Chief Operating Officer

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us Chief Operating Officer (COO) Howard University Faculty Practice Plan Position Summary The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP) serves as the senior operational leader responsible for the strategic, financial, and administrative oversight of the physician enterprise. The COO ensures that all ambulatory and faculty practice operations function efficiently and are aligned with the mission of Howard University and its academic health enterprise. The COO partners closely with the CEO/Executive Director of the FPP, clinical department chairs, practice administrators, hospital leadership, and the College of Medicine to drive performance, expand access, strengthen the patient experience, and support the clinical, educational, and research missions. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership of the Physician Enterprise Provide executive oversight of all ambulatory clinics, faculty practices, and related clinical operations. Lead day-to-day operational performance including patient flow, scheduling, clinic throughput, call center performance, and care coordination. Ensure that clinical operations meet standards of safety, quality, service excellence, and regulatory compliance. Implement consistent operational policies, workflows, and performance standards across departments and practice sites. Strategic Planning & Growth Develop and execute strategies to support practice expansion, new clinical programs, and service line growth. Assess market and demographic trends to inform future planning and provider network development. Partner with University and hospital leadership to align practice operations with broader academic and clinical priorities. Support recruitment planning, provider onboarding, and optimization of clinical FTE utilization. Provider Access, Productivity & Performance Optimization Lead initiatives to improve provider productivity, panel management, template design, and clinical capacity utilization. Partner with department chairs and practice leaders to set and monitor operational KPIs (e.g., access metrics, cycle time, provider productivity, patient satisfaction). Support performance review processes, compensation model implementation, and incentive alignment. Financial & Revenue Cycle Management Collaborate with the CFO to manage operating budgets, financial forecasts, and profitability of service lines. Provide operational leadership for revenue cycle functions (e.g., registration, scheduling, charge capture workflows, documentation optimization, denial reduction). Work with central revenue cycle leaders to ensure clean claims, timely billing, and improved collections. Evaluate and optimize payer mix, managed care leverage, and ambulatory financial performance. Systems, Technology & Data Integration Oversee optimization of the electronic health record (EHR) and other clinical information systems to support efficient workflows. Ensure accurate, real-time dashboards and data analytics to drive decision-making. Champion the use of technology, automation, and digital health solutions to improve access and patient engagement. Regulatory, Compliance & Quality Oversight Ensure operational compliance with CMS, Joint Commission, ambulatory accreditation standards, HIPAA, OSHA, and related federal and local regulations. Partner with quality leaders to strengthen ambulatory quality and patient safety programs. Lead operational readiness for audits, surveys, and accreditation activities. Leadership, Culture & People Management Build and develop high-performing administrative and operational teams. Promote a culture of equity, accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement. Provide coaching, mentorship, and leadership development to practice managers and administrative staff. Strengthen physician–administrative partnerships across departments. Collaboration with Academic & Hospital Partners Work closely with the College of Medicine to align clinical operations with teaching and training needs. Coordinate with Howard University Hospital leadership to ensure smooth inpatient–outpatient continuum of care. Assist in integrating residents and students into clinic operations in compliance with accreditation requirements. Qualifications Education Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related field required. Additional certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or ambulatory operations preferred. Experience Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in an academic medical center, faculty practice plan, or large multispecialty physician group. Strong experience in ambulatory operations, physician enterprise management, and performance improvement. Demonstrated success improving access, financial performance, and operational efficiency across multiple clinical departments. Experience in a mission-driven, culturally diverse, urban healthcare environment preferred. Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills. Deep understanding of physician practice economics and healthcare reimbursement. Demonstrated change management and project management capability. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and physician-relations skills. Commitment to health equity, community engagement, and service to underserved populations. Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Compensation Range: $275,000 - $300,000