At Commence, we’re the start of a new age of data-centric transformation, elevating health outcomes and powering better, more efficient process to program and patient health. We combine quality data-driven solutions that fuel answers, technology that advances performance, and clinical expertise that builds trust to create a more efficient path to quality care. 

With human-centered, healthcare-relevant, and value-based solutions, we create new possibilities with data. We provide proof beyond the concept and performance beyond the scope with a focus on efficiencies that transform the lives of those we serve. With a culture driven by purpose, straightforward communication and clinical domain expertise, Commence cuts straight to better care.  

The Director, QIO Communications, directs the QIO Communications department staff to support program related projects as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Beneficiary and Family Centered Care-Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO).  

• Provides direction, oversight, and guidance to the QIO Communications team.
• Ensures all QIO deliverables undergo a timely review for general readability and 508 compliance without impeding submission deadlines.
• Leads and initiates stakeholder outreach and education with an array of external organizations, including, but not limited to, the following: 
• Individual provider organizations and healthcare systems.
• Medicare Advantage Plans.
• Local, state, regional, and national-level provider associations.
• Advocate and stakeholder groups, such as State Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs), Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs), caregiver associations, and other advocacy organizations.
• Offices of state, regional, and federal agencies, including CMS and other Health and Human Service (HHS) agencies. 
• CMS contractors, including other BFCC-QIOs, Quality Innovation Network (QIN)-QIOs, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), etc.
• Coordinates appropriate and timely responses from clinical staff as needed to beneficiaries or their representatives who reach out with questions regarding specific QIO processes, procedures, or case issues. 
• Understands, interprets, and implements requirements and guidelines outlined in the QIO Manual and the QIO Communications Handbook. 
• Ensures protocols are followed regarding positioning statements, publication numbers, and prior CMS approval when needed for external publications. 
• Analyzes data to understand stakeholder needs, effectiveness of work products, and to direct efforts and implement enhancements as appropriate. 
• Promotes, pilots, and directs the development of written and electronic communication materials and campaigns to launch customer-facing tools for providers and beneficiaries. 
• Supports efforts related to increasing provider compliance with the BFFC-QIO Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) process. 
• Positions the organization as a resource to the public supporting CMS initiatives and the Statement of Work (SOW) goals. 
• Develops various communication vehicles, including creating, launching, and maintaining the BFCC-QIO website, social media accounts, provider bulletins, publications, and website content. 
• Works with CMS and other BFCC-QIO contractors as needed to coordinate outreach and support education initiatives. 
• Collaborates with internal departments to achieve common goals and deliverables. 
• Creates work products that require innovation and originality in all QIO related communications related collateral material and initiatives. 
• Protects the confidentiality of patient information through compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH). 
• Completes annual training on security awareness, rules of conduct, and conflict of interest training. 
• Performs other duties assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, writing, healthcare administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. 
• Experience with managing communications programs related to Medicare or CMS contracts is preferred. 
• A minimum of six years of management experience and four years of experience working in a healthcare or government program setting.
• Knowledge of the Medicare program, including, but not limited to, processes, procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements governing operations of a Medicare BFCC-QIO, administrative practices of healthcare systems, hospitals, and other clinical settings. 
• Knowledge of patient experience, gerontology, and Medicare beneficiary rights. Knowledge of principles and practices of quality improvement techniques, such as data analysis, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method or similar tools for quality improvement, and root cause analysis. 
• Knowledge of personnel and human resource management practices, such as managing virtual teams, team building, mentoring, and leadership. 
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and best practices in curriculum design, adult education, social media, web design, stakeholder outreach, press releases, academic writing, and other external communications. 
• Knowledge of plain writing principles, accessibility requirements, and other communications industry standards. 
• Ability to create inventive, imaginative, and original content is required. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills are also required. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate multiple simultaneous tasks in a team environment. 
• Ability to exercise critical thinking and sound judgment. 
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data. 
• Ability to maintain objectivity and compassion during interactions involving potentially stressful or political situations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is an office position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a climate-controlled environment. Candidates must be able to sit, read, work on a computer, and watch a computer screen for extended periods of time. Occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, kneel or crouch.

 Commence.AI is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at (757) 306-4920 or hr@commence.ai. 

Please note that unless you are requesting accommodation, all applications must be submitted through our online application system.