Director of Technology and Innovation in Washington, District of Columbia at AMERICAS ESSENTIAL HOSPITALS

Position Summary:

The Director of Technology and Innovation is the senior leader responsible for running the day-to-day operations of Essential TechConnect, the association’s member-facing technology and innovation center.

The Director of Technology and Innovation drives the organization’s strategy to support association hospital members’ access to optimal health care technology. The Director of Technology and Innovation is responsible for advancing innovation across the association’s membership by identifying, spreading, and scaling new ideas, technologies, and partnerships that strengthen member hospitals and health systems. This work includes vetting solutions against transparent criteria, using aggregated member demand information to negotiate preferred pricing, spreading member-tested approaches, and supporting practical adoption. The Director of Technology and Innovation serves as a thought leader, connector, and catalyst—bringing technology vendors with vetted products to the association’s membership and offering member hospitals solutions, at preferred prices, for their identified challenges. This position works closely with internal and external stakeholders, oversees a team, and is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of Essential TechConnect.

This is an excellent opportunity for an innovation and technology leader who is seeking to assist member hospitals to advance healthcare outcomes. The projected salary range for the Director of Technology and Innovation is $165,000-$195,000 per year.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION*:

*below is a summary, not an inclusive list of all responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation and technology strategy aligned with the association’s mission and strategic plan and member priorities, including an annual workplan and prioritized list of member needs.
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership on emerging trends in health care technology, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and hospitals’ use of technology.
• Serve as a visible internal and external leader on hospital innovation and health care technology.
• Monitor and assess emerging technologies (e.g., AI, digital health, data analytics, automation, cybersecurity) for relevance to hospital operations and care delivery.
• Lead the development of the partner application process and the criteria for evaluating potential solutions.
• Develop the metrics and process to evaluate Essential TechConnect’s ongoing success.

Partnership Development

• Build and manage strategic partnerships with technology companies, startups, investors, foundations, and other industry organizations.
• Advance productive relationships with technology vendors that develop into mutually beneficial business arrangements.
• Represent the association in innovation-focused coalitions, forums, and other stakeholder engagements.
• Evaluate sponsorships and partnerships to ensure alignment with member needs, the association strategic plan, and Essential TechConnect’s independent evaluation process.

Member-Focused Innovation

• Oversee the program to vet technology solutions for member use.
• Design and administer annual survey to understand members’ technology gaps and needs, common vendors, and latest trends.
• Use the association’s aggregated member demand information to negotiate preferred pricing and terms with vetted vendors.
• Lead a member technology advisory committee, including identifying members to serve as representatives, developing meeting agendas, and facilitating regular convenings.
• Ensure vetted innovations deliver clear value, measurable impact, and practical applicability for hospitals and health systems of varying sizes and geographies.
• Design and lead innovation programs, collaboratives, and learning networks that address member hospitals’ most pressing challenges.
• Disseminate insights, tools, and best practices to member organizations.

Collaboration Across Teams

• Work closely with the business development and marketing team to identify appropriate vendor partners and ensure both vendors and association members find value in their partnerships.
• Partner with meetings and events team to develop member convenings that propel the activities and drive revenue for Essential TechConnect.
• Work closely with legislative affairs and policy teams to inform public policy and regulatory approaches on health care technology issues.
• Collaborate with other internal teams to integrate innovation into membership, education, and research initiatives.

Thought Leadership and Communications

• Serve as a spokesperson and subject-matter expert on hospital innovation at conferences, media engagements, and member events.
• Contribute to association reports, white papers, and educational content on innovation and transformation in health care.
• Present to members and external audiences on health care technology, digital health, and AI topics.

Management and Operations

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team.
• Develop and manage budgets, contracts, and performance metrics related to innovation initiatives.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE FOR THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, information technology, healthcare administration, or a related field, strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in business, health care, innovation, technology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation initiatives, business development, and negotiations and managing stakeholder expectations.
• A minimum of two years of experience supervising a team.
• Deep understanding of hospital and health system operations and challenges, particularly those faced by essential hospitals.
• Background in digital health, AI, or health care technology.
• Experience working with or within hospitals or health systems, associations, or membership-based organizations preferred.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION:

• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to think strategically to develop creative approaches to promote and protect essential hospitals’ interests.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to develop superb relationships with vendors and stakeholders.
• Ability to use judgment, discretion and decision-making skills to thrive in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with cross-team collaboration, developing relationships with a wide range of personalities and interests, including technology industry leaders, hospital association colleagues, internal executives, and others.
• Strong project management capability; able to work independently to balance multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to travel periodically to outside conferences, association meetings, and member site visits.
• Demonstrated behaviors consistent with association core values.
• Ability to use good judgment in representing members of the association.
• Able to live in MD, DC, or VA and commute to the Washington, DC office as needed.