Responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational leadership of the Detroit Lakes (DL) campus and services. Scope includes the hospital, RHC-aligned ambulatory clinics, long-term care, assisted living, and home care. Leads day-to-day operations (ancillary and professional services), care delivery models, provider partnership and recruitment support, organizational design, staffing, operating/capital budget stewardship, performance improvement, and facility planning and utilization. Serves as a key member of the West Market Operations Team, partnering across the matrix with medical leadership and corporate Shared Services to advance quality, experience, growth, and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct daily operations for DL hospital, clinics (RHC-aligned), LTC/AL, and Home Care; ensure access, throughput, service, and reliability.

• Strategic Alignment: Translate system and West market strategies into local execution; set goals, KPIs, and operating rhythms using leader standard work.

• Matrix Collaboration: Engage Shared Services (e.g., HR, Legal, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality, IT) early and effectively; coordinate campus-wide/system-wide services.

• Physician/Clinician Partnership: Partner with medical leaders (e.g., division/section chairs) on service line performance, growth, and care redesign; support provider recruitment and onboarding in collaboration with physician leadership and TA.

• Quality, Safety & Experience: Hardwire a high-reliability culture; ensure regulatory and survey readiness (including RHC requirements) and continuous performance improvement.

• Financial Stewardship: Develop and manage operating and capital budgets; drive productivity, cost management, and margin improvements while maintaining quality.

• Talent & Culture: Build high-performing teams; strengthen retention and engagement; mentor leaders; model Essentia values and culture.

• Community Leadership: Serve as Essentia’s senior leader in Detroit Lakes; build strong relationships with civic, community, and partner organizations.

Required

• 5+ years of progressive healthcare management experience at the Director level or above (hospital/clinic operations or significant service line leadership).

• Demonstrated success leading in a matrix organization with Shared Services collaboration.

• Proven experience partnering with physicians/clinicians to improve quality, access, and growth.

• Track record of operational execution (KPIs, leader standard work, throughput, reliability) and financial stewardship.

• Knowledge of rural health operations and regulatory requirements; familiarity with RHC constructs.

Preferred

• 7+ years progressive leadership including multi-site or market integration experience.

• Experience in long-term care, assisted living, and/or home care operations.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to Chief Operating Officer, West Market.

Work Location & Residency

• On-site role; must reside in the Detroit Lakes community. (Park Rapids may be considered; DL residency strongly preferred.)

Schedule & Travel

• Full-time, leadership schedule with on-site presence expected; occasional travel within the West market.

About Essentia Health

We come from many backgrounds and do different things, but we all strive to deliver on the same promise: finding new ways to create a healthy difference in people’s lives. This is the common goal that unites and guides us at Essentia. Uncompromising dedication to the people who depend on our services is a passion we all share.

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