ASSOCIATE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-Site and Remote mix)

Requisition Number: 264410

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: MEDICAL CENTER

Date: Dec 17, 2025

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Chief Operating Officer – Department of Medicine

Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Department of Medicine

Entity: Duke University School of Medicine / Duke Health Integrated Practice

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads operational strategy and execution across the Department of Medicine’s clinical enterprise. Reporting to the CAO, the COO partners with division chiefs, clinical directors, and institutional stakeholders to optimize care delivery, support programmatic growth, and ensure alignment with Duke Health priorities. The COO also assumes responsibility for strategic planning, resource coordination, and operational analytics previously overseen by the ACAO.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Strategy & Execution

Direct clinical operations across multisite practices, including workflow optimization, provider scheduling, and care coordination
Lead infrastructure planning, programmatic expansion, and contracting for new services
Collaborate with DUHS and SOM to support network optimization and care model innovation
Oversee implementation of departmental policies related to clinical operations, space utilization, and staffing models
Lead operational analytics, access metrics, and productivity tracking

Strategic Planning & Program Development

Develop and maintain a rolling 5-year operating and clinical expansion plan
Support divisions in launching new programs and service lines that enhance patient care
Translate institutional priorities into department-wide operational initiatives
Lead cross-functional planning efforts related to care delivery, space, and workforce needs

Resource Coordination & Compliance

Address interdepartmental barriers to care delivery, including staffing, equipment, and facilities
Ensure compliance with clinical quality standards, accreditation requirements, and institutional policies
Collaborate with HR and finance teams to align operational structures with compensation and effort reporting frameworks

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Build strong relationships with division chiefs, clinical directors, and administrative leaders
Represent the department in DUHS and SOM operational forums and joint initiatives
Facilitate transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving across institutional boundaries

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

Collaborate with clinical leaders and institutional partners to align operations
Represent the department in DUHS and SOM operational forums and joint initiatives
Lead operational teams and cultivate a culture of excellence and accountability

Change Management & Results Orientation

Guide teams through transitions with clarity and resilience
Deliver measurable improvements in access, quality, and operational efficiency
Apply data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement methodologies

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, business administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred
Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in healthcare operations, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational performance in academic medicine
Strong interpersonal, project management, and change leadership skills

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.