SVP to assess administrative and financial needs and to revise policies and procedures to meet changing needs.
Continuously assesses and improves the efficiency of systems and processes, and overall expense management. Works with hospital leadership to evaluate and monitor performance of the AMCs to support the delivery of services and the operational goals of cost containment, quality enhancement, developing a culture of safety, and patient experience.
Develops effective, clear, and precise methods of communicating with the Chair, the SVP, and with hospital and physician leaders, clinical faculty, and staff on a regular basis. Keeps current regarding trends and developments in the health care field, particularly when they pertain to strategic planning, analytic and decision support tools, financial trends, evolving technologies and programs. Serves as a representative of the organization if/as requested.
Under the direction of the Chair and SVP, and in partnership with hospital clinical leadership and the Department clinical vice chairs, oversees, or partners with hospital leaders in the overall leadership of, the department’s ambulatory clinics, inpatient services, procedural services, and consultative services across MGB AMC and community hospitals. Reviews the ongoing management of applicable medical services, discusses and resolves any administrative problems that arise, and directs the planning of improvements in existing clinical services.
In collaboration with interdisciplinary hospital, physician, and nursing leaders, oversees and/or supports the development and implementation of process improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient safety and compliance across the continuum of care. In conjunction with the BWPO, MGPO, BWH/BWFH, and MGH, and in coordination with the CBPO, oversees applicable billing services: Ensures that “front-end” procedures are coordinated and all services provided are monitored and tracked to ensure capture and timely submission for all services provided. Oversee activities of billing services to ensure timely/maximized collections. Works with MGB Compliance to ensure billing compliance. Reviews billing analyses and reporting; prepares financial projections and monitors performance relative to projections. Serves as principal liaison for relevant services to BWH/BWFH/BWPO/MGH/MGPO, and MGB Compliance Office. Participates in compliance initiatives and takes appropriate action on audits to ensure compliance with internal standards as well as state and federal guidelines.
In collaboration with the Chair and SVP and other leadership, leads the evaluation, development, and implementation of strategies for the growth, management, and integration of clinical services throughout Department and across hospital, system, and network service settings. Assures compliance with BWH, MGH, TJC, OSHA, DPH and state and federal regulations. Partners with clinical and administrative leaders to identify, prioritize, implement, and monitor progress of information system enhancements and upgrades, as well as new system introductions.
Under the direction of the Chair and SVP, and in partnership with hospital and departmental research leadership and the research vice chair, leads and maintains the Department’s research administration infrastructure, including management responsibility for research administrators who oversee ~120 grant managers, lab and research staff, and non-accredited trainees across 52,500 square feet of research space. Maintains an inventory of all research activities being conducted throughout the department. Oversees development and monitoring of research project budgets in collaboration with departmental research administrators and principal investigators. Ensures that research administrators and investigators are conversant with institutional research policies and procedures, including appropriate application for and maintenance of necessary IRB or IACUC approvals, protection of intellectual property and compliance with MGB and HMS policies on Conflict of Interest. Ensures that changes in research policies and procedures are appropriately communicated to administrators, staff, and principal investigators. Works collaboratively with Research Management and Compliance as necessary to ensure the appropriate fiduciary and regulatory responsibility of the research enterprise for the Department.
Under the direction of the Chair and SVP, and in partnership with hospital and departmental education leadership, and the education vice chair, directs the administration of the department’s residency program (32 trainees), three ACGME sub-specialty fellowship programs (6 physicians), Harvard Medical School education programs (over 70 rotating students), and continuing medical education programs. Ensures compliance with the requirements for accreditation by the ACGME/Residency Review Committee. Collects required data in an ongoing fashion and anticipates and prepares the necessary documents and records for periodic reviews. Oversees financial management of training program, including implementing and ensuring compliance with professional billing activities as applicable. Monitors and updates training affiliation agreements with outside institutions; maintains and fosters relationships with those institutions where our trainees rotate, and those institutions whose trainees rotate to BWH and MGH. Extends teaching mission to all levels of staff and encourages continuing education for employees. Works collaboratively with the GME Office and Compliance as necessary to ensure the appropriate fiduciary and regulatory responsibility of the education enterprise for the Department.
Oversees the Department’s faculty services, ensuring processing of all faculty/fellow appointments and related activities, including credentialing for BWH/BWFH/MGH and HMS, appropriate OPPE/FPPE processes, and internal HMS promotions process. Oversees Department’s information systems, including: coordinates with MGB Digital to arrange for hardware/software installation; oversees the development and maintenance of department Internet and Intranet sites; and manages vendor contract negotiation and purchasing with respect to clinical and business information systems specific to the Department. Ensures that annual COI processes for BWH, MGH, and HMS are timely and complete. Serves on search committees for department vice chairs and other high profile department searches. Staffs, organizes, sets agenda, and maintains minutes for monthly faculty meetings; conducts periodic administrators’ meetings. Coordinates department space planning, space allocation, renovation, etc.; ensures facilities compliance with Joint Commission, OSHA, DPH, and BWH/BWFH/MGH guidelines. Coordinates space changes on behalf of the hospital. Coordinates the development, preparation, and distribution of Department publications and communications; coordinates the Department’s quinquennial HMS clinical department review. Serves as the principal department liaison to other MGB hospital departments and services such as: Patient Care Services; Network Development; Marketing; Office of General Counsel; Development; Communications; Research Management; etc.
