Director, Healthcare Sustainability Operations

Director, Healthcare Sustainability Operations

Hiring Department: Support Services Admin

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1024654

Posting Close Date: April 30, 2024

About the University of Illinois Chicago

Salary: $110,000 - $121,000

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

About UI Health

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a 495-bed tertiary care hospital, 22 outpatient clinics, and 13 Mile Square Health Center facilities, which are Federally Qualified Health Centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity.

Position Summary

The Director, Healthcare Sustainability Operations will be responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive sustainability program that aligns with overarching goals of the healthcare organization. This multi-faceted role will oversee, manage, and advance current and future sustainability goals within UI Health. The Director will lead the Hospital's Green Team, and act as the liaison between the Illinois Medical District (IMD) and UIC Sustainability and Project Management. The Director, will serve as the subject matter expert on current strategies, trends, and effective communication and education on the topic or sustainability and medical facility climate resilience. The Director, will provide guidance and management of to the UIC Campus Planning, Sustainability and Project Management and facilities management departments serving the UI Health System. Will have authority over the municipal waste, recyclable waste, and hazardous waste management programs at UI Health.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategically develop near-term, five-year, and long-term sustainability goals for the healthcare organization.
• Analyze and assess current operating procedures, materials, and methods. Anticipate and implement changes or modifications based on sustainability goals and perform lifecycle assessments and cost analyses of proposed modifications.
• Establish a vision, develop strategies, and set SMART goals to integrate sustainability across the clinical enterprise.
• Define, collect, organize, track, and analyze key performance indicator (KPI) metrics associated with various UI Health sustainability programs.
• Design and implement the process of conducting a Scope 1-3 greenhouse gas emissions inventory and define realistic goals for greenhouse gas reduction. Develop and direct all facets of the sustainability program for the organization, working with multiple clinical and non-clinical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal groups (e.g., plant operations, engineering, environmental health and safety, marketing & communications, and healthcare professionals) for the development and implementation of initiatives in support of the sustainability strategy.
• Create and strengthen partnerships with external groups and the vendor community to develop and implement new strategies for effective and efficient means of providing equipment, services, and supplies that minimize greenhouse gases and reduce the environmental footprint of the supply chain.
• Manage external reporting requirements (e.g., Practice Greenhealth, Vizient, and The Joint Commission).
• Report sustainability progress regularly to the executive leadership team.
• Serves as a representative on broader sustainability groups and committees within the surrounding community (e.g., The Illinois Medical District). Serves as the sustainability liaison between UI Health and the University of Illinois – Chicago, to include the individual health sciences colleges.
• Responsible for administering and directing programs for the management of sustainability for UI Health including budget development and execution. Plans, organizes, and directs programs which encourage environmentally sound and cost effective methods for, disposal of solid waste recovery of recyclables and waste prevention.
• Develops new and reviews existing programs; recommends and directs implementation of changes. Develops and recommends environmental and sustainable services policies to Administration.
• Serves as the liaison with biohazard and waste management franchise holders, including Value Analysis. Reviews and analyzes federal, state and local infection-control, biohazard and environmental legislation for its impact at UI Health.
• Recommends and justifies program goals and related financial and staff resource needs.
• Negotiates contracts with contractors, consultants and other service providers, including prep

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Sustainability, Public Administration or Public Health, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Planning or a related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in healthcare operations required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s preferred in hospitality, health care, business, or equivalent.
• Project management experience.
• One (1) year experience preferably in sustainability, and/or related healthcare departments.
• Familiarity with topics such as food, waste, supply chains, and chemicals of concern, especially as they relate to health systems, health equity and the delivery of healthcare.
• Knowledge of applicable climate and healthcare resilience tactics and strategies.
• Is familiar with The Joint Commission, Federal, State and local laws, regulations, and codes pertaining to bio hazardous and infectious, waste management
• Environmental issues and concerns related to solid, hazardous and recoverable waste collection and disposal
  Solid waste and recycling programs
• Understands principles and practices of effective management and supervision, including long- and short-range planning
• Understands  principles and practices of contract negotiation and administration
• Hazardous materials and hazardous waste storage, treatment and disposal
• Experience with at least one TJC Medical Center Survey and at least one CMS/IDPH Federal Monitoring Facility/Life Safety Survey. Direct experience with the preparation of a post-survey Plan of Correction and/or Measure of Success (MOS) documents.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, to chair or co-chair committees related to position, and to serve on assigned committees/teams such as the Environment of Care Committee and the Emergency Management Committee
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong health care industry knowledge and experience working in a hospital setting highly preferred
• Strong interpersonal, management and communication skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other  computer systems and applications

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation