Operational Specialist

College of American Pathologists (CAP); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

College of American Pathologists (CAP) in the Greater Chicago Area offers a full-time hybrid role as Operational Specialist. You will support day-to-day operations, coordinate workflows, monitor performance, and help implement policies to ensure efficient service and accreditation standards.

You will work with cross-functional teams and CAP members, preparing reports and contributing to continuous improvement while maintaining strong quality and customer service in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and data interpretation to support decisions.
• Effective communication across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in operations management, coordinating workflows and optimizing processes.
• Project management abilities including milestone tracking and cross-functional initiatives.
• Sales or customer service awareness to support member-facing activities.
• Hybrid work experience and ability to manage multiple priorities in a flexible environment.
• Proficiency with common office tools and collaboration platforms.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate workflows and monitor process performance.
• Assist with implementing operational policies and procedures.
• Analyze data and prepare reports to support timelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in operations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to maintain CAP standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Operations management

Project management

Customer service awareness

Hybrid work experience

Office tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Healthcare administration

Operations-related degree or experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Project tracking software

Job description

Company Description

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is the leading organization of board-certified pathologists, dedicated to excellence in pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. CAP is recognized as the gold standard in laboratory accreditation, with nearly 8,000 laboratories accredited globally. The organization’s workplace culture is grounded in Leadership Values of Partnership, Respect, Accountability, Communication, and Excellence, offering a collaborative environment with leading pathologists and skilled colleagues. With roughly 600 employees, most staff are based at CAP’s headquarters in Northfield, Illinois, in suburban Chicago, and a smaller team works from a Washington, DC, satellite office. Team members contribute to meaningful work that impacts patient care and the future of health care.

Role Description

The Operational Specialist is a full-time hybrid role based in the Greater Chicago Area, with a mix of on-site work at CAP’s Northfield headquarters and some work-from-home flexibility. This role is responsible for supporting day-to-day operations, including coordinating workflows, monitoring process performance, and assisting with the implementation of operational policies and procedures. The Operational Specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, support laboratory accreditation and membership activities, and ensure timely and accurate execution of operational tasks. Daily responsibilities may include data analysis, preparing reports, supporting project timelines, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. The individual in this role will work closely with internal stakeholders to uphold CAP’s standards of quality, efficiency, and service.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support decision-making.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in operations management, including coordinating workflows, optimizing processes, and supporting organizational efficiency.
• Project management capabilities, such as planning, tracking milestones, and supporting cross-functional initiatives.
• Sales or customer service awareness, with the ability to support member or client-facing activities in a professional manner.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare administration, operations, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proficiency with common office and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, project tracking software).
• Demonstrated ability to work in a hybrid environment, manage multiple priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
• Experience in healthcare, laboratory operations, or accreditation environments is beneficial but not required.