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Position Summary: The Executive Director of Acute Care Services provides strategic and operational leadership for all acute care service lines and Medical Affairs functions at Merrimack Health. This role is responsible for managing a broad range of clinical and administrative services, including but not limited to: Emergency Medicine, Hospitalist Services, Urology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics, Anesthesia, Gastroenterology, Behavioral Health, Interventional Cardiology, Thoracic Surgery, Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Neurology.

The Executive Director works in a dyad partnership with the Physician Leader of Acute Care Services and closely with Medical Directors and Chiefs to align clinical operations with organizational strategy, drive quality improvement, and achieve financial and operational sustainability. This individual oversees business development, provider integration, regulatory compliance, and performance optimization while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Clinical Collaboration

+ Serve as a key operational leader supporting execution of the hospital’s strategic goals related to acute care services and physician alignment.

+ Partner in a dyad leadership model with the Physician Leader of Acute Care Services to align clinical and administrative priorities.

+ Collaborate with Medical Directors, department chairs, and health system executives on strategic planning, service line growth, and care delivery innovation.

+ Represent service lines within the health system and the broader community to ensure alignment, visibility, and competitive positioning.

+ Partner with the CMO to develop and execute the organization’s physician alignment and integration strategy.

Operational Oversight

+ Provide day-to-day operational leadership for all assigned acute care departments and Medical Affairs functions.

+ Lead the development and implementation of business, financial, personnel, and marketing plans to drive service line performance.

+ Oversee physician practice operations, recruitment, referral management, and contract implementation.

+ Direct financial planning, including budgeting, revenue cycle analysis, and long-term capital planning.

Quality, Compliance & Patient Experience

+ Ensure all functions comply with regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., CMS, The Joint Commission).

+ Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives, clinical excellence, and patient satisfaction across service lines.

+ Monitor performance dashboards and scorecards to evaluate and improve safety, efficiency, and outcomes.

+ Collaborate with physicians and staff to implement evidence-based practices and reduce variation in care.

+ Physician Integration & Contract Management

+ Lead recruitment, onboarding, and integration of physicians and advanced practice providers.

+ Negotiate and manage physician employment contracts, professional service agreements, and compensation models in compliance with Fair Market Value (FMV) standards.

+ Monitor and oversee physician agreements, ensuring timely updates, renewals, and compliance.

+ Support Medical Director(s) and Chiefs in advancing clinical outcomes, efficiency, and engagement.

Talent Management & Team Development

+ Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing team of managers and frontline staff across acute care service lines.

+ Promote engagement, accountability, and professional growth among multidisciplinary teams.

+ Foster a culture of collaboration and open communication across administrative and clinical areas.

Qualifications: Education:

+ Master’s degree in Health Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Nursing (MSN), or a related field preferred

Experience:

+ Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in hospital operations, physician practice management, or acute care services.

+ Proven experience in strategic planning, service line development, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance.

+ Demonstrated ability to lead complex clinical operations, manage physician relationships, and drive performance improvement.

Skills & Competencies:

+ Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

+ Knowledge of hospital operations, healthcare regulations, physician compensation models, and quality improvement methodologies.

+ Ability to lead in a matrixed, team-oriented environment.

+ Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to operational problem-solving and decision-making.

Working Relationships:

+ Reports to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

+ Partners in a dyad leadership model with the Physician Leader of Acute Care Services

+ Collaborates with Medical Directors, Department Chairs, Service Line Directors, Nursing Leadership, and other hospital and health system executives.