Admin Director, Operational Development & External Affairs

Harris Health; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Health in Houston is seeking an Administrative Director of Operational Development & External Affairs to lead strategic initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and advance systemwide operational goals. The role focuses on governance, referral networks, and Outsourced Medical Services, guiding cross-functional programs toward measurable improvements.

Responsibilities include executive collaboration, data-driven decision making, and scalable solutions that improve outcomes, optimize

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in a healthcare or related field
• Master’s preferred, leadership in health administration or business administration
• Six Sigma certification or similar process excellence training preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact strategic initiatives that strengthen performance and external partnerships.
• Oversee governance, referral networks, and Outsourced Medical Services operations.
• Drive long-term business planning and data-driven decision making.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align initiatives with organizational pillars.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Verbal/Written communication

Vendor management

Healthcare operations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree Nursing, Business Administration, Health Administration or related healthcare field

Master's Degree Nursing, Business Administration, Health Administration or related healthcare field

Tools

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

MS Access

Job description

About Us

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet® nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. At Harris Health, we prioritize the well-being of our most valuable asset--our people--ensuring a culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence in serving Harris County's most in need. With integrity and accountability at our core, we commit to 'leading with love', embodying our dedication to quality care, education, and a steadfast respect for every individual's contribution to our mission.

Job Summary

The Administrative Director of Operational Development & External Affairs leads high impact strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational performance, expand external partnerships, and advance systemwide operational goals. The role drives long term business planning, oversees complex cross functional programs, and ensures alignment with organizational strategic pillars while enhancing operational efficiency and care transitions. Serving as a key architect of governance, referral networks, and Outsourced Medical Services operations, this leader builds sustainable frameworks that improve outcomes, optimize resources, and elevate stakeholder experience. Through executive level collaboration, data driven decision making, and innovative problem solving, the director steers transformational efforts that support Harris Health's mission and long-term growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licenses & Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt LSSGB (Or) Six Sigma Black Belt
• Degrees: Bachelor's Degree Nursing, Business Administration, Health Administration or related healthcare field
• Degrees: Master's Degree Nursing, Business Administration, Health Administration or related healthcare field Preferred

Work Experience

• Ten (10) Years Work Experience in a healthcare environment, including project management, strategy, communications, and working with external vendors

Management Experience

• Seven (7) Years of Management Experience in management, supervisory, or leadership roles

Communication Skills

• Verbal/Written Additional details
• Exceptional Verbal (Public Speaking)
• Writing/Correspondence
• Writing/Reports

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Analytical Abilities
• Design Knowledge and Skills
• Mathematics
• Medical Terminology Knowledge
• Research Knowledge and Abilities

Work Schedule

• Flexible
• Holidays
• Overtime
• Eligible for Telecommute
• Travel
• Weekends

Other Requirements

• Strategic thinker with attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated success executing strategic initiatives
• Organized and can manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
• Strong relationship builder with experience in leading diverse work teams internally and externally
• Experience with high-level decision making
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation skills with ability to successfully communicate complex business information to leadership and other stakeholders
• Knowledge of all components of healthcare business functions (Operations, Strategy, Finance, IT, etc.)
• Skills influencing people without having direct reporting relationships.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to deal with all levels of staff within Harris Health and senior leadership
• Ability to deal with conflicting points of view and to effect creative and responsive
• MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Access