Job Description

JOB TITLE: Director, Department & Clinic Operations

SUPERSEDES: 03/15 (Director of Clinic Operations), 08/17, 11/18, 01/19, 10/25

FLSA: Exempt

JOB CODE: 9036

ISSUED: 03/2015

REVISED: 11/2025

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Department & Clinical Operations Director is accountable for achieving the desired School of Medicine's missions and vision of teaching, research, and patient care. This leadership position has responsibility for helping the School of Medicine and MU Health Care achieve its mission of advancing the health of all people, especially Missourians. In addition to an understanding of academic research, a broad scope of knowledge with an understanding of clinical practice management and medical school training programs is required. As a leader of the School of Medicine, this position is expected to unceasingly lead the development of a culture that is driven by the core values of working together to care, deliver, innovate, and serve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Department & Clinical Operations Director is responsible for developing and directing the long-range strategic business plan with the Chair; this includes preparation of business analyses, program expansions, implementation plans for new programs, and the design and implementation of changes to existing programs. Oversee division administrators (if applicable within the department) for the successful accomplishment of these tasks.

Manage and monitor the department budget and work collaboratively with SOM and department fiscal management of financial resources (e.g., clinical revenue, state funds, grants and contracts, and gift accounts) for the department, including financial planning, budgeting, and accounting functions of the academic and medical service units.

Establish financial management policies within the department and ensure compliance with the policies and procedures of the Department, SOM, and University. Coordinate and/or prepare regular financial reporting, which is provided to the Department Chair, Division Chief (if appropriate), and Principal Investigators.

Work with support personnel to prepare grant and budget proposals; assist with grant renewals and anticipate renewal dates. Provide post-award financial planning and reporting. Meet budget deadlines.

Oversee departmental human resources function in partnership with the HR consultants regarding structure, employment, compensation review, promotions, disciplinary actions, and terminations. Counsel employees and supervisors to resolve employee relations issues, initiate and follow through with progressive disciplinary actions when appropriate. Interview, select, and evaluate the performance of the staff who directly report to the Director.

Ensure that all required compliance of the department is completed in a timely manner in accordance with MUHC and University policies. Direct and indirect

supervision is exercised over all support staff within the department, and for faculty, HR, and payroll activities.

Develop policies and processes to ensure that all clinical services and procedures are billed in a timely manner. Analyze charge capture, denial reasons, and reimbursement patterns.

Work collaboratively with University Physicians to improve processes and to provide feedback and education to physicians, residents, fellows, mid-level providers, and staff on billing processes and practices to ensure compliance with federal, state, and University Physicians policies.

Evaluate the department's incentive practice plans to ensure they appropriately reward clinical productivity. Review and monitor productivity reports. Evaluate and oversee the preparation of reports for Division Chiefs (if appropriate), Department Chair, and Providers. Analyze and recommend action concerning clinical productivity. Work collaboratively with MU Health Care clinical leadership; provide input to clinic oversight.

Work collaboratively with the Associate Dean of Administration to prepare space and provide for maintenance of facilities.

Oversee the development, coordination, and maintenance of daily staffing schedules to ensure the appropriate level of coverage and continuity of care across units.

Direct the implementation and oversight of MU Health Care time and attendance policies and practices.

May complete unit/department-specific duties and expectations as outlined in department documents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must possess an executive level presence, integrity, work ethic, tenacity, and a leadership style that is independent in approach but strong in teamwork.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direction is received from the Department Chair and SOM leadership or Chief Ambulatory Officer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision is exercised over professional, technical, clinical, and clerical staff of designated areas of responsibility.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in a related area. Master's degree in a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and

experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired.

Seven (7) years of healthcare leadership experience.

Three (3) years in ambulatory operations or healthcare administration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. The employee may be required ambulate, remain in a stationary position and position self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may be required to move objects up to 10 lbs.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

This position is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; however, completion of these duties is a measure of successful performance. Employees of this job classification are subject to performance reviews. Basic function, responsibilities and characteristics duties may change at any time with or without notice.

SAFETY SENSITIVE STATUS

This position is considered safety sensitive.

This document is a general description of typical job duties, responsibilities and qualifications of employees holding the associated job title. Additional duties, specific qualifications and work emphasis may vary between individual positions.