Executive Director Greater Buffalo, NY Area

Description

Job title: Executive Director

Department: Administration

Reports to: Board of Directors

Direct reports: Administrative leadership team

FLSA status: Exempt (subject to classification review)

Position Summary

Medical Health Associates of Western New York (MHAWNY) seeks an experienced, collaborative healthcare administrator to lead shared administrative functions supporting five independently operated divisions, with seven locations. Operating as a management services organization (MSO), MHAWNY provides centralized resources while preserving each practice’s individual identity and clinical autonomy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead the administrative team, partner with physician leadership, oversee operational performance and compliance accountability, and implement Board-approved priorities. This is a hands-on executive administration role, not a traditional CEO position with unilateral authority over practice strategy.

Organizational Leadership and Administration

Lead, mentor and support the established administrative leadership team, including operations, finance, human resources, and billing.

Serve as a principal liaison among the Board of Directors, physician owners, practice leaders, administrative staff and external stakeholders.

Implement Board-approved priorities and facilitate communication and consensus across practices with differing cultures and operating preferences.

Provide practical recommendations to the Board concerning administrative performance, emerging risks and improvement opportunities.

Practice Management and Operational Excellence

Oversee the effectiveness and service quality of shared administrative support functions across the affiliated practices.

Partner with the Director of Operations & Quality to evaluate workflows, technology infrastructure, vendor relationships, business continuity and cost-saving opportunities.

Identify appropriate applications of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, considering privacy, security, workflow and organizational readiness.

Support due diligence and administrative integration planning for potential affiliations or acquisitions only when directed by the Board.

Healthcare Compliance, Privacy, Security and Risk

Serve as MHAWNY's designated Compliance Officer and Privacy and Security Officer, with responsibility for overseeing, administering, and monitoring the organization's healthcare compliance, patient privacy, information security, and risk-management programs.

Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state healthcare laws, regulations, and standards, including HIPAA privacy and security requirements.

Develop, implement, maintain, and monitor organizational compliance programs, policies, and procedures, working collaboratively with clinical leadership, administrative leaders, legal counsel, and outside advisors.

Oversee compliance-related matters involving malpractice, patient discharge procedures, patient privacy, information security, and other regulatory requirements affecting MHAWNY and its affiliated practices.

Identify, assess, and address potential compliance and security risks, including coordinating investigations, corrective actions, and appropriate reporting or escalation to the Board of Directors.

Promote a culture of compliance and accountability by ensuring appropriate education, communication, monitoring, and adherence to established policies and procedures throughout the organization.

Financial Oversight and Business Performance

Partner with the Finance Manager and Billing Manager to review budgets, financial reports, administrative expenses and financial controls.

Identify opportunities to improve purchasing, vendor arrangements, shared-service efficiency and responsible resource allocation.

Provide financial and operational information to support informed Board decisions.

Contract Management & Negotiations

Oversee the negotiation, administration, and management of organizational contracts, including facility leases, vendor agreements, employment contracts, and other business-related agreements.

Lead contract negotiations to ensure favorable terms, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with MHAWNY's operational and financial objectives.

Review and evaluate contractual terms, obligations, risks, and legal considerations, collaborating with legal counsel and other appropriate advisors to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Partner with physician leadership, the Board of Directors, and administrative leaders to evaluate contractual needs, renewals, amendments, and potential areas of concern.

Ensure appropriate oversight of contract performance, compliance with contractual obligations, and timely management of renewals and terminations.

Identify opportunities to improve contract terms, reduce organizational risk, and achieve cost savings through effective vendor and contract management.

Physician Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

Build trust and credibility with physicians, advanced practice providers and practice leadership.

Navigate differences in priorities and communication styles with diplomacy, sound judgment and a service-oriented approach.

Represent MHAWNY professionally in discussions with vendors, professional advisors, insurers and other healthcare stakeholders.

Human Resources and Provider Recruitment

Partner with the Director of HR on workforce planning, administrative talent development and organizational effectiveness.

Support physician, advanced practice provider and clinical recruitment initiatives in collaboration with individual practices and HR.

Offer informed guidance on provider recruiting challenges, retention and related workforce needs.

Requirements

Education and Credentials

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, practice management or a related field required.

MBA, Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or closely related graduate degree strongly preferred.

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) designation highly desirable.

Professional Experience

Substantial progressive leadership experience in healthcare administration, physician practice management or a comparable healthcare setting.

Experience with multi-site physician groups, independent practices or MSO/shared-services environments strongly preferred.

Demonstrated success leading administrative teams, partnering with physicians and governing boards, and improving operational effectiveness.

Working knowledge of healthcare compliance, HIPAA privacy and security, financial oversight and vendor management.

Strong background in negotiating and managing complex business contracts, including leases, vendor agreements, and employment contracts, with a working understanding of associated legal and regulatory considerations.

Provider recruitment experience and familiarity with healthcare IT and emerging technology are preferred.

Core Competencies

Collaborative leadership; physician relationship management; executive communication; diplomacy and consensus building; healthcare business acumen; operational improvement; risk awareness; ethical judgment; adaptability; and ability to influence without direct authority over independent practices.

Measures Of Success

Effective and responsive shared administrative services; strong physician and Board relationships; clear compliance accountability; measurable improvements in operational efficiency and cost stewardship; engaged administrative leadership; and sustained support for the independence of affiliated pediatric practices