Chief Operating Officer (Faculty Practice Plan)
We are seeking a Senior Executive to serve as Chief Operating Officer for the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP), responsible for strategic, financial, and administrative oversight of the physician enterprise.
Position Summary
The COO ensures efficient ambulatory and faculty practice operations aligned with Howard University’s mission and partnership with the College of Medicine. The COO partners with the CEO/Executive Director, clinical chairs, practice administrators, hospital leadership, and academic partners to drive performance, expand access, strengthen patient experience, and support educational and research missions.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership of the Physician Enterprise
Provide executive oversight of ambulatory clinics, faculty practices, and related clinical operations.
Lead day‑to‑day operational performance (patient flow, scheduling, clinic throughput, call‑center performance, care coordination).
Ensure operations meet safety, quality, service excellence, and regulatory compliance standards.
Implement consistent operational policies, workflows, and performance standards across departments and sites.
Strategic Planning & Growth
Develop and execute strategies to support practice expansion, new clinical programs, and service‑line growth.
Assess market and demographic trends to inform planning and provider network development.
Partner with University and hospital leadership to align practice operations with broader academic and clinical priorities.
Support recruitment planning, provider onboarding, and optimization of clinical FTE utilization.
Provider Access, Productivity & Performance Optimization
Lead initiatives to improve provider productivity, panel management, template design, and clinical capacity utilization.
Partner with chairs and practice leaders to set and monitor operational KPIs (access metrics, cycle time, provider productivity, patient satisfaction).
Support performance review processes, compensation model implementation, and incentive alignment.
Financial & Revenue Cycle Management
Collaborate with the CFO to manage operating budgets, financial forecasts, and profitability of service lines.
Provide operational leadership for revenue‑cycle functions (registration, scheduling, charge capture workflows, documentation optimization, denial reduction).
Work with central revenue‑cycle leaders to ensure clean claims, timely billing, and improved collections.
Evaluate and optimize payer mix, managed care leverage, and ambulatory financial performance.
Systems, Technology & Data Integration
Oversee optimization of the electronic health record (EHR) and other clinical information systems to support efficient workflows.
Ensure accurate, real‑time dashboards and data analytics to drive decision‑making.
Champion technology, automation, and digital health solutions to improve access and patient engagement.
Regulatory, Compliance & Quality Oversight
Ensure operational compliance with CMS, Joint Commission, ambulatory accreditation standards, HIPAA, OSHA, and related regulations.
Partner with quality leaders to strengthen ambulatory quality and patient safety programs.
Lead operational readiness for audits, surveys, and accreditation activities.
Leadership, Culture & People Management
Build and develop high‑performing administrative and operational teams.
Promote a culture of equity, accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Provide coaching, mentorship, and leadership development to practice managers and administrative staff.
Strengthen physician‑administrative partnerships across departments.
Collaboration with Academic & Hospital Partners
Work closely with the College of Medicine to align clinical operations with teaching and training needs.
Coordinate with Howard University Hospital leadership to ensure smooth inpatient‑outpatient continuum of care.
Assist in integrating residents and students into clinic operations in compliance with accreditation requirements.
Qualifications
Education
Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field required.
Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or ambulatory operations preferred.
Experience
Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in an academic medical center, faculty practice plan, or large multispecialty physician group.
Strong experience in ambulatory operations, physician enterprise management, and performance improvement.
Demonstrated success improving access, financial performance, and operational efficiency across multiple clinical departments.
Experience in a mission‑driven, culturally diverse, urban healthcare environment preferred.
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Deep understanding of physician practice economics and healthcare reimbursement.
Demonstrated change management and project management capability.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and physician‑relations skills.
Commitment to health equity, community engagement, and service to underserved populations.
Benefits
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance, and mental health support.
Work‑Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements.
Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match.
Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths.
Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and vibrant company culture.
Compensation Range
Salary: $275,000 – $300,000
Seniority Level
Executive
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
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