Director of Optometry

Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Inc; Worcester (MA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance starts day 1

80% premiums covered

Generous time off

Dental and Vision insurance

403b retirement plan with employer 4o%

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Inc. in Worcester, MA is seeking a Director of Optometry to lead clinical operations, educate students, and mentor staff across Kennedy sites.

The DoO role combines direct patient care, student teaching, and administrative oversight to ensure high-quality eye care aligned with MCPHS collaboration. The DoO will supervise clinical teams, drive performance improvement, ensure regulatory compliance, and develop partnerships with MCPHS and professional

Qualifications

• Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution.
• Massachusetts Optometry license current.
• Residency training in community health or VA optometry preferred; otherwise 3+ years of clinical optometry experience.
• Minimum 1 year of teaching, precepting, or higher education experience.
• Strong communication, organization, customer service, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise clinical operations and ensure high-quality patient care and customer service.
• Precept and mentor optometry student interns across Kennedy Community Health sites.
• Orient, train, coach, and evaluate staff and clinical preceptors with Kennedy and MCPHS leadership.
• Monitor clinical operations, programs, and facilities for compliance with standards.
• Develop productivity reports and contribute to budgeting and financial planning.

Job description

Salary for this Position: $106,000 - $123,000 Annually

All Pay Rates are subject to Experience, License or Certification and Location

Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center is one of the largest community health centers in Massachusetts serving Worcester, Framingham, Milford and the surrounding communities. We are a thriving and growing organization, and our team is expanding across sites to support this growth.

We are hiring a Director of Optometry based in Worcester, MA. The MCPHS School of Optometry and Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center are seeking a faculty member to serve in a dual role as an educator and Director of Optometry (DoO). This position combines direct patient care, student teaching and mentorship, and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered eye care services. Working closely with MCPHS faculty and Kennedy Community Health leadership, the DoO will oversee clinical operations, precept student interns, drive quality and performance improvement initiatives, and support compliance with clinical and regulatory standards. This role is integral to advancing both optometric education and exceptional patient care.

Job Summary

Universal (between MCPHS & Kennedy CHC.)

• Support the clinical education, mentorship, and professional development of optometry students rotating through Kennedy Community Health sites.
• Provide clinical supervision and leadership to ensure high-quality patient care and customer service.
• Orient, train, coach, and evaluate assigned staff and clinical preceptors in collaboration with Kennedy Community Health and MCPHS leadership.
• Monitor clinical operations, programs, and facilities to ensure compliance with organizational and professional standards.
• Analyze operational data and reports to identify trends, improve workflows, and enhance performance.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and efficient use of departmental resources.
• Promote culturally competent, inclusive care and learning environments for patients and students.
• Develop partnerships with professional organizations to support educational and clinical initiatives.
• Utilize EMR and other healthcare technologies to support patient care, operations, and student training.

Kennedy Community Health

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, serving as the primary contact for surveys and audits.
• Participate in committees and quality improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence.
• Lead clinical peer reviews and support evaluation of student preceptors.
• Develop and implement policies, SOPs, workflows, schedules, and other operational tools to improve efficiency and productivity.

MCPHS

• Partner with the Associate Dean for Clinical Programs to ensure high-quality, evidence-based clinical education and precepting.
• Precept and mentor optometry student interns across Kennedy Community Health sites through direct supervision, feedback, and advising.
• Maintain clinical expertise to support exceptional patient care and student learning.
• Evaluate and enhance the student experience through performance metrics and feedback.
• Provide direct patient care as needed to ensure continuity of services.
• Participate in the School of Optometry Clinical Council and support ongoing educational initiatives.
• Promote staff productivity, customer service, and professional development.
• Collaborate across departments to improve workflows, operational performance, and patient care.
• Develop productivity reports, present operational recommendations, and contribute to annual budgeting and financial planning.

Job Requirements

• Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution and current Massachusetts Optometry license.
• Residency training in community health or VA optometry preferred; otherwise, 3+ years of clinical optometry experience.
• Minimum 1 year of teaching, precepting, or higher education experience.
• Commitment to student success, professional education, and inclusive learning environments.
• Strong communication, organization, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and leadership.
• Knowledge of clinical operations, workflow management, data analysis, budgeting, and performance improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends and holidays as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and healthcare technology systems

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on related experience
• Medical insurance starts on the first day of employment.
  • Health center pays 80% of medical insurance premiums.
  • Includes coverage for all individuals and most family types.
• Generous time off packages
• Dental and Vision insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program