In collaboration with and responsibility to the SVP, oversees all physical space that is part of the portfolio. Takes a leadership role in planning and space allocation for all current and future medical services assets across AMC entities. Oversees vendor relationships as applicable. Partners with the SVP for all capital planning related to the Department.
Maintains the solvency of all funds under the ED’s purview. Examines, analyzes, and interprets financial reports for the purpose of giving advice, preparing statements and projections, and ultimately managing resources. Supervises the activities of subordinates who are responsible for being familiar with and approving all expenditures, assigning cost centers, monitoring compliance with budgets, and identifying and investigating potential problem areas and proposing solutions.
Partners with all required constituents to prepare annual budgets for the physicians organization and the hospital in the prescribed format for the responsible areas. Presents and justifies budget requests to the Chair and/or SVP.
Responsible for the cost center fiscal management of all areas of responsibility. Establishes and achieves financial goals and measures, monitors, and ensures the on-going financial performance. Facilitates effective cost containment practices through monitoring of volume trends, proactive management of capacity (physical and human resource), supplies, service contracts, and professional services agreements. Oversees expense management issues; performs comparative analyses; develops and implements strategies for cost containment. Participates in the development and monitoring of the physician compensation plan(s) within the Department, with a focus on productivity.
Prepares monthly financial performance executive reports for review with the Chair and executive dashboard reports for review with the SVP, and other leaders as appropriate. Examines, analyzes and interprets financial reports for the purpose of giving advice, preparing statements and projections, and ultimately managing resources. In partnership with the SVP and the Chair, prepares analyses and forecasting for introduction of new programs/services and service line centers. Develops and tracks recruitment and/or retention packages for high-profile hires. Understands and meets all financial reporting requirements in the prescribed format, per the direction of the SVP, the Chair, and the applicable budget office.
Approves all relevant capital purchases and tracks ongoing expenditures. Monitors all research, sundry, HMS, PO, and hospital funds as appropriate. Reconciles monthly fund statements. Coordinates with Accounts Payable, Research Finance, Payroll, and other departments as needed for resolution of errors or identification of charges. Assigns expenditures to funds as necessary. Supervises the activities of subordinates who are responsible for being familiar with and approving all revenue/expense transactions, assigning cost centers, monitoring compliance with budgets, and identifying and investigating potential problem areas and proposing solutions. Ensures that the highest standards of integrity, ethics, control, and confidentiality are maintained at all times across all financial and accounting matters under the purview of the ED.
Under the direction of the Chair and SVP, responsible for integrating the BWH and MGH Departments of Dermatology into a single, seamless entity. This includes the integration of all sections, programs, and central management structures within the departments. Within the AMCs, advances coordination of select back-office services across multiple departments in an effort to ensure efficient and consistent operations. With counterparts across MGB, assesses the market’s need for clinical services. Monitors and evaluates the adequacy of planned and existing services and ensures the development of programs and services to respond to the market.
Supervises/mentors at least five individuals directly; ultimately responsible for all employees across the Department and helps manage HR-related issues for all faculty and trainees within the Department. Reviews all new hire letters for faculty and recommends for signature by the Chair.
Coordinates with Human Resources for the interviewing, hiring, personnel transactions (hiring, salaries, promotions, job descriptions, etc.) and implementation of institutional corrective action policy for staff. In conjunction with Human Resources leadership, serves as a primary resource for issues related to professional and non-professional staff benefits. Using Workday, initiates, approves, and coordinates with Human Resources for approval of human resources changes (i.e. salary adjustments, salary distributions, training records, etc.) for staff who reside under the ED's purview (or delegates said work). Prepares performance reviews on direct reports. Takes corrective and disciplinary action, up to and including termination, as necessary to maintain the highest level of staff productivity and effectiveness. Reviews workload issues to ensure appropriate staffing.
Provides direct supervision to and is responsible for the conduct, operations, and results of the professional and non-professional staff. Develops and implements change management programs including efficiency and resource utilization projects. In times of transition, supports areas that require interim leadership support.
Actively considers opportunities to grow the abilities, skills, and support of employees through professional development, enhanced communication vehicles, employee-focused initiatives, and otherwise.
Reviews, supports, and ensures salary and wage equity for staff. Creates a supportive, educational, and development-focused environment for all staff. Ensures the support and maintenance of a diverse, inclusive, and professional environment for all staff.
Reviews salary and wage issues; works with Chair and SVP to develop and implement compensation plans. Develops, implements, oversees, and approves departmental policies, procedures and systems and revises as necessary to maximize efficiency. Responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and making managers aware of policy and procedure changes.
Oversees general administrative matters. Develops letters, presentations, announcements, and other communications; all documents must be of the highest caliber of refinement and professionalism. Serves as a stand-in for the SVP in relevant meetings when the SVP is not available; serves on committees as needed or assigned by the SVP. Leads or participates in special projects and performs other related tasks as requested or required.