At Houston Methodist, the Vice President of Academic Strategy position is responsible for the institute-wide academic and research strategic planning process and plan stewardship reporting by facilitating the development of strategic opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives that ensure long-term research and education excellence. This position reports to the Chief Academic Officer and serves on the Institute's senior executive team, working in concert with the Chief Business Officer and with senior leaders, program directors, external partners, and Houston Methodist corporate entities as a trusted leader for Institute-wide matters of academic strategic planning and development. The Vice President of Academic Strategy position provides scientific and strategic leadership to advance the Houston Methodist Research Institute's (HMRI) mission of translating innovative scientific discoveries into clinical applications that improve human health. This executive position will serve as a key strategic partner to both the President and CEO of HMRI and the Chief Academic Officer of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute (HMAI), guiding long-term research and academic development strategies that integrate discovery science, clinical translation, and education. The Vice President of Academic Strategy position will develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan that positions HMRI and HMAI for national leadership driving national reputation in translational research, innovation, and academic excellence. The position requires a deep understanding of the biomedical research enterprise, clinical development processes, and the interface between research and graduate medical education.

This position reports directly to Executive leadership in the organization and has responsibilities which include providing management and oversight of multiple areas and entities, as appropriate, and driving Houston Methodist's mission, vision, values and commitment to excellence. Demonstrating a proven record of successful strategic planning, developing long-range goals and implementation, this position manages a diverse, interprofessional team, collaborating with stakeholders to achieve mutual goals. Directly and indirectly overseeing management staff with the goal of enhancing professional development and personal growth, this position forms and leads internal teams, providing training and mentorship as needed. This position collaborates with all senior leadership to meet the organization's objectives, ensuring operational initiatives are implemented, setting business goals, and solving internal issues when needed. Responsible for the assigned areas' policy and procedure development, revision, and implementation. This position is also accountable for employee engagement, adequate staffing levels, budget development and compliance, to ensure a safe and effective work environment. This position ensures compliance with ethical and legal business practices and accreditation/regulatory/government regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Postgraduate degree in health, science, or business-related field, i.e., MHA, MPH, MBA, JD, PhD, etc.

EXPERIENCE

• Ten years of work experience in academic medicine, biomedical research or scientific strategy to include leading high-performing teams; seven years in a people management role
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic research and academic initiatives within complex organizations
• Proven record of success in developing major strategic initiatives within a leading institution

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially about activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Strategic vision with the ability to execute
• Demonstrated leadership presence and maturity
• Impeccable judgment and ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic setting
• Executive-level presentation skills and ability to interface successfully with high-level clients
• Demonstrates the ability to interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individuals involved
• Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills
• Ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory and accreditation agency requirements that impact department; stays abreast of industry changes
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
• Capable of leading teams/facilitating groups, building consensus and garnering highest confidence in professionalism and work product by senior leadership
• Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities; highly responsive and solution/action oriented
• Proficiency in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
• Maintains a positive and supportive attitude and demeanor
• Professional handling of exposure to confidential/sensitive information
• Skill in leading and developing organizational strategic plans, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders to develop multi-year objectives, specific annual goals and related milestones and metrics needed to track and communicate progress
• Proven ability to cultivate multidisciplinary collaboration and establish productive partnerships with clinical and academic leaders
• Strong understanding of graduate medical education, faculty development, and academic program growth
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills