Wanted: Healthcare IT Renaissance Men/Women

I often get calls and emails from current and aspiring Healthcare IT colleagues, asking for my take on what I feel are the most promising career paths for professionals in our industry.  There will always be a need for the teams of professionals who build, implement, train, maintain, and analyze, but I’m starting to see variations of a specific opportunity that, in my opinion, would be a highly challenging but very exciting role to fill.  It goes by many names, but “Healthcare IT Renaissance Man/Woman” is what I’d call it if given the chance to be the. . . uh. . . Head Job Title Designation Specialist.

Take a look at this job description from Beacon Partners:

REGIONAL DIRECTORS – WEST, EAST, AND CENTRAL REGIONS

The Regional Director is a healthcare consulting professional responsible for overseeing and growing the client base within a regional territory through effective relationship building. Working directly with clients and responsible for building long-term relationships with both new and existing clients within their assigned territory. Additionally, the Regional Director will perform billable project management and consulting services on selective engagements and projects as assigned.

Identifies and closes business with new and existing clients. Maintains long-term relationships with client in order to maximize business and revenue opportunities while minimizing costs. Networks within territory to seek new business and within client sites to identify expansion and service line expansion opportunities.  Actively penetrates client sites to establish relationships up to and including C-level executives within organizations. Acts as a resource to client and prospects by periodically providing pertinent, relevant industry information and updates.

Additionally:

•Generates new business through cold calling, networking, attending industry event and through the use of various lead databases (DELTEK, HIMSS Analytics, etc).
•Develops Client Profile for all accounts in order to catalog sales strategy, future opportunities and trends. Shares Client Profile data across Sales, Marketing and Professional Services for use in strategic planning.
•Develops Account Management Plan for each client. The Account Management Plan outlines procedures for proactive management of issues, quality assurance, and intra-company communication (within Beacon). It outlines client expectations and how they will be managed.
•Regularly reviews project revenue expectations and gross profit margins with Client Service , to determine progress and status in attaining project revenue objectives.
•Partners with to ensure positive client experience. Obtains from and shares information with Client Service as it relates to successes, challenges and opportunities within the client site.
•Completes client satisfaction surveys in a timely manner, sharing relevant information with appropriate business units or vice presidents.
•Actively participates in regional healthcare associations, attends conferences and networking events.
•Performs billable project management and consulting services as needed on select engagements and projects.
•Adheres to Beacon Partners’ administrative and human resource policies and processes at all times, including 360 degree review process and employee development process.

Content knowledge within one or more vendor system or practice areas such as Epic, GE, MEDITECH,McKesson, Allscripts, Siemens, hospital operations, strategy or revenue cycle. Strong attention to detail, organization, presentation and written and verbal communication skills. Understanding of project budgeting, project revenue and various financial metrics. Proven sales ability.

Skills
Minimum of ten years experience working in a senior position of a healthcare provider organization, vendor or another consulting firm is required. Previous experience in account or client management within sales or project management. Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. PMP or industry specific certifications a plus but not required. Extensive reimbursed travel is required.

Wow – part salesperson, part marketer, part consultant, part project manager, part accountant, part researcher, part ALL AROUND AWESOME GAL/GUY!

What a fantastic position to showcase skills and experience acquired and honed along the way!  If you’ve got what it takes to qualify for these (or similar) positions now, carpe diem!  If you’re new to the industry or are just a few years in, and this type of position is right up your alley, my recommendation is to learn as much as possible about many different facets of Healthcare IT – vying for promotions when they present themselves, volunteering when you have to, and becoming a much sought-after polymath!

About the author

Gwen Darling

Gwen Darling is a Search Executive specializing in Healthcare IT, the Founder of Healthcare IT Central (the leading online Career Center for Healthcare IT job seekers and employers), and the Former Editor/Founder of Healthcare IT Today. Gwen also is a featured blogger for Healthcare Informatics magazine.

   

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