Director, Operational Readiness

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):

601 Elmwood Ave, Room 12410, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40

Department:
500008 Program Administrators

Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:
UR URG 118

Compensation Range:
$140,350.00 - $210,525.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE
Leads efforts related to operational preparedness, interior design standards, furniture planning, inventory assessment, and move coordination. Ensures the seamless integration of building, asset, and personnel readiness to support overall operational effectiveness. Develops and maintains policies, providing project management expertise and guiding interior design and facilities planning. Identifies opportunities for aesthetic and functional improvements, manages budget considerations, and establishes clinical finish standards that balance cost, performance, branding, and sustainability. Collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders to enhance the overall experience for patients, employees, and students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Champions the integration of building, asset, and people readiness into all projects to ensure smooth transitions from construction to operations.
• Oversees the development of move management strategies, including tools, templates, and communication frameworks.
• Partners with key stakeholders to embed strategic and operational goals into project planning, empowering teams to succeed.
• Facilitates comprehensive operational assessments and change management programs to prepare staff and leadership for new or renovated spaces.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to establish a shared understanding of new operations, coordinate ramp-up activities, and support clinical openings, patient relocations, and departmental transitions.
• Conducts simulations and scenario planning to validate workflows and resolve potential issues before occupancy.
• Leads change management programs to enhance understanding of workplace features and benefits, improving service delivery and maximizing employee experience.
• Builds a comprehensive furniture and finish standards framework for office, clinical, research, and teaching spaces.
• Oversees the governance process for regular updates to standards, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry trends.
• Manages the testing and evaluation of finishes in coordination with Environmental Services, Infection Prevention, and other partners to ensure proper application and performance.
• Acts as the owner's representative on capital projects, overseeing furniture and finish-related scope to ensure compliance with standards.
• Leads change management programs to educate stakeholders on evolving workplace environments and improve service delivery.
• Oversees the creation and maintenance of clinical finish and furniture standards, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and lifecycle costs.
• Partners with internal and external design teams to ensure alignment with branding, sustainability goals, and industry advancements.
• Acts as the institution's First Impressions Officer, identifying opportunities for functional and aesthetic improvements.
• Advocates for and develops budgets for common area finish upgrades, working with divisional owners to prioritize projects.
• Manages budgets for move management, operational readiness, and facility improvement initiatives. Secures funding for common area upgrades and strategic design projects.
• Assesses cost-saving opportunities within move management and furniture planning scopes.
• Provides financial oversight for capital projects related to furniture and finish standards.
• Fosters collaboration among clinical, administrative, and facilities teams to ensure alignment on project goals.
• Serves on institutional committees and workgroups, liaising between internal teams and community stakeholders to enhance user experience.
• Provides regular updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and opportunities. Ensures all design and operational readiness projects comply with state and federal regulations, including ADA, Joint Commission, and infection prevention standards.
• Develops policies and procedures to maintain compliance and readiness for audits and inspections.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, facilities management, healthcare administration, or related field and 15 years of progressive experience in healthcare management, operational readiness, and/or non-profit leadership required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Strong organizational skills and strong attention to detail required.
• Excellent oral and written communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to make difficult decisions and handle politically sensitive matters with tact required.
• Ability to positively influence behavior and outcomes and resolve conflicts required.
• A passion for providing exceptional customer service through human connection and ongoing support required.
• Commitment to creating inclusive, sustainable, and patient-centered environments required.
• Experience with ADA codes and basic AutoCAD skills required.
• Comprehensive understanding of academic medical center operations and multi-functional operational planning preferred.
• Systems furniture knowledge, including specifications and planning preferred.
• Knowledge of FGI, Bluebeam, and NCIDQ preferred.
• Ability to create, manage, and successfully execute a project schedule and budget as it relates to furniture and move management 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 Classes). 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.