Special Projects Director

General Purpose & Role Overview

DaVita is seeking a strategic, analytical, and execution-focused leader to join our Operations team as Director, Special Projects. This high-visibility leadership role acts as a strategic partner, thought leader, and force multiplier across operational innovation and field execution lanes. The Director, Special Projects will drive large-scale, high-impact operational projects, facilitate executive-level decision-making, and ensure tight alignment across corporate functions and field operating teams (Divisions, Groups, and Markets). The primary objective is to standardize operational processes, optimize clinical and field workflows, eliminate operational barriers, and design scalable programs that improve patient and teammate outcomes across the Village.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Scoping & Special Projects (35%): Scope, structure, and drive complex, multi-workstream strategic initiatives across field operations. Identify operational bottlenecks, synthesize quantitative/qualitative data, develop alternative approaches, and present clear, fact-based recommendations to senior executives.
• Field Operations Strategy & Standardization (30%): Partner closely with field operations leaders (Division Vice Presidents, Regional Operations Directors, and Clinic Managers) to identify best practices, design operational playbooks, and scale standardized operating models across dialysis centers and operating markets.
• Implementation & Change Management (15%): Own end-to-end program governance from pilot concept through nationwide rollout. Indirectly guide local market resources using robust project management and change management frameworks to ensure high adoption, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
• Cross-Functional & Technology Integration (10%): Partner cross-functionally with IT, Clinical Transformation, People Services, Revenue Operations, and Finance to integrate new technology tools, digital workflows, and clinical care models into daily field operations.
• Executive Governance & Operational Rhythms (10%): Establish clear KPI tracking rhythms, inventory critical path milestones, and deliver executive-ready presentations and dashboards for operational reviews with executive leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Engineering, or related field required; Master's degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or related graduate degree) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 4+ years of post-graduate experience in top-tier management consulting, corporate strategy, or operational leadership (or 8–10+ years of total progressive professional experience in high-impact roles).
• Healthcare industry, clinical operations, or multi-site operational leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Proven mastery in structured problem-solving, financial/operational data modeling, and translating ambiguous business problems into clear execution plans.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a proven track record of influencing senior executive stakeholders and leading cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Deep expertise in project management and change management methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Agile).