Chair, Department of Ophthalmology

University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary leader to chair its Department of Ophthalmology. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to influence a premier institution known for excellence in teaching, research, and patient care. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic faculty team, drive innovative research initiatives, and ensure high-quality medical care. With a commitment to collaboration and a strategic vision, this position is perfect for a transformative leader ready to shape the future of ophthalmology in a thriving healthcare landscape.

Benefits

Comprehensive insurance plans

Flexible spending accounts

Employee wellness program

Generous paid time off

Tuition remission for employees and dependents

Discounts for activities and services

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading an academic unit in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with faculty and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee educational programs and clinical services in the department.
• Develop and communicate a vision for the department's future.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Strategic Planning

Research Development

Clinical Care Management

Education

M.D. or D.O. degree

American Board of Ophthalmology certification

Eligibility for medical license in Ohio

Job description

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Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to 53,235 students, more than 11,000 faculty and staff and 350,000+ living alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, three straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget stands at $1.85 billion, and its endowment totals nearly $1.8 billion.

About the Department

As one of the oldest medical schools in the country, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (COM) has a reputation for training best-in-class health care professionals and developing cutting-edge procedures and research that improves the health and clinical care of patients. In partnership with the UC Health academic healthcare system and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, College of Medicine’s faculty are transforming the world of medicine every day. The Department of Ophthalmology is a top-tier department with world-renowned faculty and staff.

The Department’s collaboration with the Cincinnati Eye Institute, through its Academic Services agreement, has established a world-class program in clinical care, research, and education, further cementing its role as the leading provider of ophthalmic services in the area and beyond.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati's Department of Ophthalmology is seeking an innovative and visionary leader to serve as its next Chair. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a leading institution in ophthalmology, recognized as a premier center for teaching, research, and patient care in the Tristate region, including southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. A national search is currently underway.

A full time faculty position is available in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The Department of Ophthalmology is renowned for its excellence across patient care, education, and research, supported by an internationally recognized faculty. Its expertise spans all ophthalmic sub-specialties, making it the regional leader for both patients and healthcare providers. The faculty's pioneering clinical and basic science research consistently leads to groundbreaking advancements that enhance the field of ophthalmology and improve patient outcomes.

The next Chair will oversee a dynamic group of over 60 faculty members—including full-time, research, part-time, volunteer, visiting, and ancillary faculty—across multiple institutions, including the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC), Hoxworth Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Eye Institute, and the VA Medical Center. This role offers the opportunity to advance a department with a proud history of excellence while shaping its future direction in an evolving healthcare landscape.

The successful candidate will possess significant experience leading and managing an academic unit in a complex environment. She/he will demonstrate interpersonal skills that will ensure successful relationship building with leadership, faculty and staff within the department, and with other key stakeholders. The Chair will be a transparent, accessible and transformative leader with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the various external and internal stakeholders.

The successful applicant will be provided with a competitive salary and benefits, and the final faculty rank/title will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications.

Essential Functions

1. In addition to being appointed the Chief of Ophthalmologic Services for UC Health, the Chair will be an integral leader in the College of Medicine (CoM) and needs to think and function in a system context.
2. Developing and communicating a vision for the future of the department and maintaining a strategic plan and goals that align with those of the CoM, UC Health, UC Physicians, Cincinnati Eye Institute, the VA Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
3. Directing and overseeing the quality and effectiveness of the department’s educational programs; fostering an environment that emphasizes and supports the importance of the department’s educational mission and recruitment of trainees.
4. Encouraging and supporting research creativity, scholarly activities, and productivity. Implementing initiatives to promote and increase extramurally funded research in the department.
5. Directing and overseeing the clinical services of the department and ensuring the highest quality medical care and the principles of patient care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, and patient centered.
6. The recruitment, management, evaluation, development, and retention of talented faculty to fulfill the needs and missions of the Department and various stakeholders.
7. The financial performance and long-term fiscal stability of the department’s academic and clinical practice budgets. Developing annually, in collaboration with the department administrator, a budget for the department and overseeing management of department finances and resources in accordance with CoM and university policies and procedures.
8. Seeking opportunities to increase philanthropic support for the department and CoM and actively participating in philanthropy and development programs.
9. Modeling professionalism and ethical standards for faculty and holding faculty accountable.
10. Hold a M.D., D.O., or a combined M.D. degree such as M.D./Ph.D.
11. Meet the qualifications for the academic rank of Professor.
12. Obtained American Board of Ophthalmology certification.
13. Currently holds or is eligible for a medical license in the State of Ohio.

Additional Qualifications Considered

1. The next Chair will possess significant leadership experience in a complex matrixed institution, ideally in an academic medical center and have the ability to promote a strong collaborative culture within the Department, across the College, with UC Health, Cincinnati Eye Institute, the VA Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
2. The Chair will be accomplished in the field of ophthalmology as evidenced through leadership roles and involvement in societies and associations at a national and/or international level. The Chair will possess a track record of supporting and guiding faculty to expand research opportunities for patients, trainees, faculty, and staff, that includes basic and translational research and clinical trials.
3. Demonstrated ability to create and articulate a shared vision, persuade a wide range of audiences of its value, and engage others in its implementation.
4. An expectation of achieving excellence in education, clinical practice, quality improvement and research for the department.
5. A passion for attracting, supporting, and retaining leading clinicians and scholars, and for supporting staff and students at all levels.
6. Demonstrated ability in management, including strategic planning, budgetary, and operational management.
7. An interdisciplinary outlook with ability to envision, articulate, mobilize, and realize a compelling vision that cuts across silos and translates to various stakeholders.
8. An understanding and appreciation of the educational mission and the importance of providing students, residents, and fellows with the highest quality educational experience and clinical training opportunities.
9. An entrepreneurial spirit and ability to innovate.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Competitive salary range dependent on the candidate's experience.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
• Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer.