Lead Process Improvement Specialist, Wellbeing

University of Rochester • Rochester, NY

20h • $97,400 - $146,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Rochester is seeking a Lead Process Improvement Specialist for their Office of Wellbeing. This role is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, evaluation, and continuous improvement of wellbeing programs for staff, faculty, and learners within the Medical Center. The specialist will develop and refine processes, policies, and communication strategies, evaluate program effectiveness, and communicate outcomes and recommendations to stakeholders. The position requires establishing program vision and goals aligned with institutional priorities, using data and feedback to shape program strategy, and translating strategic priorities into actionable initiatives. The specialist will serve as the primary program lead for assigned initiatives, partnering with leadership to inform strategy, identify growth opportunities, and secure resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, with at least 2 years at a managerial level required
• Expert knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) with a proven track record of delivering significant business results required
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in mentoring and developing teams required
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at the executive level required
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities required
• Proficiency in project management tools and data analysis software required

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Education or experience with organizational psychology or organizational change preferred.
• Effective time management skills, organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and adjust as needed preferred.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic environment preferred.
• Familiarity with complex computer applications. Ability to effectively utilize various technology applications preferred.
• Ability to communicate and convey information effectively in individual and group settings preferred.
• Ability to learn educational modules related to wellbeing preferred (i.e., stress continuum model, peer support programs, psychological first aid)
• Proficiency in program evaluation and data analysis preferred.
• Advanced budget management and financial planning expertise preferred.
• Ability to apply process improvement and business management methodologies to clinical operations and academic medicine preferred.
• Certified Lean Practitioner or Expert upon hire preferred
• CSSBB - Six Sigma Black Belt or similar improvement science methodology upon hire preferred

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary owner and strategic lead for assigned wellbeing programs and services including wellbeing mini grants, commensality groups, peer support programs, wellbeing fellows alumni program, wellbeing symposium, social activity kits and loaner carts, consultation service and new and emerging opportunities.
• Accountable for program performance, growth, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Provides coaching and consultation on topics related to area of need.
• Establishes, implements, evaluates, and refines program structures and operational processes including operations management, decision management, resource management, financial management, information management and facilities management.
• Identifies opportunities to expand, replicate, redesign, integrate, or sunset programs based on organizational needs, strategic priorities, utilization trends, and program outcomes.
• Works directly with physician leads to refine existing programs, launch program expansion efforts, and explore areas of opportunity.
• Collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data to inform strategic decision-making and program direction.
• Conducts research and prepares analytical reports and summaries to Vice President/Chief Wellbeing Officer, OWB team members, and program and department leaders as appropriate, including recommendations regarding program strategy, investments, policy changes, operational improvements, and future opportunities.
• Leads implementation of approved program and policy changes in partnership with other OWB team members as appropriate.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge on best practices and current research in relevant department program topics.
• Oversees program evaluation activities including assessment design, implementation, data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of findings.
• Creates, distributes, collects, and maintains records.
• Works with research consultants to design and execute program evaluation strategy.
• In partnership with URMC Marketing and Communications teams, in addition to the Office of Wellbeing leadership team, develops and manages marketing and communications efforts for items related to wellbeing programs.
• Gathers testimonials, develops promotional materials, oversees web content for programs and services and recommends communication strategies to maximize awareness, engagement, adoption, and impact.
• Ensures alignment with brand guidelines and institutional requirements.
• Develops and executes strategic promotional plans for internal and external stakeholders, and manages said promotional process.
• Engages with target audiences to increase program engagement.
• Participates in structured problem-identification and improvement efforts focused on reducing organizational barriers to workforce wellbeing.
• Partners with leaders, faculty, staff, and learners to identify recurring challenges, conduct root cause analysis, assess feasibility of potential solutions, and support implementation of selected interventions.
• Tracks outcomes, identifies opportunities for broader application, and develops toolkits, playbooks, and implementation resources that enable successful interventions to be adapted and scaled across the Medical Center.
• Leads complex strategic projects and initiatives in support of OWB priorities, including projects associated with program development, implementation, scaling, evaluation, and organizational consultation services.
• Manages multiple workgroups and sub-teams; develops and executes project plans; monitors milestones, timelines, risks, dependencies, and deliverables; and ensures alignment with institutional goals.
• Develops success measures, evaluates outcomes and return on investment, and prepares decision documents to present to leadership, and preparing agendas and minutes for meetings.
• Coordinates priorities with senior leaders, including department and area leadership such as Chairs, Chiefs, Program Administrator, and others in Medical Center leadership positions.
• Contributes expertise and strategic recommendations during project planning and problem-solving activities rather than solely coordinating project execution.
• Assesses resource requirements and develops recommendations to support program and project success.
• Ensures project needs are met.
• Identifies staffing, financial, material, and operational resource needs and aligns resources with strategic priorities and action plans.
• Assigns, monitors and tracks deliverables, follows up as necessary; and coordinates activities to ensure projects progress according to agreed-upon timelines.
• Leads the development, redesign, expansion, and evaluation of wellbeing programs and services in support of institutional strategic priorities.
• Supports the Office of Wellbeing and department/area leadership and faculty in formulating program concepts.
• Conducts needs assessments, identifies gaps and opportunities, develops business cases and implementation plans, and recommends strategic and operational approaches for program advancement.
• Acts as an expert resource to other internal and external parties to further institutional and program goals.
• In partnership with Office of Wellbeing leadership, manages program specific expenses, makes budget projections and proposals, assists with financial planning for program expansion, assists with preparation of OWB annual report.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.
• In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics).
• This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager