Director, Operative Scheduling & Patient Access

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the VP of Business Operations for Perioperative Services, the Director of Operative Scheduling & Patient Access is responsible for the management of operative scheduling across three campuses. This role involves active collaboration with Surgical Chiefs of Service, operating room (OR) leadership, and various clinical and administrative units throughout the hospital. The primary objective is to oversee a structured operative scheduling process to optimize access to operative care, maximize efficient utilization of the operating room, and support the growth of hospital and foundation revenue.

The Director works closely with departmental leaders to identify opportunities for process enhancement, including the early identification and mitigation of unused OR time. This role promotes cross-service collaboration and fosters a culture of change and innovation. The Director is also committed to service excellence, with a strong emphasis on mentoring and developing a high-performing, service-oriented team.

Key Responsibilities

Scheduling and Coordination

• Formulate and oversee the surgical schedule to maximize OR utilization
• Coordinate allocation of OR resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities
• Ensure smooth and effective scheduling of surgical procedures, minimizing delays and cancellations

Resource Management

• Collaborate with clinical and administrative leadership to manage schedule variations and maintain appropriate staffing levels
• Optimize utilization of OR space and advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency

Patient Access

• Partner with clinical teams to prioritize and schedule surgical cases in accordance with established guidelines
• Establish and uphold access policies and protocols to ensure timely patient care
• Continuously assess and improve scheduling and access to enhance patient outcomes and OR utilization

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Collect and analyze data related to OR usage, backlog, patient wait times, and key performance metrics
• Produce reports to monitor and evaluate departmental performance
• Use data-driven insights to inform decisions and drive improvements

Team Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of surgical schedulers
• Foster a collaborative, efficient, and service-oriented work environment
• Provide leadership, guidance, and performance evaluations for team members

Process Enhancement

• Identify opportunities to improve scheduling and access workflows
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce wait times

Communication

• Maintain open communication with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and service line leaders
• Address and resolve scheduling and access issues in a timely manner

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field
• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience, including at least two years of experience managing or directing a team.
• Strong project management and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, develop implementation timelines, identify resource needs and potential impacts, and track progress; strong team-building skills
• Ability to engage Department Heads and other key individuals and groups to gain involvement and approval to implement identified opportunities
• Ability to solve complex problems requiring the use of scientific, mathematical, or technical principles, along with in-depth, experience-based cross-functional knowledge
• Strong communication skills to effectively address conflicting views or issues, mediate fair solutions, and demonstrate well-developed writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and implement new programs and procedures
• Must be highly tech-savvy, with strong data analysis and reporting skills
• Experience with EPIC surgical scheduling systems preferred

The posted pay range is Boston Children's reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay at the time of posting. Any base pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible schedules, affordable health, vision and dental insurance, child care and student loan subsidies, generous levels of time off, 403(b) Retirement Savings plan, Pension, Tuition and certain License and Certification Reimbursement, cell phone plan discounts and discounted rates on T-passes. Experience the benefits of passion and teamwork.