Chief Executive Officer

Memorial Health Care Systems - Seward; Seward (NE); On-site; USD 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Memorial Health Care Systems (MHCS) in Seward, Nebraska seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the hospital and its entities, guiding day-to-day operations and setting strategic direction for the organization approved by the Board.

The ideal candidate will bring executive leadership experience, strong financial acumen, physician relations, community engagement and a commitment to high quality patient care in a rural healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in executive leadership, preferably as CEO.
• Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience including physician relations, budgeting, community relations and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead MHCS with Board, Medical Staff and leadership in strategic plans.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and sound financial operations.
• Oversee budget process and resource allocation across entities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with physicians and the community.
• Promote a positive work culture and high quality patient care.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Communication skills

Physician relations

Community relations

Education

Master's degree in Healthcare Administration or MBA

Job description

Reporting to the Memorial Health Care Systems Governing Board, the CEO is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hospital and its entities. The CEO will have the authority and responsibility for the administration of MHCS in all its activities and policies as adopted by the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include leadership of financial, operational, service performance, as well as organizational culture and physician, board, and community relations. Duties falling under this role include, assuring compliance with regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies, ensuring the sound financial operations of the entire organization while promoting services produced in a cost-effective manner, working in conjunction with the board to provide strategic direction and major policy implementation, and providing timely responses to Medical Staff, employees and patients.

The CEO’s principal duties and responsibilities include:

• Committing to the mission of MHCS to enhance the quality of life for individuals in the communities we serve by providing excellence in health care services in the most appropriate settings.
• Participating with the Board, Medical Staff and the MHCS leadership team in the development and implementation of strategic plans that align with the mission and values of MHCS.
• Formulating systems and processes to assure entities are operating in an efficient and effective manner.
• Establishing the Systems’ policies and objectives in collaboration with the management team that direct personnel practices, and support patient care services and programs.
• Executing, monitoring and adapting organizational plans to include operational, quality, employee engagement and financial plans in support of organizational objectives.
• Ensuring compliance with all regulatory agencies governing healthcare delivery and the rules of accrediting bodies by continually monitoring operations, programs, physical properties and initiating changes where required.
• Ensuring accountability for demonstrated Continuous Improvement and Relationship Management.
• Working collaboratively with the Medical Staff to assess, plan, address, and monitor the quality of health care delivery, operational considerations for safe patient care, health needs of the community, and physician recruitment and retention needs.
• Informing and advising the Governing Board regarding current trends, challenges, and activities in healthcare to facilitate policy making.
• Providing direction and oversight of the budget process in alignment with operational and organizational guidelines.
• Performing talent management and succession planning activities with a focus on leadership development, goal setting, leadership accountability, mentoring, and supporting career growth opportunities.
• Representing MHCS in its relationships with other health agencies, organizations, and groups in dealing with government agencies and third-party payers at the national, state and local levels.
• Collaborating with the community to identify, understand, and respond to needs that have an impact on health and quality of life.
• Monitoring systems responsible for accounting, budgeting, responsibility reporting, internal controls, auditing, and cost reporting in collaboration with Chief Finance Officer.
• Facilitating the relationship with the community through effective communication, community event involvement and public relations programs.
• Building relationships with key constituent groups including educational institutions, fire and rescue, city and county government, and local employers.
• Maintaining professional affiliations and enhancing professional growth and development to keep abreast of latest trends in hospital administration.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have served as a successful CEO, or in an executive leadership role, for a minimum of five years, preferably in a Critical Access Hospital. The candidate must have at minimum a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration or health care related field of study. Must have successful leadership experience that includes physician relations, budgeting, community relations and strategic planning. Must have strong communication skills and a history of progressive organizational growth and development.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a mission driven, visionary and innovative leader
• Be visible and involved in the community
• Promote and maintain effective teamwork
• Insure a positive work culture
• Be a great communicator with all staff, providers, patients and community members
• Build people up and promote accountability
• Effectively communicate and have interpersonal skills, including listening and approachability
• Display financial acumen; proficiency in budgets, productivity metrics, and Medicare cost reporting
• Manage conflict effectively and is comfortable with crucial conversations and performance management
• Experience working with value-based care payer arrangements, affordable care organizations (ACO’s) and similar arrangements to enhance the quality of care, affordability and availability

The Organization

Memorial Health Care Systems (MHCS), located in Seward, Nebraska, is a recognized leader in providing a continuum of healthcare to the 17,000 rural residents in Seward County and nearby surrounding counties for over seventy-five years. Named a 2026 Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the National Rual Health Association, MHCS is comprised of Memorial Hospital, a 24-bed Critical Access Hospital, 3 Rural Health Clinics (Seward, Milford and Utica), a Pharmacy, and a comprehensive therapy department that includes aquatic therapy. MHCS also works in tandem with physicians from across the state to offer seventeen professional outpatient specialty clinics.

With nine Family Practice physicians, and five physician-assistants staffing the Seward Family Medical Center and satellite medical clinics, MHCS provides a nurturing environment for patients, residents, medical staff, specialty providers, and all employees. Through a team of over 250 dedicated care givers, MCHS is focused on serving the mission of, “enhancing the quality of life for individuals in our communities by providing excellence in health care services in the most appropriate setting.”

The Community

Memorial Health Care Systems is located in the beautiful community of Seward, Nebraska. Seward is the official home of America’s “4th of July Small Town U.S.A.” celebration. Seward County is comprised of approximately 17,000 residents and 10 communities, with Seward being the largest community and the county seat. Located along the fertile land near the Big Blue River, Lincoln Creek, Plum Creek, Middle Creek and Beaver Creek, agriculture is one of the leading industries. With numerous parks and recreation opportunities in addition to fine restaurants, local shopping, quality education, exceptional medical services and great programs for residents of all ages Seward truly has it all.

Residency Requirement

The new CEO will be required to live in the community of Seward.

Compensation

The successful candidate will receive attractive and competitive compensation combined with an excellent benefits package.

Interested Candidates

Bryan Health will be conducting the search on behalf and in partnership with the Memorial Health Care Systems Board. Your candidacy will be held strictly confidential.