The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation provides strategic project leadership and organizational improvement expertise to strengthen the operations and services that support the Adams School of Dentistry’s education of future oral health professionals, advancement of research and discovery, and delivery of exceptional patient care. The position leads complex, high-priority initiatives designed to transform and improve ASOD operations, organizational effectiveness, service delivery, and the experience of faculty, staff, students, patients, and other stakeholders.
Working collaboratively with ASOD leadership and stakeholders across the School and University, the Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation identifies organizational and operational challenges and opportunities for improvement; defines, scopes, and prioritizes projects; analyzes current-state processes and organizational needs; and facilitates the development of solutions aligned with ASOD priorities. The position serves as a strategic thought partner to leadership and applies project management, change management, analytical, and continuous improvement approaches to complex issues that may cross multiple departments, programs, and functional areas.
The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation leads initiatives through the full project lifecycle, including project definition and planning, analysis and solution design, implementation, change management, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include establishing project goals, deliverables, measures of success, and implementation strategies; coordinating work among subject matter experts and stakeholders; monitoring progress and outcomes; identifying and resolving barriers; and supporting the adoption and sustainability of improvements.
Projects vary in size, complexity, duration, and organizational impact. Depending on the scope and complexity of assigned initiatives, the position may lead a single large-scale project or manage multiple concurrent projects. The role works across organizational boundaries and relies on collaboration, facilitation, strategic influence, and effective stakeholder engagement to advance initiatives and achieve measurable improvements in support of ASOD priorities.
Demonstrated knowledge of project management, change management, organizational improvement, and problem-solving principles, with the ability to apply these concepts to complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to assess organizational and operational challenges, evaluate potential solutions, develop actionable recommendations, and use qualitative and quantitative information to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with leaders and stakeholders across multiple functional areas and organizational levels and to facilitate change and influence outcomes without direct supervisory authority.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings and discussions, present information and recommendations, and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, navigate ambiguity, monitor progress and outcomes, and adapt to changing organizational needs.
Experience leading complex, cross-functional or organization-wide projects, strategic initiatives, operational reviews, or organizational improvement efforts.
Demonstrated experience applying project management and change management methodologies to the planning and implementation of complex initiatives.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred. Formal training or certification in organizational change management methodologies, such as Prosci Change Management Certification or an equivalent program, is highly desirable.
Experience facilitating collaborative problem-solving and solution-design activities with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders across multiple functional areas.
Experience developing performance measures, analyzing outcomes, and using data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and develop clear recommendations, presentations, and other communications for senior leadership and diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience working within a complex organization, preferably in higher education, academic health care, or a similarly decentralized environment.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint and experience using project management, collaboration, data visualization, or related business tools.
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
