Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer-Inpatient Pharmacy

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer (ACPO) is responsible for oversight of Pharmacy operations and programs associated with inpatient facilities within Northwestern Medicine HealthCare, including, but not limited to: strategy, program planning and expansion, oversight of all operations, budgeting, quality and patient safety, and the cost effective provision of pharmaceutical care. This position will work with executive leadership on system-wide initiatives and clinical integration to deliver an efficient, cost-effective operation resulting in consistent patient care experience.

The ACPO will develop and monitor performance metrics and work plans to ensure activities are executed on time and on budget and coordinate the internal and external resources to complete activities as assigned. The ACPO will effectively communicate at all levels of Management and will work closely with directors, managers, and analysts to achieve the department’s strategic goals and objectives. The ACPO will report directly to the Vice President, Administration.

The ACPO reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, 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.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the strategy and vision of acute pharmacy services, in collaboration with the continuum of pharmacy services. Leads a collaborative effort to design, develop and implement comprehensive pharmacy services in acute care. Guides the development and implementation of short and long-term goals, maximizing the total impact on all acute facilities operations and clinical care.
• Manages the alignment, planning, organization, and execution of pharmacy strategies for the system to further integrate system wide pharmacy services into seamless delivery processes across the continuum of care.
• Directs and supports leadership team with pharmacy operational activities and improvement plan execution for employee and physician teams ensuring alignment and consistency in approach.
• Develops and executes plans for strategic initiatives focused on pharmacy strategy, integration, and operations.
• Leads, inspires, and mentors a highly effective team and assures efforts to engage and inspire all team members. Builds collaborative and trusting cross-functional relationships with all to ensure clinical, quality, safety financial and performance metrics are achieved.
• Works in partnership with Northwestern Medicine department leaders, hospital administrators, medical staff, and department chairs to define and achieve corporate and member goals. 
• Advises on the future changes or trends in health care and pharmacy practice changes which may be needed to support those changes, and insuring pharmacy services meet patient care needs while providing safe, effective, and economical drug therapies.
• Advances superior patient care through advancement of best practices by identifying, optimizing, and executing on efficiency gains and automation across the enterprise. 
• Ensures efficient, effective provision of medication management, leveraging the appropriate, financially responsible utilization of technology and automation. Leads development of operational and clinical efficiency goals with staff.
• Identifies revenue opportunities and collaborates with finance and procurement leaders.
• Identifies opportunities to engage, develop and mentor teams, staff, and trainees.

Required

• Current licensure to dispense controlled substances in the State of Illinois
• Current Pharmacist license in the State of Illinois.
• Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited institution.
• Advanced degree in health-related field or business administration. 
• Proven success in managing financial operations, personnel, quality functions, and the professional aspects of pharmacy practice.
• Evidence of effective communication skills both oral and written with a high degree of professionalism and competence in dealing with all levels of internal and external customers.
• Ability to develop, organize, and accomplish goals.
• Ability to quickly implement change as required by federal, state, and other regulatory agencies.
• Ability to analyze/evaluate data and make appropriate recommendations/decisions.
• Preparation and analysis of operating budgets and capital equipment evaluation.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a large health care institution.

 Preferred

• Minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in a large academic center or health system. Experience in the continuum of care (e.g., inpatient, outpatient, regulatory) is desirable.
• Residency training in health system pharmacy administration.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer 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.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

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.

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.