Director of Surgical Services

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Director of Surgical Services is responsible for the strategic planning, organization, and management of the Surgical Services Department, including Inpatient Operating Room, Outpatient Surgical Services, Anesthesia, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Central Sterile and Endoscopy services. The Director ensures effective business relationships to promote the services of the division and collaborates with Nursing Services to maintain high standards of surgical patient care. 

This role requires a dynamic healthcare administrator capable of leading a complex surgical services department, ensuring operational efficiency, strategic growth, and high standards of patient care. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and sustain an environment that supports innovation and excellence in surgical services through strategic planning and program development.
• Facilitate and oversee budgeting for Perioperative Services, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.
• Implement strategies to provide cost-effective quality care and improve OR efficiency and patient throughput.

Operational Management:

• Manage the daily operations of the Surgical Services Department, including staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient departmental operations and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Monitor and analyze patient payor mix in collaboration with Patient Financial Services.

Business Development:

• Identify opportunities for growth and expansion of surgical services in collaboration with administration and physicians.
• Develop and implement plans to achieve strategic goals and enhance service offerings.

Financial Management:

• Review financial reports and adjust operations to control costs and optimize financial performance.
• Participate in financial planning processes and develop practices to achieve specific objectives and resolve performance variances.

Quality and Performance Improvement:

• Maintain an ongoing Quality Improvement Plan consistent with organizational standards.
• Continuously assess and improve departmental performance, ensuring high-quality patient care and service delivery.
• Lead and participate in interdisciplinary performance improvement programs.

Staff Management:

• Oversee staff recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and development.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and consultation to managers and staff, fostering a professional and collaborative work environment.
• Delegate authority and accountability for clinical practice and patient care decisions to appropriate staff.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Foster effective communication and collaboration with Nursing Services and other departments to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Participate in and/or chair committees, work groups, and meetings as appropriate.

Professional Development:

• Maintain professional growth through seminars, workshops, and current literature.
• Support and promote educational opportunities and research within the department.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Represent DHHS at national and international healthcare forums and conferences. 
• Contribute to hospital-wide marketing, branding, and public relations efforts when required. 
• Provide mentorship to rising clinical leaders and contribute to talent pipeline development. 
• Support business development activities, such as proposals, partnerships, or public-private initiatives. 
• Assist in philanthropic or community health initiatives where appropriate. 
• Serve as acting Chief Operating Officer or designate when required. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters and Bachelors Degree in Nursing, MBA, Education, Business, Management, Healthcare, Administration, Business/Administration, Graduate, Healthcare Administration.
• Three to five years of experience in a healthcare administration role within a surgical environment, with at least five years of progressive management experience.

Professional Requirements: 

• Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, confidentiality, and ethical behavior at all times. 
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to patient safety, dignity, and the hospital’s values of excellence, compassion, and integrity. 
• Remain current with clinical best practices, international accreditation standards, and evolving healthcare regulations. 
• Model cultural competence, diversity, and inclusion in all professional interactions. 
• Exhibit strategic thinking, executive presence, and resilience in high-pressure environments. 
• Communicate effectively across disciplines, levels, and cultures. 
• Uphold the principles of servant leadership by empowering teams and fostering a people-first culture. 
• Engage in continuing education and executive leadership development as appropriate. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Thorough knowledge of healthcare administration principles, practices, and management.
• Understanding of healthcare practices, procedures, terminology, and technology related to surgical services.
• Expertise in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning in a healthcare setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality assurance standards in healthcare.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership, management, and supervisory skills.
• Ability to develop and implement effective operational and strategic plans.
• Proficiency in analyzing financial reports and making data-driven decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, physicians, and patients.
• Competence in computer applications related to healthcare administration.