What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ambulatory IT Director position at Willis Knighton Health?
The Director of Ambulatory IT serves as a strategic and operational leader, overseeing the design, implementation, and management of IT systems that support ambulatory care operations across the health system. This position requires a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in clinical workflows, health IT, and enterprise system optimization. The Director works collaboratively with clinical, operational, and technical stakeholders to deliver innovative and efficient IT solutions that enhance patient care and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the role involves managing relationships between PhyNet leaders and Clinic leadership, prioritizing issues, and serving as an escalation point for resolution. Manages a team of 7 to 12 people. The success of this role is measured by the satisfaction and alignment of IT and clinic leaders.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for ambulatory IT services in alignment with the health system’s overall goals.
- Serve as a key advisor to the CIO and executive leadership on ambulatory IT initiatives, trends, and emerging technologies.
- Drive innovation by identifying opportunities to enhance patient and provider experiences through technology.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee the implementation, optimization, and maintenance of EHR systems (e.g., MEDITECH Expanse, GE Viewpoint, SECTRA) in ambulatory care settings.
- Ensure seamless integration of IT systems across all ambulatory clinics, ensuring data integrity, interoperability, and scalability.
- Establish KPIs and monitor system performance to ensure operational efficiency and high availability.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive policies, procedures, and governance frameworks for ambulatory IT systems.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with clinical leaders, physicians, and staff to identify IT needs and improve clinical workflows.
- Collaborate with other IT leaders to ensure integration and alignment across inpatient, outpatient, and administrative systems.
- Lead cross-functional teams to support successful project delivery, user adoption, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure all ambulatory IT systems comply with HIPAA, HITECH, and other relevant regulations.
- Oversee risk management strategies, including security, privacy, and disaster recovery plans specific to ambulatory IT.
- Partner with compliance teams to prepare for audits and respond to regulatory changes.
Financial and Resource Management
- Develop and manage budgets for ambulatory IT projects and operations.
- Oversee vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure alignment with the health system’s IT strategy.
- Allocate resources effectively to balance operational needs and strategic initiatives.
Team Leadership and Development
- Build and lead a high-performing team of IT professionals focused on ambulatory services.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning within the IT department.
- Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.
Education and Experience
- A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Information Technology, or a related field is required.
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive IT leadership experience, including at least 3 years specializing in ambulatory care or outpatient settings.
- Comprehensive expertise with EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Meditech) and other healthcare technologies.
- Demonstrated success in managing large-scale IT projects within complex healthcare environments.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong knowledge of ambulatory clinical workflows and operational processes.
- Deep understanding of IT systems architecture, interoperability, and cybersecurity.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to balance short-term needs and long-term goals.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements, including HIPAA and HITECH.
