Associate Administrator

Encompass Health; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Encompass Health Corporation seeks high-potential leaders for its Developing Future CEO (DFCEO) Program, an 18–24 month executive leadership track designed to prepare future Hospital CEOs. As an Associate Administrator, you’ll work directly with a Hospital CEO, oversee operations, and participate in strategic initiatives that drive patient experience and financial performance.

You will gain hands-on experience across hospital leadership, with mentorship and structured curriculum, and you may

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA) or related healthcare leadership field.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in acute or post‑acute hospital environment.
• Experience directly supervising employees and leading teams.
• Experience managing at least 3 direct reports.
• Experience with departmental budgets, financial management and performance accountability.
• Demonstrated record of strong performance and career progression.
• Desire and commitment to advance into a Hospital CEO role.
• Ability to commit to the 24-month development program.
• Willingness to relocate up to two times during the program and for future CEO placement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the Hospital CEO to learn all aspects of hospital operations and executive leadership.
• Lead operational departments and assume increasing levels of responsibility throughout the program.
• Drive improvements in patient satisfaction, employee engagement, clinical outcomes and financial performance.
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities for growth and performance improvement.
• Participate in executive leadership meetings and strategic planning initiatives.
• Collaborate with clinical and non-clinical leaders across the hospital.
• Complete a structured executive leadership development curriculum.
• Lead a strategic business initiative and present results to senior leadership at the 12-month milestone.
• Support organizational growth, operational excellence and culture initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team leadership

Budget management

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

MHA or MBA

Job description

Encompass Health's Developing Future CEO (DFCEO) Program is a highly selective,18-24 month executive leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential healthcare leaders for Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) positions.

As an Associate Administrator, you will work directly with a Hospital CEO, serve as a member of the senior leadership team and gain hands‑on experience leading hospital operations, financial performance, patient experience, quality outcomes and employee engagement. You will also participate in Encompass Health's Developing Future CEO (DFCEO) Program designed to prepare high‑potential healthcare leaders for Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) positions. This program provides accelerated leadership development through operational ownership, executive mentorship and strategic project leadership.

You must be willing to move to one of the following locations

• Louisville, KY
• Fort Mill, SC
• Dothan, AL
• Prosper, TX
• Sandy, UT

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA) or related healthcare leadership field
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in acute or post‑acute hospital environment.
• Experience directly supervising employees and leading teams
• Experience managing at least 3 direct reports
• Experience with departmental budgets, financial management and performance accountability
• Demonstrated record of strong performance and career progression
• Desire and commitment to advance into a Hospital CEO role
• Ability to commit to the 24-month development program
• Willingness to relocate up to two times during the program and for future CEO placement opportunities

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of senior healthcare management experience
• Leadership responsibility for one or more of the following:
• Nursing
• Therapy Services
• Case Management
• Human Resources
• Quality
• Marketing
• Finance
• Experience leading cross-functional operational initiatives
• Experience improving quality, patient satisfaction or financial performance metrics
• Long-term executive leadership aspirations

What You'll Do

As an Associate Administrator, you will:

• Partner directly with the Hospital CEO to learn all aspects of hospital operations and executive leadership
• Lead operational departments and assume increasing levels of responsibility throughout the program
• Drive improvements in patient satisfaction, employee engagement, clinical outcomes and financial performance
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify opportunities for growth and performance improvement
• Participate in executive leadership meetings and strategic planning initiatives
• Collaborate with clinical and non-clinical leaders across the hospital
• Complete a structured executive leadership development curriculum
• Lead a strategic business initiative and present results to senior leadership at the 12-month milestone
• Support organizational growth, operational excellence and culture initiatives

Ideal Background

We're seeking emerging healthcare leaders who are passionate about hospital operations and motivated to become a Hospital CEO.

• Healthcare leadership experience
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Team leadership and talent development capabilities
• Change management and organizational leadership experience
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Operational excellence mindset
• Ability to influence and lead across multiple departments