Senior Director of Clinical Operations

HPU Health is the clinical arm of the High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine (WSDM), encompassing a network providing comprehensive patient care. The Senior Director of Clinical Operations is a full-time, 12-month position. This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic oversight, management, and integration of all clinical operations within HPU Health/WSDM. This position works closely with the Dean, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, HPU Health Managers, Chief Dental Officer (CDO), and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to ensure the efficient, effective, and high-quality delivery of healthcare services across all clinical sites and programs, consistent with the mission and standards of HPU and WSDM. Efforts focus on strategic planning, operational excellence, financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and fostering a culture of patient-centered care and continuous development.
QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Master's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related field preferred.
• Doctoral degree (e.g., DHA, PhD) preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Experience and Training

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in clinical operations management, preferably within an academic health center, multi-site dental/medical group practice, or hospital setting.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, process improvement, and regulatory compliance within a complex healthcare environment.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare standards, regulations (e.g., HIPAA, OSHA), accreditation processes (e.g., TJC, CODA), and policies.
• Strong experience with health data analytics, operational metrics, and budget management.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams.
• Experience collaborating with various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.
• Knowledge of dentistry and dental education is highly desirable.
• Epic (electronic medical record) or similar EHR/EDR system experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Robust strategic thinking, planning, and execution skills.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Poised and professional representation of HPU WSDM/Health.
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
• Deep understanding of HPU WSDM'S core values and mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Senior Director of Clinical Operations will perform all duties directed by the Dean, WSDM, with input from the leadership team. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic

• Develop and implement strategic plans for clinical operations aligned with WSDM/HPU goals.
• Lead initiatives for clinical service line growth, efficiency, and integration across the network.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for innovation and improvement in clinical care delivery models.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, and patient-centered care across all clinical areas.

Operational Oversight

• Provide executive oversight into the day-to-day operations of all HPU Health clinical sites and programs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor standardized clinical policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Ensure optimal resource allocation (personnel, equipment, supplies) to support efficient operations and patient access.
• Oversee practice managers/directors at various sites, providing guidance and support.
• Analyze operational data and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure all clinical operations meet or exceed contractual, regulatory, and accreditation standards (e.g., TJC, DHSR, CMS, CODA, OSHA).
• Lead quality improvement initiatives based on evidence-based practices and performance data.
• Oversee risk management and patient safety programs within clinical operations.
• Ensure timely reporting and resolution of compliance issues.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets for clinical services in collaboration with finance leadership.
• Implement strategies to optimize revenue cycles, control costs, and ensure financial sustainability.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and implement corrective actions as needed.

Staff Development and Collaboration

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for clinical operations staff.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty, academic leadership, ELT, human resources, and other administrative departments.
• Foster positive working relationships with external partners, including referring providers and community organizations.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Reports To: Dean, Workman School of Dental Medicine
• Evaluation: Ongoing performance reviews will be conducted along with an annual assessment by the Dean, with input potentially gathered from the ELT, faculty, and staff.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Dr. Muhammad Ali Shazib, Dean, Workman School of Dental Medicine, at mshazib@highpoint.edu.