Operational Strategic Initiatives Specialist - Ambulatory Transformations

Position Title:

Department:

Job Description:

This position is responsible for end‑to‑end project governance, including establishing standardized methodologies and ensuring consistent execution across initiatives. The role drives accountability for deliverables, proactively addresses barriers to progress, and ensures timely decision‑making through effective stakeholder engagement.

General Description:

The Operational Strategic Initiatives II leads and delivers cross‑functional initiatives that support OU Health’s clinical, operational, academic, and research objectives. This role serves as a project manager that is accountable for managing scope, timelines, resources, risks, and deliverables from initiation through closeout, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and aligned with organizational priorities.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position.  Inability to perform these responsibilities, with or without an accommodation, may result in disqualification from the position. 

• Lead assigned projects from initiation through completion, including development of project charters, scope, work plans, timelines, and budgets

• Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration among clinical, academic, and administrative stakeholders to ensure project alignment and execution

• Proactively manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and change requests using established governance processes

• Monitor progress against defined milestones, KPIs, and outcomes; prepare executive‑level status reports and dashboards

• Support process improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, safety, patient experience, and financial performance

• Coordinate internal and external resources, including vendors or consultants, as applicable

• Ensure project deliverables are operationally feasible, compliant with healthcare regulations, and successfully transitioned to operational owners

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders by providing data‑driven insights, recommendations, and problem‑solving support

• Apply standardized project management tools and methodologies consistently across initiatives

• Support organizational change management and communication plans associated with major initiatives

General Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required.

Experience: At least 3 years experience in healthcare required.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma Green Belt or Green Belt II certification within 24 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Strong working knowledge of healthcare operations, clinical workflows, and academic medical center environments

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities

• Advanced skills in project planning, execution, risk management, and performance tracking

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and influence skills, including working effectively with physicians and senior leaders

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with the ability to translate data into actionable insights

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level reporting

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and thrive in a matrixed organization

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OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.