Lead Process Improvement Specialist, Wellbeing

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

900700 URMC Office of Wellbeing

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 115

Compensation Range:

$97,400.00 - $146,000.00

Responsibilities:

Responsible for the strategic leadership, management, evaluation, and continuous improvement of one or more wellbeing programs addressing the needs of staff, faculty and learners across the Medical Center. Develops, implements, and refines processes, policies, and communication strategies; evaluates effectiveness and communicates program outcomes, recommendations, and opportunities to stakeholders.

Establishes program vision, goals and success measures aligned with Office of Wellbeing and institutional priorities. Uses data, stakeholder feedback, environmental scanning, and gap analysis to identify opportunities, shape program strategy, and drive program evolution. Regularly assesses program effectiveness and sustainability, recommending modifications, expansion, consolidation, or sunset of programs and services to maximize impact and alignment with organizational goals. Translates strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, projects, and program enhancements.

Serves as the primary program lead for assigned initiatives, accountable for the overall success of assigned programs and services. Partners with OWB leadership to inform strategic direction, identify opportunities for growth and innovation, secure resources, and advance institutional wellbeing priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Leadership:

• Serves as the primary owner and strategic lead for assigned wellbeing programs and services including wellbeing mini grants, commensality groups, peer support programs, wellbeing fellows alumni program, wellbeing symposium, social activity kits and loaner carts, consultation service and new and emerging opportunities. Accountable for program performance, growth, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. Provides coaching and consultation on topics related to area of need. Establishes, implements, evaluates, and refines program structures and operational processes including operations management, decision management, resource management, financial management, information management and facilities management. Identifies opportunities to expand, replicate, redesign, integrate, or sunset programs based on organizational needs, strategic priorities, utilization trends, and program outcomes. Works directly with physician leads to refine existing programs, launch program expansion efforts, and explore areas of opportunity. (25%)
• Collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data to inform strategic decision-making and program direction. Conducts research and prepares analytical reports and summaries to Vice President/Chief Wellbeing Officer, OWB team members, and program and department leaders as appropriate, including recommendations regarding program strategy, investments, policy changes, operational improvements, and future opportunities. Leads implementation of approved program and policy changes in partnership with other OWB team members as appropriate. Maintains up-to-date knowledge on best practices and current research in relevant department program topics. (10%)
• Oversees program evaluation activities including assessment design, implementation, data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of findings. Creates, distributes, collects, and maintains records. Works with research consultants to design and execute program evaluation strategy. (5%)
• In partnership with URMC Marketing and Communications teams, in addition to the Office of Wellbeing leadership team, develops and manages marketing and communications efforts for items related to wellbeing programs. Gathers testimonials, develops promotional materials, oversees web content for programs and services and recommends communication strategies to maximize awareness, engagement, adoption, and impact. Ensures alignment with brand guidelines and institutional requirements. Develops and executes strategic promotional plans for internal and external stakeholders, and manages said promotional process. Engages with target audiences to increase program engagement. (5%)
• Participates in structured problem-identification and improvement efforts focused on reducing organizational barriers to workforce wellbeing. Partners with leaders, faculty, staff, and learners to identify recurring challenges, conduct root cause analysis, assess feasibility of potential solutions, and support implementation of selected interventions. Tracks outcomes, identifies opportunities for broader application, and develops toolkits, playbooks, and implementation resources that enable successful interventions to be adapted and scaled across the Medical Center. (10%)

Project Management:

• Leads complex strategic projects and initiatives in support of OWB priorities, including projects associated with program development, implementation, scaling, evaluation, and organizational consultation services. Manages multiple workgroups and sub-teams; develops and executes project plans; monitors milestones, timelines, risks, dependencies, and deliverables; and ensures alignment with institutional goals.
• Develops success measures, evaluates outcomes and return on investment, and prepares preparing decision documents to present to leadership, and preparing agendas and minutes for meetings. Coordinates priorities with senior leaders, including department and area leadership such as Chairs, Chiefs, Program Administrator, and others in Medical Center leadership positions. Contributes expertise and strategic recommendations during project planning and problem-solving activities rather than solely coordinating project execution.

Resource Management:

• Assesses resource requirements and develops recommendations to support program and project success. Ensures project needs are met. Identifies staffing, financial, material, and operational resource needs and aligns resources with strategic priorities and  action plans. Assigns, monitors and tracks deliverables, follows up as necessary; and coordinates activities to ensure projects progress according to agreed-upon timelines.

Program Development:

• Leads the development, redesign, expansion, and evaluation of wellbeing programs and services in support of institutional strategic priorities. Supports the Office of Wellbeing and department/area leadership and faculty in formulating program concepts. Conducts needs assessments, identifies gaps and opportunities, develops business cases and implementation plans, and recommends strategic and operational approaches for program advancement. Acts as an expert resource to other internal and external parties to further institutional and program goals.

Operations:

• In partnership with Office of Wellbeing leadership, manages program specific expenses, makes budget projections and proposals, assists with financial planning for program expansion, assists with preparation of OWB annual report.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience, with at least 2 years at a managerial level required
• Master's degree preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Education or experience with organizational psychology or organizational change preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) with a proven track record of delivering significant business results required
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in mentoring and developing teams required
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at the executive level required
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities required
• Proficiency in project management tools and data analysis software required
• Effective time management skills, organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and adjust as needed preferred.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a dynamic environment preferred.
• Familiarity with complex computer applications. Ability to effectively utilize various technology applications preferred.
• Ability to communicate and convey information effectively in individual and group settings preferred.
• Ability to learn educational modules related to wellbeing preferred (i.e., stress continuum model, peer support programs, psychological first aid)
• Proficiency in program evaluation and data analysis preferred.
• Advanced budget management and financial planning expertise preferred.
• Ability to apply process improvement and business management methodologies to clinical operations and academic medicine preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Lean Practitioner or Expert upon hire preferred
• CSSBB - Six Sigma Black Belt or similar improvement science methodology upon hire preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.