Position:               Executive Director, Healthcare Transformation Division   

Organization:     Northwest Arkansas Council: nwacouncil.org 

Location:              Northwest Arkansas, Home of three Fortune 500 companies 

 

Reporting Relationship
 Reports directly to the Chief Executive Office of Northwest Council and works with the guidance of the Council’s Healthcare Steering Committee.  Selected candidate will have the option of a faculty appointment at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

 

In 2018, the Northwest Arkansas Council (NWAC) commissioned a study through a nationally recognized firm, Tripp Umbach, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the region’s healthcare sector and its economic success.  Unlike traditional healthcare assessment the study was chartered to examine actions intended to drive regional success in becoming a healthcare service destination while advancing quality of life, economic vitality and gains in health of the population.  Advancements in educating and growing a strong healthcare workforce for the future by leveraging regional focus, talents, and collaboration was a desired outcome. 

 

In July 2019, upon completion of the study, the NWAC accepted the report and endorsed three priority areas for regional effort: 

 

In order to accomplish these goals and guide the region forward through collaborative effort, the Healthcare Transformation Division (the Division) was convened under the NWAC organizational structure. 

 

The Division has enlisted chief executive officers from the region’s largest and most distinguished health, academic and research institutions to serve as its steering committee.  This committee guides the work and is a catalyst for coordinated efforts needed for success as work proceeds toward the desired goals.  The Division is a strategic convener of regional decision makers and promotes intentional collaboration and alignment as both opportunities and challenges arise. 

 

The Division’s first scope of work will be the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Strategy.  This effort includes design and development as well as full implementation and sustainability components.   Sustainability will depend on the creation of long-term strategies for on-going funding and supportive relationships with local, state and federal legislators.  NWAC has been highly successful in nurturing these relationships over time.  Success on this first scope of work is foundational to success of the later stated goals.   Possibility exists for this NWAC effort to be a model for the state of Arkansas. 

 

The Northwest Arkansas Council is therefore launching a formal search for an Executive Director for its newly formed Healthcare Transformation Division. 

 

Position Summary 

 The Executive Director leads and facilitates the work of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Healthcare Transformation Division.  The Director is responsible for supporting the work of the Steering Committee and functions as a lead facilitator of process for the committee.  The Director leads and facilitates development of strategies to achieve the stated goals and provides leadership and oversight for the deployment and implementation of these strategies.   

 

This position is a high-level opportunity to make a significant difference in the health and vitality of a region, through the work of the Division and the accomplishment of stated goals.  This position will be highly visible. 

 

The Executive Director will work with decision makers from the healthcare community, physicians, allied health professionals and local employers.  She/he will work with chancellors and vice chancellors in the academic environment and have the benefit of access to great talent deep within these organizations.   The Executive Director will also be accountable for nurturing and supporting key relationships with business and community leaders, local philanthropists, legislators, government agency, and other change makers. 

 

Finally, the Executive Director will be responsible for strategic planning, strategy execution, financial and performance measures, opportunity cultivation, initiative management, telling and selling the story as it unfolds, and facilitating community partnerships. 

 

Key Accountabilities 

 

Experience, Qualifications, Education and Characteristics. 

 To perform this job, an individual must have executive level skills and be able to perform these essential duties satisfactorily.  Requirements listed below are representative of some of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. 

 

A minimum of a master’s degree and five years of experience in a field related to medical science, medical education, research, business development, economic development, medical project management or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.  MD or PhD would be valued.  Experience and knowledge in graduate medical education is needed.  Experience in interdisciplinary research or medical school development is highly valued. 

To performs the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

Work Environment 

 The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. 

Exposed to typical office environment conditions and noise levels.   Frequently required to travel to local, regional, state and national meetings or training by car and air travel.    

Regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week; frequently may be required to work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines, finish assignments, or attend functions and meetings. 

NWAC is an equal opportunity employer.   Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

Compensation 

Compensation for the Executive Director will include a base salary, along with a comprehensive benefits package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience level and qualifications.

Send CV to carla@uams.edu.