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.
Master’s degree (MHA, MBA, MSN or related).
Experience in long-term care, assisted living, and/or home care operations.
Essentia Health’s mission is to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. We relentlessly pursue that mission at our 14 hospitals, 73 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, six ambulance services and one research institute.
Essentia has about 14,700 employees, including more than 2,100 physicians and advanced practitioners who provide expert, compassionate care. We’re privileged to serve patients in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
