Program Manager - Clinical & Operational Excellence

Job Summary:

The Program Manager - Clinical & Operational Excellence leads strategic initiatives to improve financial sustainability, access to care, and work and culture optimization across the Department of Pediatrics. This role uses project management and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Agile) to drive measurable outcomes and leads cross-functional projects, facilitates stakeholder engagement, and ensures alignment with departmental and hospital goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, project planning, and execution.

• Develop and manage detailed project plans using Smartsheet and/or Excel to monitor progress, track milestones, and ensure timely delivery.

• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and documentation using tools like Smartsheet and Excel to monitor progress and performance.

• Monitor and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to financial sustainability, access to care, and work and culture optimization.

• Facilitate process improvement efforts using Lean methodologies, including value-add analysis and PDSA cycles, to reduce inefficiencies and enhance workflow.

• Communicate project updates, success metrics, and best practices to department and hospital leadership, fostering transparency and engagement.

• Ensure best practices are shared across the department to foster continuous improvement.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

With an abundance of sunshine and mountains nearby, the Colorado Front Range is the place to be! The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus ranks among the top 20 medical centers in the country. CU Anschutz has top ranked clinical programs in family medicine and pediatrics, and the basic science and applied health research programs attract more NIH funding than any other university in Colorado. CU-Anschutz is home to the University of Colorado Hospital, The Children's Hospital of Colorado, and the University of Colorado Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Public Health, providing access to an array of possibilities to improve lives across a spectrum of ages and disease states.

The Department of Pediatrics is one of the University of Colorado's largest academic units with over 1,000 faculty and 500 staff across 24 pediatric subspecialty sections. The Program Manager leads clinical operations efforts focused on increasing the sustainability of the Department's clinical programs through the application of practice optimization methodologies and initiatives impacting our organizational health and access to exceptional care.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, business administration, finance, accounting, education, social or behavioral sciences, healthcare administration, higher education administration, public administration, public policy, communications, information systems, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

• At least four (4) years' experience in project management or process improvement.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Condition of Employment:

• Must successfully pass a drug test through Children's Hospital Colorado.

• Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check.

Some positions may require testing if access to Children's Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least four (4) years' experience in project management or process improvement in healthcare settings.

• Formal training or certification in project management (e.g., PMP, CAPM, or equivalent)

• Certification or applied experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.

• Experience working in a healthcare setting which included billing oversight and/or clinical operations.

• Experience managing multi-phase clinical or operational improvement projects from planning through implementation.

• Experience presenting to executive leadership and facilitating cross-functional teams

• Experience working with Epic.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in data tracking, reporting, and dashboard development using tools such as Excel, Smartsheet, Tableau, PowerBI or similar platforms.

• Familiarity with Epic.

• Demonstrated success in managing multi-phase clinical or operational improvement projects from planning through implementation.

• Strong knowledge of project management principles, with the ability to lead complex initiatives across clinical and administrative teams.

• Applied understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and PDSA cycles to drive operational efficiency and reduce waste.

• Proficiency in data tracking, synthesis, and visualization using tools such as Excel, Smartsheet, Tableau, or similar platforms.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, clinical providers, and administrative staff.

• Strong collaboration skills.

• Skilled in navigating organizational change, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring successful adoption of new processes and tools.

• Self-starter with a proactive mindset and a willingness to take ownership of projects, adapt to evolving priorities, and work independently with minimal supervision.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2. Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Kiah Miller, Kiah.Miller@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete application received by 12/19/25. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The hiring range for this position has been established as $68,462 - $92,369.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.