Chief Academic Officer

Chief Academic Officer

We are recruiting for a motivated Chief Academic Officer to join our team! We are here for life's journey. Where is your life journey taking you? Being the heartbeat of Denver means our heart reflects something bigger than ourselves, something that connects us all : Humanity in action, Triumph in hardship, Transformation in health.

The Chief Academic Officer reports to the CEO and provides leadership, direction, strategic vision, and oversight for research and sponsored programs and for the alignment of Denver Health's academic mission in research, education, and related initiatives. As an academic learning health system, Denver Health is founded on the belief that integrating clinical care, research, and medical education fosters innovation, improves health outcomes, and enhances the learning experience. In this role, the Chief Academic Officer is expected to work collaboratively with executive leadership, management, investigators, and program directors to lead and grow a well-supported, multidisciplinary enterprise program of research and sponsored programs and aligned components of Denver Health's academic mission that improve operational excellence and clinical care through systematic evaluation and scientific advancement and education.

Essential Functions :

• Research : Directly engages in and conducts research as principal investigator and / or co-investigator. Presents and publishes research and sponsored program outcomes and findings, including peer-reviewed and nontraditional channels. Seeks and secures external funding to support research programs through grant proposals and related mechanisms. (30%)
• Operations and alignment of academic mission : Leads and directs the work of investigators, program managers, project directors, and related divisions and personnel engaged in research and sponsored programs. Advises and coordinates with executive and management personnel and the Denver Health Board of Directors as needed on research and sponsored program activities and opportunities. (20%)
• Strategic Planning and Development : Leads strategic planning for research and education in coordination with executive leadership. Participates in developing goals, tactics, metrics, and coordinated initiatives. Builds networks with research collaborators, funding agencies, and institutional partners. Develops strategic responses to local, regional, and national funding priorities, policies, and legislative actions. Leads the development of sustainable infrastructure to support research activities, including centers of expertise and excellence. Works in alignment with the Denver Health Foundation to represent Denver Health's interests with external agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals who are existing or potential collaborators or funders. (20%)
• Financial Management : Establishes and maintains responsible financial management for research, including Denver Health's Sponsored Programs and Research Office (SPARO), and grant staffing. Manages an internal funding pool to support pilot projects, internal R&D, bridge funding, and professional development. (10%)
• Mentorship and Personnel Development : Provides mentorship to junior investigators, students, and staff. Advises on professional development and leads structured programs such as grants workshops, writing seminars, journal clubs, and other professional development activities aligned with the academic mission. Sets expectations, uses accountability-based management practices, and provides feedback and support. (10%)
• Clinical Practice : May provide clinical care in area of specialty practice. (10%)

Education : Doctorate Degree MD, DO, DDS / DMD or Doctorate degree in a health-related field required

Work Experience : 10+ years of progressively responsible and directly related management experience, including success in securing external research funding Required 4-6 years of scholarly achievement including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : National reputation with demonstrated innovation, collaboration, research success, and scholarship Proven ability to build and lead a research program in a health care delivery system Ability to lead multidisciplinary collaborations across departments and institutions Expertise in developing strategic partnerships and overseeing personnel and financial operations Critical Thinking - Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems Judgment and Decision Making - Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Communicating - Communicates effectively orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the...

Denver Health is committed to provide equal treatment and equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Denver Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.