Location: Northwest Arkansas

Background

In 2018, the Northwest Arkansas Council (NWAC) commissioned a study through the nationally- recognized strategic consulting firm Tripp Umbach to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the region’s health care sector and its economic success. Unlike traditional health care assessments, the study was chartered to examine actions intended to drive regional success in becoming a health care service destination while advancing quality of life, economic vitality and improving the health of the population.

While the study found strengths in the region’s health care sector – including high quality primary care – it also found a significant shortage of specialty and sub-specialty care. As a result, the region was experiencing a massive outmigration of health care with an annual economic impact of nearly $1 billion.

The report recommended strong collaboration to reverse the outmigration by focusing on advancements in health care, growing a strong health care workforce and leveraging regional focus and talents.

In July 2019, upon completion of the study, the NWAC accepted the report and endorsed three priority areas for regional effort:

• Expanding residency graduate medical education with a goal of 200 new regional residency slots and reaching further into the areas of needed specialties.
• Development of a robust interdisciplinary research institute.
• Expanding medical education for health professionals to include potential for a regional medical school.

To accomplish these goals and guide the region forward through effective collaboration, the Health Care Transformation Division (HCTD) was formed under the NWAC organizational structure.

Shortly after the HCTD was established, the pandemic hit. The HCTD became the convening body for the region in the fight against COVID-19. With representatives from the largest health care providers in the region, the HCTD led a regionwide vaccination effort, an award-winning communications campaign and shared best practices and scarce resources.

HCTD was also successful in working creatively with providers and the state legislature to obtain up to 92 more residency slots in Arkansas.

Finally, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is on schedule to welcome its first class in 2025. AWSOM is a nonprofit, four-year MD program that will enhance traditional medical education with the arts, humanities and whole health principles. Pending accreditation, AWSOM will be a national, state-of-the-art medical facility located in Bentonville and will be taught by leading medical and scientific minds to help students rise to the health challenges of the 21st century with a focus on physical, mental, emotional and social health.

HCTD is currently working with Tripp Umbach to update the original report and to establish new goals for the region.

Summary of Position

The executive director of the HCTD reports directly to the chief executive officer of the Northwest Arkansas Council and works with the guidance of the Council’s health care steering committee. The steering committee is made up of the chief executives of the largest health care providers in the region and of senior executives from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the University of Arkansas (UARK) and the Heartland Whole Health Institute.

The executive director will lead and facilitate the work of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s HCTD.  The executive director will work with members of the HCTD, leaders from the health care community, physicians, allied health professionals and local employers. The executive director will work with chancellors and vice chancellors in the academic environment and have the benefit of access to great talent deep within these organizations.  The executive director will also be accountable for nurturing and supporting key relationships with business and community leaders, local philanthropists, legislators, government agencies and other change makers.

Finally, the executive director will be responsible for leading the implementation of the goals established in the updated report, strategic planning, strategy execution, financial and performance measures, opportunity cultivation, initiative management, telling and selling the story as it unfolds, and facilitating community partnerships.

Key Accountabilities

The HCTD’s priority goals drive the key accountabilities and performance expected of the executive director.

• Convenes, engages and directs the involvement of members of the HCTD, community decision makers, key stakeholders and others who serve in advisory and implementation capacity.
• Defines respective roles and assignments, opens doors for progress in both short- and long-term focus areas.
• Builds strong relationships, effective teams and regional support.
• Maintains a network of subject area experts and key decision makers to support the work.
• Develops structure and systems for sustainability, meeting agendas, assignments, timelines, outcome measures, follow-up tools and progress reports.
• Fosters collaboration, team performance and processes of recognition.
• Routinely communicates and engages local, state and national legislators, as well as regional change makers.
• Identifies and establishes sustainable funding strategies to support the HCTD’s priorities.
• Represents the HCTD within the structure of the NWAC.

Experience, Qualifications, Education and Characteristics.

To perform this job, an individual must have executive level skills and be able to perform these essential duties satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of some of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

A minimum of a master’s degree and five years of experience in a field related to medical science, medical education, research, business development, economic development, medical project management or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.  Experience and knowledge in graduate medical education is needed. Experience in interdisciplinary research is highly valued.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Leadership ability, integrity, credibility, alignment with the mission of NWAC.
• Excellent written communication and public presentation, influence and relationship building skills.
• Ability to prioritize, negotiate and work effectively with decision makers, physicians, CEOs, philanthropists and regulators.
• Proven competencies in strategic planning, project management, timeline and budget management and systems thinking.
• Proven competencies in convening and facilitating for the purpose of plan development and role assignment.
• Self-motivated multitasker, with ability to achieve results by working with various stakeholders.
• Proficient with financial statements, contracts, budgets and business plan development.
• Understanding of the inner workings of medical communities and academia.
• Analytical and critical investigation skills, ability to study and evaluate trends, developments, and challenges, then clearly focus the team on shared strategy and common solutions.

About Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country with a population approaching 600,000. Over the past decade, Northwest Arkansas has skyrocketed into national rankings for job growth, population growth, talent attraction and quality of life.

Three Fortune 500 companies — Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt — and major companies headquartered in Northwest Arkansas have made significant investments in infrastructure and technology, which has had a transformative effect on the region’s economy and led to the establishment of numerous companies and startups to support those investments.

Surrounded by the pristine Ozark Mountains, the area is an adventurer’s dream. From cycling and rock climbing to floating down the Buffalo River, there are plenty of outdoor activities for people of all ages and interests. The “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” offers over 500-plus miles of mountain biking trails and paved paths, including the 40-mile Razorback Greenway that connects all four major downtowns. There are plenty of hiking trails too, like the iconic Hawksbill Crag, Devil’s Den, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Mt. Sequoyah, Tanyard Creek or the trails that link Crystal Bridges to downtown Bentonville, as well as opportunities for backcountry aviation and watersports.

U.S. News & World Report frequently lists Northwest Arkansas as one of the best places to live in the country.

To learn more about Northwest Arkansas, visit FindingNWA and NWACouncil.org.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job.

Exposed to typical office environment conditions and noise levels.  Frequently required to travel to local, regional, state and national meetings or training by car and air travel.

Regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week; frequently may be required to work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines, finish assignments or attend functions and meetings.

NWAC is an equal opportunity employer.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation

In addition to the base salary, the Northwest Arkansas Council offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan and paid time off.

All offers of employment are contingent on the candidate’s successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a background check. In addition, the selected candidate will need to provide proper identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States on the first day of work.

How to Apply

Please apply below and include a cover letter highlighting relevant experience.