Operations Specialist

The Department of Health Care Information Services intends to hire for one position at either the Quality and Improvement Engineer classification, requisition #26004532, or Quality and Improvement Specialist requisition #26004994, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

The Operations Specialist will have a primary focus on creating, implementing and optimizing IT service management frameworks to ensure efficient, scalable and compliant service delivery. This role is key in supporting enterprise-wide transformation efforts by improving operational efficiency, standardizing processes, and ensuring alignment with IT and administrative priorities. This role also supports the implementation and long-term sustainability of operational process improvements that enhance customer and employee satisfaction, throughput, and overall system performance.

The Operations Specialist will report to the Lead Application Developer, HCIS, who in turn reports to the Director of Communication & Collaboration Applications in HCIS. The role will operate within the Service Management team to drive workstreams, while interacting cross-functionally with IT, clinical, operational, and administrative partners.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead operational implementation of improvement initiatives, translating strategic goals into executable process changes.
• Map, analyze and optimize workflows and process data to improve efficiency, identify inefficiencies, root causes, and opportunities for standardization.
• Collaborate with the Halo ITSM team to execute design or redesign efforts within the platform.
• Develop and maintain process standards, KPIs, maturity models, and ensuring compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor performance metrics and sustainment of implemented improvements, adjusting plans as needed.
• Partner with IT and operational stakeholders to document current and future state processes.
• Respond to emerging operational issues, helping resolve disruptions that affect organizational priorities.
• Work with cross-functional teams (IT, Health Care, Academic) to define requirements, identify bottlenecks, reduce manual effort and enable process improvements.
• Act as a liaison between the business and IT when creating process models and identifying automation opportunities.
• Create clear documentation of workflows, process changes, and system updates to support knowledge transfer.

Health Care Information Systems (HCIS) provides and supports information and communication systems and technology that facilitate quality patient care, progressive medical education, and innovative research. HCIS services Iowa Health Care by delivering comprehensive, high-level support for patient care delivery, internal and external communication, technology innovation, medical education, and research—creating and maintaining a positive, productive, and rewarding environment for information technology and communication staff.

Pay Grade: 4A https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/professional-and-scientific-compensation/professional-and-scientific-job-classifications-pay#accordion-item-15011-0

The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including 24 days of paid vacation per year to start and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Percent of Time: 100%

Work Modality Option: Hybrid

Staff Type: Professional & Scientific

Type of Position: Regular

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Engineering, Business Administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.

Required Qualifications

• 1 years of experience in operations, performance improvement, or process engineering.
• Experience working in a health care or complex service delivery environment.
• Familiarity with improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic analytics tools.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage senior leaders and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, matrixed environment and manage ambiguity.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience working in academic medical centers or health systems.
• Familiarity with the Halo ITSM platform or other ITSM systems platforms.
• Certification or education in ITIL, COBIT, Lean or Agile frameworks.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to identify root causes and recommend actionable solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Proficiency in process mapping and performance monitoring tools.
• Understanding of hospital operations, infrastructure, and systems.
• Comfortable with iterative improvement cycles.

To be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission of relevant materials) that clearly addresses how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. A cover letter is desired as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For any additional questions, please contact Jennifer Reinier at [email protected]

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Qual & Op Improv Specialist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Jennifer Reinier
• Contact Email: [email protected]