Associate Chief Operating Officer, Pathology Laboratory Services

The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics (UI Health) is seeking a full-time Associate Chief Operating Officer, Pathology Laboratory Services. The Associate Chief Operations Officer is directly accountable and responsible for strategic and operational oversight of all the Hospital Clinical Pathology Laboratories, Outreach Laboratory, and Blood Bank Services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct the department's daily operations including financial management, human resources, information systems, procurement, customer services and quality improvement.
• Actively engage in the development and implementation of the strategic planning process.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and objectives in support of and consistent with medical center and college of medicine goals and mission.
• Set department short and long-term goals.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and with regulatory and accrediting bodies such as CAP and TJC.
• Develop and implement financial objectives, direct the financial planning process, and prepare and monitor departmental budgets.
• Ensure the cost of laboratory services are in line with benchmark targets.
• Plan and manage the process for maintaining existing business for the outreach laboratory and identifying new sales opportunities.
• Participate and comply with ongoing regulatory and accreditation readiness, quality management and process improvement of patient satisfaction with access and lab services.
• Oversee the evaluation and acquisition of capital equipment. Authorize the purchase and implementation of new technology, resources, and equipment
• Oversee space and renovation capital projects.
• Manage the contract and procurement process including research, development of requests for proposals, negotiation, vendor relations and contract development.
• Ensure ongoing human resources management and development including recruitment, performance evaluations, disciplinary process, and retention of staff.
• Plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met.
• Hire, train, develop and manage staff to ensure that qualified staff exist to meet group objectives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory and institutional goals.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in hospital administration, business administration or a related field required.
• A minimum of (7) years of management experience in a clinical laboratory setting is required.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accrediting requirements for laboratory services required.
• Demonstrates leadership, management. financial analysis, and planning skills.
• Strong human relations and communication skills.
• Demonstrates critical thinking, ability to resolve complex problems, and ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• American Society of Clinical Pathologist certification preferred.
• Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, DCLS) or MBA with healthcare finance concentration.
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• Fellow status in a professional health-related organization (e.g., FACHE)
• 10 years progressive leadership experience in academic medical center laboratory systems, including outreach or reference laboratory operations.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary: The previously determined salary range for this position was $228,898 to $381,290.

Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.

Employment Status: Full Time

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

To Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the close date of June 15, 2026.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement.

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.