Program Director - Director, Capacity, Demand Planning and Utilization

The Director, Capacity Demand Planning and Utilization is a senior provincial leadership role within the Operational Oversight and Care Coordination portfolio of Acute Care Alberta (ACA). Reporting to the Senior Lead, this position provides strategic direction and expert oversight for province-wide planning, delivery, and evaluation for system-wide capacity and utilization strategies where implementation directly impacts and drives improvement in acute care performance and patient outcomes. As a recognized subject matter expert and leader, the Director oversees a provincial team with expertise in designing and implementing innovative, data-driven approaches to optimize resource allocation, and changes to improve system capacity and flow. The role leads the development of the provincial framework and functional requirements for bed utilization and patient flow across the Health Service Delivery Organizations (HSDOs). This includes translating complex system challenges into actionable HSDOs plans and strategies that align with the strategic vision for acute care and across other agencies in the province. This position will be part of Acute Care Alberta effective April 1, 2025. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Acute Care Alberta.

The Director leads continuous system analysis to identify opportunities for improvement, collaborating with Govt Ministries, ACA Senior Leaders, HSDOs & partners to co-create scalable, evidence-based strategies & solutions. This role requires a high level of independence, integration & partnership including influencing, negotiating & mediating solutions for complex issues in capacity management (developing & maintaining effective, positive relationships & fostering a climate of cooperation with stakeholders, including senior leadership, government, public agencies, service providers & community partners). The Director will develop public & government facing strategies for provincial Hospital Capacity, that carry great risk from a public & patient perspective, with significant reputational impact on ACA & HSDOs. Key responsibilities: Representing ACA as an expert at high-level cross-agency committees & strategic forums; Leading the development & implementation of advanced capacity planning models, including dynamic bed management strategies, which HSDOs senior leaders will use to achieve ACA’s goals; Collaboration to ensure operational strategies are aligned with provincial goals & standards; Using strategic data from the Director of Real-Time Reporting, Hospital Report Cards, & the Ministry of Hospitals, Surgical Health Services for Quality Assurance & Quality Improvement initiatives, policies & across HSDOs to inform Provincial, HSDOs, & Corridor Planning & Utilization; and Providing expert leadership in navigating complex clinical & organizational issues; Integrating evidence-based practices & front-line insights into system-wide strategies; Fostering strong, collaborative relationships based on expert credibility with senior leaders in ACA, Government Ministries, & HSDOs to drive shared accountability & continuous improvement.

Minimum of a graduate degree in Health Care Management, Health Sciences, Business Administration, Nursing, Allied Health Profession or related health care field is required, or a combination of education and experience will be considered. A minimum of 5-10 years in a decision support role or policy development role, preferably in healthcare and ideally in an organization of significant size, complexity, and diversity is required. Previous experience supporting clinical operational senior leaders and direct clinical leadership experience. Experience in the development and/or implementation of new and emerging processes. Demonstrated strong communication, interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills when dealing with both internal staff and eternal parties. Strong project management and organizational skills. Able to establish and adjust priorities effectively manage risk in accordance with competing demands and complex issues. Demonstrated confidence and ability to communicate and work effectively at a senior management level with internal and external stakeholders. Track record of creating metric-driven strategic partnerships that achieved or exceeded ambitious goals.

Ability to interact at the most senior levels and participate as a key member of the executive leadership team. Demonstrated leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others. A demonstrated clear pattern of professional and personal development. Ability to problem-solve with a systems perspective in order to incorporate the organization’s systems and strategies when developing solutions to problems.

Professional health care designation.