PCA Lead, Planning

Are you a dynamic, strategic leader ready to chart the course for a brand-new health organization? In the key leadership role of Lead, Planning you are the senior executive responsible for service planning and cross-sector integration of the primary care in Alberta. The Lead is jointly responsible, in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other executive leaders, for establishing the vision, goals, and leadership required to deliver provincial primary care health services for the province. Reporting to the CEO, the Lead is a member of the executive leadership team and is accountable for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with local, provincial, and national representatives and stakeholders, including government departments and officials, to provide operational leadership, oversight, and strength to the delivery of primary care services. The Lead is accountable for the alignment of strategic foresight and health equity initiatives throughout the primary care sector as well as across sectors; governance support; change management; stakeholder relations; recruitment; education; and culture related to the primary care workforce. Primary Care Alberta is responsible for coordinating and delivering primary health care services province-wide. Our mission is to provide Albertans with access to the day-to-day healthcare they need, reducing the pressure on emergency departments and ensuring better health outcomes for all. In this pivotal role, you will directly impact the organization’s successful launch while supporting and delivering the vision of accessible, high-quality care for all Albertans. This position will be part of Primary Care Alberta effective November 18, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Primary Care Alberta.

The Lead, Planning provides vision, executive leadership and management related to critical primary care planning initiatives and operations that span the primary care sector. You are accountable for establishing short- and long-term system, service, and integration initiatives, including plans and priorities in alignment with Primary Care Alberta’s (PCA) broader vision and Government and Ministry policy direction. Critical to the role is developing and maintaining a strategic approach for the delivery of health equity initiatives, mental health and addictions support, and Indigenous wellness initiatives that support operations and measures that are aligned with the business plan and mandate of the organization. The role will manage business needs, capacity and resources to meet operational needs to deliver and improve primary care alignment and integration, including those related to primary care workforce recruitment and education, as well as change management initiatives related to an evolving primary care sector undergoing transformative change. You will develop frameworks to monitor and assess primary care sector operational risks and lead contingency planning. You will ensure the overall efficacy of PCA through the maintenance of good working relationships with the provincial government, specifically Alberta Health, as well as other external stakeholders such as provincial health agencies, board, regulatory bodies, committees, community partners, health service providers, Primary Care Networks, and contracted providers. You will establish and develop internal networks and coalitions, and an integrated framework to identify and use services provided by Alberta Health Services, to achieve organizational vision and goals. With a provincial accountability, this position can be located anywhere in Alberta.

The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree in a healthcare profession, healthcare management or business administration. The successful candidate will have more than ten (10) years of senior management experience, with specific experience leading healthcare operations or primary care. A combination of qualifications and experience may be considered.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience developing organization strategy and planning, leading strategic initiatives, and leading transformative change. You demonstrate exceptional leadership, including the ability to provide expert counsel to senior leaders and make sound decisions under pressure. You will have strong communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and mediate complex situations. Your experience includes working with government ministries, elected officials, and healthcare providers. You should also have a proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive positive outcomes. The successful candidate will be skilled at fostering partnerships and promoting innovation and creativity to achieve organizational goals.

Health leadership experience at a provincial level is preferred, particularly within an organization of significant size, complexity, and diversity. Professional accreditation from organizations such as the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) or similar healthcare leadership credentials is an asset.