VP & Chief Quality Officer

Vice President and Chief Quality Officer

Administrative salary ranges from $235,376 to $596,902 based on a 1.0 FTE or the selected candidate’s clinical salary if higher. The role is 0.45–0.8 FTE administrative with the remainder as clinical FTE.

This position is a four‑year leadership term per the CPMG Administrative Role Eligibility Policy. After four years, the leader may reapply for the position through the standard internal selection process.

Job Summary

The Vice President and Chief Quality Officer (CQO) reports to the CPMG Executive Medical Director and oversees the provision of high‑quality care for all members of the KPCO market. The CQO brings expertise in clinical quality, patient safety, population health, and process improvement to the interdisciplinary CPMG Executive Team.

• Partners with the KFHP CO Vice President of Quality and Safety to meet regulatory requirements and achieve national benchmarked quality goals.
• Collaborates with the KFHP CO Chief Nurse Executive to ensure appropriate practice standards and education.
• Works with the Executive Leader of Clinical Excellence at the KP Medical Foundation (KPMF) to execute population health and cross‑departmental improvement initiatives.
• Coordinates with the KPMF Chief Clinical Officer to ensure accurate documentation and coding.
• Represents CPMG in relevant KP National Quality forums.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• The CQO supports clinical leaders, clinicians, and healthcare teams in developing goals, priorities, processes, and technology to execute the market quality and safety strategy, ensuring safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and person‑centered care across all settings.
• Provides oversight of KPCO departments including Clinical Quality, Patient Safety, Workplace Safety, Employee Health, Infection Prevention, Risk Management, Peer Review, Practitioner Performance Review, Quality of Care Complaints, Credentialing, Appeals, and Community Health.
• Provides oversight of KPMF departments such as Population Health, Chronic Disease Management, Health Disparities, Health Engagement & Wellness, Care Coordination, Surenet, Clinical Onboarding, Clinical Knowledge Services, and Documentation and Coding.
• Serves as co‑chair for the KPCO Quality Oversight Committee (QOC).
• Represents the Permanente perspective as a voting member of the quarterly KP National Quality Committee and the CPMG perspective on the quarterly National Permanente Quality Leaders Committee, guiding national quality initiatives and coordinating regional representation.
• Functions as Medical Technical Specialist for KPCO Emergency Management.

Direct Reports

• Executive Director of Clinical Quality
• Executive Director of the Institute for Health Research
• Executive Director of Complex Needs, Government Programs, & Community Health
• Executive Director of Population Management

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

Physical

• Effective verbal and written communication with clinicians, leaders, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to remain stationary or move within clinical and administrative settings for extended periods.
• Proficient use of standard office technology.
• Ability to review and interpret detailed documents, reports, and data.
• Occasional travel between sites or meetings as needed.

Mental

• Analyze complex clinical quality, safety, regulatory, and population health data and initiatives.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision‑making in high‑stakes, risk‑sensitive environments.
• Lead, influence, and collaborate across multiple departments and senior stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Interpret and apply regulatory, accreditation, and compliance requirements (e.g., CMS, NCQA).
• Develop strategy, set priorities, and oversee large‑scale quality and safety programs.
• Maintain attention to detail in oversight functions such as peer review, credentialing, and audits.
• Respond effectively in urgent or emergency management situations.
• Maintain professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.

Job Specifications

Education

• Required: MD or DO
• Preferred: Master of Public Health (MPH)

Licenses, Certifications or Other Essential Qualifications

• Board Certified in an appropriate specialty.
• Experienced leader with appropriate industry experience, preferably in healthcare.
• High ethical standards and professional image.
• Strategic visionary with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.
• Well organized, self‑directed, politically savvy, and a team player.
• Excellent communicator, educator, and mentor.
• Decisive with a “big picture” perspective and systems thinking.
• Diverse experience managing a range of administrative responsibilities.
• Preferred: Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

Competencies

1. Leading as One: Partner with Foundation, WPMG, and Health Plan to ensure operational alignment and reduce waste.
2. Leading Change: Guide and encourage teams through change, fostering flexibility and adaptability.
3. Honesty, Transparency & Courage: Act honestly, authentically, and morally, engaging in difficult conversations when necessary.
4. Accountability & Ownership: Create clarity on responsibilities, set clear deadlines, and hold self and others accountable.
5. Inclusive Leadership: Seek feedback, foster an inclusive environment, and encourage diverse perspectives.
6. Performance Management: Provide constructive feedback and manage performance effectively.
7. Communication: Deliver authentic, clear, and timely communication even in challenging situations.
8. Drive for Results: Set specific, difficult goals, provide incentives, and celebrate success.
9. Operational Excellence: Promote continuous improvement, systems thinking, and standard work practices.
10. Enterprise Mindset: Make decisions that benefit the broader organization and its members.

Disclaimer, Compliance and Service Language–Do Not Edit

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbent(s). They are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform additional duties as assigned.

Compliance & Integrity

Consistently uphold compliance and the Principles of Responsibility (Kaiser Permanente’s Code of Conduct). Maintain privacy and confidentiality, protect organizational assets, act with ethics and integrity, and adhere to applicable laws, regulations, accreditation, licensure requirements, and KP policies and procedures.

Service & Quality

Accountably demonstrate service behaviors and principles defined by the Kaiser Permanente Service Quality Credo, the KP Mission, and departmental initiatives. Provide superior, culturally sensitive service to colleagues, members, purchasers, and vendors.