Director EMS Program Operations

Harris Health; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Health is seeking a Director, EMS Program Operations in Houston, Texas. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the EMS program, overseeing nonclinical operations and optimizing performance through data. Candidates should have extensive healthcare experience, including 7 years in operations and 5 years in a management position. The position focuses on innovation, leadership, and communication within a diverse team and requires a Bachelor's degree, with a Master's preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years work experience in a healthcare environment.
• 2 years in EMS or transport operations preferred.
• 5 years management experience in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the EMS program.
• Improve workflows and efficiency using data and analytics.
• Ensure coordination across the EMS continuum.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Bilingual

Analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Word

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); The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston.

Summary

The Director, EMS Program Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for Harris Health's EMS program, developing multiyear strategies that align transportation services with organizational priorities and patient care needs. This role oversees nonclinical EMS operations, system performance, and resource planning, using data and analytics to optimize workflows, improve efficiency, and guide decision making. Serving as the primary liaison with internal leaders, public safety partners, and community agencies, the Director ensures seamless coordination across the EMS continuum. Through strong people leadership and a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, the role advances a high performing, accountable, and integrated EMS system.

Degrees

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, Business Administration, Public Health, Operations Management, or related field
• Master's degree in healthcare administration, Business Administration, Public Health, Operations Management, or related field preferred

License & Certifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt LSSGB (Or) Six Sigma Black Belt LSSBB. To be obtained within 2 years of hire

Work Experience

• Seven (7) Years Work Experience in a healthcare environment, including complex patient/program operations; including 2 years in EMS, transport operations, emergency management, or safety-sensitive programs preferred

Management Experience

• Five (5) Years of Management Experience in a Management or Supervisory role or providing leadership experience

Language Skills

Bilingual Preferred

Communication Skills

• Above Average Verbal Communication (Heavy Public Contact)
• Exceptional Verbal (Public Speaking)
• Writing/Correspondence
• Writing/Reports

Proficiencies

• MS Excel
• MS PowerPoint
• MS Word
• Personal Computer

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Analytical Abilities
• Mathematics
• Medical Terminology Knowledge

Work Schedule

• Flexible
• Holidays
• On-Call
• 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 solutions