Director - Ambulatory Operations

Category: Outpatient/Ambulatory Management
Job Type: Full time
Shift: Day - 08 Hour
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Req: P139955-2655418
Employee Group: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Remote Eligible: No
Department: Administration Clinic
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.

Job ID: P139955-2655418

JOB SUMMARY


This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Director, Ambulatory Operations, is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across assigned ambulatory service areas. This role ensures efficient, high-quality, and patient-centered operations that align with organizational goals and standards. This role partners with physicians, clinical leaders, and administrative staff to optimize workflows, resource utilization, and patient access while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Provide leadership and oversight for day-to-day ambulatory operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational strategies to enhance patient access, care delivery, and service efficiency.
• Partner with physician and clinical leaders to optimize provider scheduling, clinic workflows, and care coordination.
• Lead initiatives to improve patient satisfaction, staff engagement, and quality outcomes.
• Oversee budget development, resource allocation, and financial performance for assigned service areas.
• Support organizational priorities by managing projects that advance strategic objectives and operational improvements.
• Ensure effective recruitment, training, and performance management for staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with IT, quality, and other departments to support system enhancements, including electronic health record workflows and data-driven decision-making.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop action plans to address gaps in access, quality, and efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience.

Preferred Experience:

• 5 years of leadership experience
• Mental Health experience

License/Certification: None required.

KNOWLEDGE


These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

• Strong knowledge of ambulatory operations, healthcare delivery models, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated expertise in process improvement, change management, and operational efficiency.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
• Ability to analyze complex data and apply insights to operational decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management abilities with physicians, staff, and executive leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed healthcare environment.
• Proficiency with electronic health record systems (Epic preferred) and operational reporting tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS


The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $76.20 to $101.04

Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.