OHCE Assistant Director, Learning Environment

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

19d•$82,236 - $123,348

About The Position

POSITION PURPOSE The Office of Healthcare Equity (OHCE) at UW Medicine is seeking a dynamic and visionary Assistant Director for Learning Environment Programs (Assistant Director). This leadership role will provide clear strategic direction for a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at fostering future healthcare leaders and advancing health equity across the educational continuum. The Assistant Director will serve as a critical thought partner to Faculty partners, overseeing the strategic development, operational excellence, and impact of all learning environment initiatives, including K-12 outreach, undergraduate post-baccalaureate programming, and a comprehensive suite of graduate and medical student pathways. This position is responsible for providing high-level oversight to establish and maintain standards of operational excellence across the learning environment portfolio, ensuring all programs operate efficiently and sustainably. The Assistant Director will lead by example, fostering a positive team environment, and directly supervising three full-time positions and several student assistants, holding them accountable for performance and behavioral standards. This role will embed equity as a core component of program strategy and resource allocation, ensuring the team has the tools and knowledge to apply EDI principles effectively in their work. POSITION COMPLEXITIES This position operates at a high level of strategic influence and requires exceptional leadership in navigating complex organizational structures across UW Medicine, including the School of Medicine (SoM), various departments, and external community partners. The Assistant Director will guide teams to solve complex problems by framing issues, adapting approaches as needed, and ensuring decisions are data informed. Success in this role demands a proactive approach to identifying strategic opportunities, resolving intricate systemic challenges, and cultivating high-level collaborative relationships to achieve the organization's mission and vision. The role frequently interfaces with other programs across UW and the region, including local programs that interact with existing students, trainees, faculty, and staff. While the long-term vision for this role is strategic, due to current resource constraints, the Assistant Director is expected to be capable of hands-on program execution and to actively "roll up their sleeves" to support program delivery in close partnership with their team. The role will involve occasional evening and weekend work to support key events and program deliverables. POSITION DIMENSIONS AND IMPACT TO THE UNIVERSITY At UW Medicine, we believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right, and everyone should have the same access and opportunities for the best possible outcomes. This belief is very clearly tied to our mission to improve the health of the public. However, we realize that inequities exist in health research, education, and care delivery. We are committed to eliminating these inequities. This work isn’t owned by one department or leader – everyone shares responsibility. The Assistant Director will play a critical role in driving this transformation by embedding equity as a core component of program strategy and resource allocation, and ensuring the team has the tools and knowledge to apply EDI principles effectively in their work. Our University is committed to creating a community where individuals from all backgrounds and experiences have equal opportunities to participate, succeed, and feel a sense of belonging.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Education, Business Administration, Communications, or related fields.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in program management, project management, or a related leadership role, with a proven track record of successfully leading and overseeing complex initiatives and portfolios.
Demonstrated experience in providing clear strategic direction for a team or portfolio, ensuring activities are aligned with organizational mission and vision.
Proven ability to provide high-level oversight to establish and maintain standards of operational excellence.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision and effectively navigate high-stakes communication.
Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills, with experience guiding teams to solve complex problems by framing issues and ensuring data-informed decisions.
Proficiency with project management software, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and virtual collaboration platforms.
Deep commitment to and demonstrated experience in embedding equity as a core component of program strategy and resource allocation, ensuring teams apply these principles effectively.
Experience with curriculum development, educational program design, or fostering creative learning environments at a strategic level.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in a relevant field (e.g., MPH, MHA, MBA, M.Ed.).
Three (3) years of direct supervisory experience, including performance management and staff development.
Ten (10) or more years of experience in program leadership within a higher education, academic medical center, or non-profit environment focused on health equity, workforce development, or community engagement.
Extensive experience with grant writing, grant management, and securing significant external funding for large-scale programs.
Experience managing research or data analytics staff.
Demonstrated success in building and maintaining high-level strategic partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Experience in a thought leadership role, influencing organizational strategy and policy.
Familiarity with UW Medicine and/or University of Washington systems and structures.

Responsibilities

Provides clear strategic direction for the entire learning environment program portfolio, ensuring all activities are purposefully aligned with OHCE's mission and vision.
Serves as a key thought partner to Faculty leaders, contributing to the overall strategic planning, vision setting, and long-range goals for OHCE's learning environment initiatives.
With faculty support, oversees the comprehensive planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of all learning environment programs, including but not limited to: WIHSE Programs: Doctor for a Day, UDOC, BRIGHT-UP, SHPEP, SHPEPLE. OHCE Medical Student Pathways: Black Health Justice Pathway, Indian Health Pathway, Latinx Health Pathway, LGBTQ Health Pathway, Community-Focused Urban Scholars Program (CUSP), and OHCE Elective Courses.
Guides the development and integration of innovative curriculum components and pedagogical approaches across the entire learning environment portfolio, fostering a creative and adaptive environment for program design and delivery.
Cultivates and strengthens high-level strategic partnerships with key community organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare providers to expand OHCE's reach and impact.
Directly supervises, mentors, and conducts performance evaluations for the WIHSE Program Manager, Pathways Program Manager, Research Analyst, and multiple student assistant positions.
Leads by example, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment, and holding direct reports accountable for performance and behavioral standards.
Ensures the team has the necessary tools, training, and knowledge to effectively apply the principles of equity in their daily work.
Facilitates professional development opportunities for direct reports, supporting their growth and expertise within their roles.
Actively participates in program execution and delivery, "rolling up sleeves" to support the team with hands-on tasks as needed, especially during peak periods or in resource-constrained environments.
Provides oversight to establish and maintain standards of operational excellence across the program portfolio, ensuring all programs operate efficiently and sustainably.
Manages high-level budget allocation and resource deployment across the program portfolio, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic investment.
Delegates responsibilities effectively, empowering team members while providing strategic guidance and support.
Guides teams to solve complex problems by framing the issue, adapting approaches as needed, and ensuring decisions are data-informed.
Oversees the day-to-day operational effectiveness of the program portfolio, ensuring efficient workflows and adherence to policies.
Effectively navigates high-stakes communication with senior leadership, faculty, key university stakeholders, and external partners, representing OHCE's learning environment initiatives.
Articulates a clear and compelling vision for their team and the program portfolio, influencing decision-makers and garnering support.
Develops and delivers high-level presentations, comprehensive evaluation reports, and compelling proposals to executive leadership, university committees, grant funders, and prospective donors, effectively articulating program strategy, progress, and impact.
Oversees the creation and dissemination of strategic marketing and communication materials for the entire learning environment portfolio, including those for fundraising and advocacy.