Quality Improvement Coach

American Academy of Pediatrics•Itasca, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Support the implementation and evaluation of pediatric quality improvement (QI) initiatives and learning collaboratives across a national membership organization. Provide coaching to pediatric practices, networks, and health systems to advance quality, safety, and equity in child health. Facilitate learning collaboratives, promote data-informed improvement, and contribute to the optimization of quality measurement activities. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support program execution, assess outcomes, and build sustainable improvement capacity among members.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nursing, public health, health administration, or related field required, with some coursework in quality improvement.
At least three years’ related experience developing and managing healthcare quality improvement activities required.
Some work with electronic health records (EHRs).
Working knowledge of QI methodologies, including the Model for Improvement, Lean, and/or Six Sigma required.
Strong facilitation, verbal/written communication, interpersonal, organization, and critical thinking skills.
Must be able to analyze and interpret data and communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences.
Pay close attention to detail.
Manage multiple priorities simultaneously within timelines.
Work both independently and as part of a team.
Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners.
Promote and maintain a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment with a commitment to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in MS Office and data systems, and the ability to learn and apply new technologies including the use of AI.

Nice To Haves

MPH or other Master’s degree related to healthcare quality improvement preferred.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Lean/Six Sigma certification, or equivalent credential preferred.
Experience involving health equity initiatives and/or working within a pediatric or clinical setting.
Experience supporting multi-site QI initiatives or learning collaboratives.
Familiarity with Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) models and national quality measurement programs (e.g., HEDIS) preferred.
Experience with program evaluation, data collection, and reporting a plus.
Experience with document collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint) and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., WebEx, Teams) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide coaching and technical assistance to pediatric practices and clinical teams on QI methodologies, including the Model for Improvement, PDSA cycles, and Lean approaches.
Facilitate the design, implementation, and assessment of QI initiatives aligned with AAP program goals and evidence-based practices.
Plan and facilitate virtual and in-person learning collaborative sessions, including content development, participant engagement, and follow-up activities.
Assist participating teams in establishing aims, measures, and change strategies to support measurable Improvement.
Develop and maintain QI tools, resources, and training materials to support member learning and program implementation.
Facilitate the development, refinement, and monitoring of pediatric quality measures with internal teams and external partners.
Develop data collection methods for QI projects including analysis and visualization efforts using EHRs, clinical registries, and other data sources.
Translate data findings into practical insights and recommendations for participating practices and stakeholders.
Monitor and communicate progress of QI initiatives and learning collaboratives to internal teams and program participants.
Contribute to program evaluation activities, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of outcomes and lessons learned.
Prepare summaries, reports, and presentations to communicate program activities and results.
Manage alignment of measurement and improvement efforts by working with internal and external partners, including payers, measure stewards and quality networks.
Integrate health equity principles into QI initiatives and collaborative activities.
Build and maintain relationships with pediatric clinicians and organizations to support engagement and participation in AAP QI activities.
Provide guidance on measurement, data use, and implementation strategies to program participants.
Lead QI activities in assigned AAP learning sessions, webinars, meetings, and conferences related to QI initiatives.
Contribute to grant-related activities, including proposal development and reporting, as needed.
Stay current with best practices and emerging trends in pediatric QI and measurement; leverage knowledge to advance work activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.