Vice President, Mary Free Bed Kids Hospital Initiatives & Partnerships

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Vice President will lead with purpose, aligning clinical and operational leaders with strategic growth strategies, marketing, and business development. This role will be responsible for launching and sustaining a pediatric hospital that sets the national standard in rehabilitation care. The Vice President will champion Mary Free Bed Kids as a destination for specialized rehabilitation care, driving innovation, brand awareness, and market expansion across Michigan, the Midwest, and the nation. The Vice President will report to the Mary Free Bed Chief Operating Officer, with additional reporting to the Joint Operating Agreement Advisory Board comprised of leaders from Mary Free Bed and Corewell Health.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with ten years of progressive experience in hospital operations at the administrative leadership level.
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent written/verbal communication, interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Graduate level degree is preferred.
8+ years of pediatric healthcare experience is preferred.
Demonstrated success in operational leadership, team development, and strategic implementation.
A passion for child development, family-centered care, and innovation in pediatric rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Hospital Launch Leads the successful launch, opening, and long-term growth of the new pediatric hospital, ensuring alignment with Mary Free Bed’s mission and strategic goals.
Develops and executes a multi-year strategic plan focused on market positioning, service line expansion, and national reputation.
Collaborates with executive leadership to pursue strategic partnerships, and innovative care models.
Marketing, Brand, & Business Development Serves as the chief driver of the hospital’s brand strategy, working closely with external communications and marketing teams to elevate Mary Free Bed Kids’ visibility and reputation.
Cultivates and maintains relationships with regional and national providers, health systems, pediatricians, and specialists to build referral pipelines.
Partners with business development and clinical outreach teams to design and implement high-impact marketing campaigns that promote services to families, referring providers, and health systems nationwide.
Partners with business development and outreach teams to grow patient volumes, enhance referral experiences, and expand geographic reach.
Represents the hospital at national conferences, media engagements, and industry forums to build thought leadership and brand equity.
Referral Strategy & Market Engagement Owns and drives the hospital’s referral strategy, collaborating with access teams to ensure seamless intake and coordination.
Builds and nurtures relationships with pediatricians, specialists, health systems, and referral coordinators across Michigan and beyond.
Analyzes referral trends, market data, and competitive intelligence to inform outreach strategies and identify.
Clinical & Operational Collaboration Supports operational leaders in areas such as staffing, budgeting, facilities, and workflow optimization.
Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, clinical research, and innovation in pediatric rehabilitation growth opportunities.
Fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary culture that prioritizes patient safety, quality outcomes, and family engagement.
Supports clinical education programs, including residencies and fellowships, to attract and retain top pediatric talent.
Community & Philanthropy Serves as a passionate ambassador for Mary Free Bed Kids, engaging families, donors, community partners, and referring providers.
Partners with the Mary Free Bed Foundation, Corewell Health Foundation, and community leaders to drive philanthropic support and awareness.
Ensures the voice of children and families informs hospital policies, programs, and services.
Governance & Compliance Oversees hospital budgeting, financial performance, and resource stewardship.
Ensures compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards for pediatric hospitals.
Establishes and maintains strong relationships with community groups, donors, volunteers, and media.