Job Description

The Administrative Fellow reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Administrative Fellow reports through and is supported by a structure of executive and medical leaders, former administrative fellows, and a dedicated team of fellowship program leadership. The 18-month program provides select aspiring healthcare leaders with an unparalleled experience at a premier health system. The Administrative Fellowship is designed to assist individuals in developing skills and attributes necessary for a senior level career in healthcare.

The Administrative Fellowship is a combination of institutionally structured and self-directed activities. The first 30-60 days are spent gaining an understanding of the organization through informational interviews, strategic and operational exposure, and professional development training. The rest of the first 12 months are spent leading projects at an operational and strategic level, developing as a leader through robust curricular activities, and gaining exposure to Northwestern Medicine leadership at a variety of levels. Projects are selected from current organizational priorities and combine the interests of each fellow, while maintaining a balance across several categories, such as clinical operations, strategic planning, and system function. The last 6 months are a transitional period dedicated to finding a full-time management role that suits both the fellow’s career goals and the organization’s needs. The fellow is supported through this process by their assigned VP mentor and fellowship program leadership.

Administrative Fellowship Alignment:

The Northwestern Medicine Adminstrative Fellowship will be separated into two distinct positions; each will deliver on the summary outlined above.

• Academic Medical Center (AMC) Fellow:

The AMC fellowship will provide the fellow with an experience primarily dedicated to exposure and development at Northwestern Medicine’s AMC located in downtown Chicago. Sponsorship and mentorship will come from AMC leadership who will partner with administrative fellowship program leadership to provide the AMC fellow with robust support. The AMC fellow will still get experience at the regional level, both from senior leadership exposure and project involvement; however, the majority of their experience will be focused on AMC activity.

• Health Network Fellow:

The Health Network fellowship will provide the fellow with an experience primarily dedicated to exposure and development at Northwestern Medicine’s 10 network hospitals located throughout the suburbs of Chicago. Sponsorship and mentorship will come from Health Network leadership who will partner with administrative fellowship program leadership to provide the Health Network fellow with robust support. The Health Network fellow will still get experience at the AMC, both from senior leadership and project involvement; however, the majority of their experience will be focused throughout the organization’s network presence.

Administrative Fellowship Competencies:

The competencies of the Northwestern Medicine Harrison Administrative Fellowship align with the organization’s value-based leadership model. As such, the administrative fellow will be expected to graduate from the program with the following list of competencies:

• Adaptability
• Communication and Emotional Intelligence
• Identifying Problems and Solutions
• Project Management
• Leading Change and Influencing Others
• Building Trusting Relationships
• Financial Acumen

Responsibilities:

• Partner with program leadership to develop a balanced portfolio of projects that span a variety of categories.
• Attend and complete DMAIC training while leading a DMAIC project in parallel during the first 12 months.
• Engage in defined leadership development activities
• Other duties as assigned
• Serve as resource for other members of senior management, as appropriate

Application and Selection Timeline:

• Application Opens: Monday, July 20, 2026
• Application Due Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
• Applicants will receive a link to record an interview – Due Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
• Second Round of Interviews: Monday, September 21, 2026
• On-site Final Round Interview: Sunday, September 27 - Monday, September 28, 2026
• Fellowship Start Date: July 2027

Qualifications

Required

• Masters degree in either Healthcare Administration, Business Administration or equivalent.
• Excellent management and communication skills, written and oral skills, analytical skills.

• Candidates must complete the online application and upload the following electronically as part of the application:

  • Resume
  • Personal Statement (1,000 words or less)
  • Graduate Transcript(s) - will accept official or unofficial transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation (One from a past or present employer/One from an academic professor)
    • If the letters of recommendation should remain confidential, please have them emailed to Erin Cohan, Director, Talent Acquisition at erin.cohan@nm.org.

  • Please note that once you submit your application, you will be prompted to create a SmartRecuiter account. Once your account is created, you can upload attachments. Please email careers@nm.org with any questions regarding the upload process.

Equal Opportunity

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.