DESCRIPTION

The Operational Efficiency Project Manager is responsible for independently leading and directing multiple projects and/or programs of medium to large size and complexity. Drives process improvement efforts and follows through on execution and institutionalizing changes for the organization. Anticipates project or program risks and plans with appropriate action to avoid or mitigate risks to project schedules, budget, deliverables, quality and staffing.

This position, in partnership with external consultancy, will initially manage projects largely supporting the redesign efforts of the Clinical Trials Office (CTO) at UCSD’s Moores Cancer Center (one of just 53 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the US and the only on in San Diego County). It will drive communication and collaboration on high-profile work streams within and across the CTO, to address top priority efforts to optimize operations. This is a high-level project management position in an extremely demanding academic medical center environment that requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills, quantitative analysis and a comprehensive understanding of all elements of health care delivery.

This position is part of the UC San Diego Health operations project management office and reports directly to the Director, Operational Efficiency, which reports up to the enterprise Chief of Staff. This position will also work collaboratively with the Chief Administrative Officer of Moores Cancer Center, Executive Director of Moores for Research and Academics and the CTO leadership team.

Responsibilities include:

• Utilize broad technical knowledge of project management, specialized knowledge of the organization’s mission/business needs, and the healthcare industry in general to manage large-scale projects and programs effectively.
• In partnership with CTO leadership, ensures appropriate project governance is in place and used (e.g. project steering committee, change control, baseline management).
• Develops and maintains a project/program schedule and critical path that allows drill-down to activity level schedules. All interfaces among component projects and those external to the body of work are identified, tracked, and controlled.
• Designs and leads change management strategy for complex projects, uses adequate methodology to identify resistance, performance gaps and negotiates solutions through communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Perform quantitative analysis of existing systems for improvement, recommend new system processes, and keep detailed reports of all structural and process changes.
• Manages the relationships and interfaces with multiple departments by acting as a liaison with Senior Leadership and change initiative champions.
• Supports and builds a culture promoting process improvement and efficient use of resources throughout the organization.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• In depth academic knowledge and applied background in clinical research philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other cross-functional teams and people with a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds
• Demonstrable record of successfully managing large-scale, multidepartment change management programs and high performing teams.
• Emotional intelligence and relationships management skills to establish collegial and productive relationships. Ability to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations utilizing conflict management techniques.
• Excellent ability to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution. Takes initiative and responsibility and able to solve problems when no precedent exists.
• Data and System analytical skills and ability to evaluate associated systems and processes and glean business insights in order to improve organization-wide efficiency
• Excellent communicator through all mediums and will all groups. Skilled in articulating complex concepts by breaking it down into simple, accurate and understandable pieces.
• Proven ability to set goals, implement programs, and evaluate results.
• Travel to sites and work in client designated areas as required.
• Build and maintain superior client relations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Nine (9) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor’s degree in related area plus five (5) years of related experience/training. Related experience in health care related field. Experience must include overseeing and managing the planning, design, and implementation of large-scale projects with significant financial targets and process improvement initiatives.

• Thorough knowledge of the organizational development and effectiveness field, theories, models to assess, design and implement customized organizational interventions.

• Demonstrates strong analytical, problem-solving, project planning and implementation skills.

• Applies strong verbal, written communication and presentation skills.

• Possesses strong consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.

• Demonstrates skill consulting to managers and groups at all levels.

• Ability to coach, facilitate and influence people at all levels.

• Demonstrates ability to learn quickly, reason, synthesize and generalize based on information obtained. Sound judgment, ability to draw unbiased conclusions.

• Ability to focus on priorities, strategies, and vision.

• Knowledge of the consulting process to effectively lead engagements from inception to conclusion.

• Ability to persuade through both logic and appeal to positive motivations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience; MBA, MPH, MHA.

• CAPM, PMP or PgMP Project Management Institute certification and/or other formal project management training.

• Clinical Trials and or/Cancer Center experience.

• Healthcare and IT industry experience.

• Demonstrated ability to work as a leader in a collaborative environment, build consensus and promote the exchange of information amongst project team members, staff, and external units.

• Knowledge and experience utilizing project management, change management, and process improvement methodologies in a complex environment.

• Applied knowledge of project management best practices and frameworks such as PMI’s Body of Knowledge or System Development Lifecycle.

• Knowledge of accreditation standards and regulations related to health care.

• Objective, use sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice when making decisions.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.