What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Operations position at SANDHILLS MEDICAL?
Position Overview
The VP of Operations is a key member of the executive leadership team at Sandhills Medical. The VP of Operations is responsible for overseeing daily operations across all clinical and administrative sites, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered, and cost-effective healthcare services. The VP of Operations drives operational excellence by implementing systems, policies, and processes that support the organization’s mission and vision as a Federally-Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Job Duties
Operational Leadership & Oversight
- Directs day-to-day operations of all clinical sites and departments to ensure efficient, effective, and consistent service delivery.
- Establishes, monitors, and refines operational systems that improve patient access, workflow, and satisfaction.
- Ensures facilities and resources are adequately managed, maintained, and prepared for growth.
Strategic & Organizational Alignment
- Collaborates with the CEO and Board of Directors to implement strategic plans that align with Sandhills Medical’s mission and HRSA requirements.
- Leads special initiatives and projects to strengthen organizational performance, including expansions, technology implementation, and service integration.
- Drives operational readiness for HRSA site visits, quality reporting, and value-based care initiatives.
Financial Stewardship
- Partners with the CFO to develop and manage operational budgets that balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.
- Ensures accurate resource allocation, cost efficiency, and operational sustainability.
- Supports grants and funding opportunities by aligning operational metrics with compliance and reporting requirements.
Compliance, Risk, & Quality Management
- Works in partnership with the VP of Compliance & Continuous Improvement to ensure patient safety, risk management, and adherence to FQHC standards.
- Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including HIPAA, OSHA, and HRSA regulations.
- Supports quality improvement initiatives and ensures performance metrics are met or exceeded.
Technology & Innovation
- Oversees EHR optimization, digital health initiatives, and data-driven decision-making to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
- Ensures effective integration of technology platforms to support care delivery, reporting, and compliance.
Emergency Preparedness
- Provides leadership for organizational safety, security, and disaster preparedness.
- Develops, implements, and monitors business continuity plans to maintain operations during emergencies.
Leadership & Workforce Development
- Provides leadership and direction to Directors, Managers, and Supervisors across clinical and administrative departments.
- Promotes staff engagement, professional development, and succession planning.
- Builds a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Develops a sustainable talent pipeline to ensure long-term organizational stability and leadership continuity.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Represents Sandhills Medical in the community and with external partners, enhancing visibility and collaborative opportunities.
- Builds positive relationships with patients, employees, Board members, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.
- Experience: At least 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare operations, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role. FQHC or community health center experience is strongly preferred.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-site healthcare operations.
- Strong knowledge of FQHC compliance, HRSA requirements, and value-based care models.
- Proven financial management and budget oversight skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational leadership skills.
- Ability to build consensus and lead teams through change.
Other Duties: Other duties as assigned.
Training Requirements
- Knowledge of Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) operations, including HRSA Health Center Program requirements and Section 330 expectations
- Knowledge of healthcare regulations and operational compliance requirements, including HIPAA Privacy and Security, OSHA, incident reporting, and risk management
- Training in quality improvement, performance improvement, and operational audit readiness
- Training in multi-site practice operations, workflow standardization, patient access, and service delivery oversight
- Training in budgeting, financial stewardship, productivity monitoring, and operational performance management
- Knowledge of revenue cycle operations, including registration, scheduling, eligibility, payer-related processes, and coordination with billing functions
- Leadership and executive development, including supervision, coaching, performance management, and corrective action processes
- Training in emergency preparedness, business continuity, and operational response procedures
- Ongoing professional development in healthcare operations, regulatory updates, and organizational effectiveness