LeadingAge Minnesota is driven to transform and enhance the experience of aging.

We serve as a catalyst, working alongside our members, caregivers, advocates and consumers to collectively shape the future of aging services and ensure older adults in every community live with dignity, meaning and purpose.

Together with more than 50,000 caregivers, our members provide quality, compassionate care to more than 63,000 older adults every day in all the places they call home including independent senior housing, assisted living communities, adult day centers, in-home care and skilled nursing facilities.

The Director of Quality and Performance Excellence is primarily responsible for: 

1. Providing strategic and technical assistance to members on quality improvement processes/systems, clinical best practices, compliance with quality assurance regulations and effective use and collection of quality measures/indicators; 
2. Advising and representing the Association on state and federal policy issues related to quality—including the laws, rules, survey guidance and quality improvement requirements that affect members; and 
3. Developing tools and resources to assist members in their quality improvement activities. The ideal candidate for this position will possess knowledge on quality improvement and clinical excellence topics across the spectrum of older adult settings and services, including skilled nursing facilities, home care, assisted living and adult day services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide accurate, timely and thorough technical assistance to members on a variety of quality improvement and clinical topics.

 • Provide advocacy support through: 1) Identification of quality/clinical issues for the Association’s annual legislative agenda; 2) Drafting/reviewing legislation impacting quality; 3) Recommending Association positions on related public policies; and 4) Providing expert legislative testimony as needed. 

• Proactively represent member interests and concerns with various stakeholder groups including state agency workgroups and task forces. 

• Prepare formal Association comments and coordinate with national associations on federal quality issues as needed.

• Develop products and resources for members in response to, or in anticipation of, their needs. 

• Manage the Association’s quality recognition programs.

• Write articles for the weekly electronic newsletter, provide updated content for the Association’s website, and prepare/deliver presentations to member organizations, internal groups or external stakeholders.

• Serve as lead staff for the Quality & Performance Improvement Council and other committees on relevant topics.

• Gather and analyze quality data to identify trends, measure improvement, and develop effective Association strategies.

Core Competencies: 

• Knowledge: (1) Command of the strategies and systems that result in quality improvement and clinical excellence; (2) Understanding of the vital role quality plays in creating and sustaining integrated care partnerships along the continuum and in achieving the triple aim; and (3) Experience in the successful use of quality measures/data to improve performance.

• Customer Service: Excellent customer service skills to provide timely, thorough, accurate, friendly and effective technical assistance in response to member questions and requests for assistance.

• Critical Thinking: Ability to understand, analyze, synthesize and communicate proposed changes to federal and state policies and their implications for members; as well as an ability to problem solve when addressing member quality concerns and outcomes. 

• Effective Relationships: Must establish and maintain trusted working relationships with state and federal agency staff, including CMS, DHS, MDH, etc.; professional boards; quality improvement organizations; and various consumer and provider stakeholders.

• Communications: Excellent written and verbal communication skills capable of effectively presenting issues to members, state/federal agencies, stakeholders, media, etc.

Education and Experience: 

A Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university is required along with a minimum of five years’ experience in a related field including health care, quality improvement, etc. preferably in older adult services. Experience as an RN is strongly recommended. An advanced degree or LEAN training is a plus.  

Personal Traits of the Ideal Candidate: 

We are seeking a dynamic candidate who is passionate about quality care and services to older Minnesotans. They must be committed to serving and supporting the members of the Association. The successful candidate must be an effective listener and spokesperson—exhibiting integrity and honesty at all times. They must be self-motivated, intellectually curious, diplomatic and able to balance competing interests and priorities. A high level of analytical and problem solving skills is essential. Qualified candidates will demonstrate creative thinking and innovation capabilities. 

Apply online at: www.dohertyhrdirect.com

Username = MCCA

Password = applicant

Hiring Manager’s Email: lmeyer @ leadingagemn.org  (remove spaces when entering)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, or any other status protected by state or local law, for qualified applicants who fall within the jurisdiction of such law. We are Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Travel: 

Some travel is required, primarily within Minnesota, but some out of state as well.