Director, Community Connections and Programs

Director of Community Connections and Programs

Status: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Work Location: Blue Ash, OH -Hybrid/Remote.

Job Summary: The Director of Community Connections and Programs will direct and optimize operations and administration for COA levy funded programs. Engage in strategic and effective communication with elected officials and external oversight bodies that build trust and confidence in COA. Responsible for aligning operations with contractual requirements and optimizing processes to support financial results, operational efficiency, high-quality care delivery, and overall program outcomes.

Essential Functions

Overseeing projects to ensure they align with strategic and operational objectives and are completed successfully. Key duties include:

Operational Leadership and Program Development:

• Develop and implement strategies for levy, to ensure alignment with COA’s overall business and financial objectives.
• Oversee the entire life cycle of program development, from initial design and planning to implementation and evaluation.
• Maintain awareness of county commissioner and administrator expectations, industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive dynamics to proactively adapt and remain at the forefront.
• Pursue innovation to make COA programs world leading.
• Identify and execute a strategy in response to COA threats.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Communicate regularly and transparently with stakeholders regarding program performance and initiatives, managing expectations and building trust.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including county commissioners and administrators, government entities, executives, key providers, and contract entities such as managed care organizations.
• Initiate, measure, and communicate program improvements that deliver high quality services at the lowest possible cost to serve as many older adults as possible with the tax dollar.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, and COA business development teams to identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities.

Contract Negotiation and Management:

• Lead negotiations and manage contracts, ensuring favorable terms and optimal reimbursement rates.
• Ensure all contract deliverables are identified, completed and accountable in the operation plans.
• Monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with agreed-upon deliverables, requirements, terms and conditions.
• Manage contract disputes and resolutions efficiently and effectively.

Operational Oversight and Performance Improvement:

• Provide oversight for daily operations, including Utilization Management (UM) and Complex Case Management (CM), to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive operational accountability and implement best practices for case management.
• Routinely analyze metrics and data to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure programs are meeting targets for quality and cost control.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Identify political risks and implement effective strategies in response.
• Ensure strict adherence to federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, Ohio revised code, and CMS requirements, as they pertain to COA operations.
• Implement and manage a robust risk management program to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks associated with COA programs.
• Oversee any required credentialing and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards

Required Education:

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as healthcare administration, gerontology, political science, social work, or nursing, is typically required, with a master’s degree preferred.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Strong understanding of community-based services for older adults, reimbursement methods, and public policy.
• Experience working with Ohio Department of Aging and Department of Medicaid.
• Knowledge of Levy programs and working with Commissioners.
• Familiarity with the healthcare environment, including payers, providers, and relevant federal and state regulations.
• Knowledge of managed care systems and data platforms is beneficial.
• Understanding future reimbursement trends and risk contracting is also important.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities are necessary.
• Effective leadership for team management and results delivery is key.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, comfort in high-growth settings, and strong relationship-building skills are valuable.
• The ability to focus on operational details and manage challenging situations is also important.