Current UPMC employees must apply in HR Direct.

Senior Improvement Specialist Corporate

Job ID: 7724003396
Status: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Shift: Day Job
Work Arrangement: HybridWork Arrangement information
Facility: Corporate Quality
Department: Corporate Quality
Location: 3600 Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Union Position: No
Salary Range: $ 46.84-72.43 USD

The Senior System-Level Improvement Specialist serves as a strategic partner and expert resource to UPMC’s executive and operational leaders in driving large-scale, system-wide improvement initiatives. This role leads complex, high-impact improvement initiatives that advance the organization’s goals in quality performance—directly influencing outcomes across UPMC’s hospitals.

The Senior Improvement Specialist applies advanced improvement science, change management, and data analytics to achieve measurable, sustainable improvements. The position requires expertise in executive facilitation, strategic alignment, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for decision-making.

This hybrid role will work standard business hours Monday through Friday.   If you have prior experience with Vizient and a master’s degree, this could be the next step in your career.  Apply today!

Responsibilities:
 

  • Measures and analyzes data to understand and interpret information to focus on the right problem to solve.
  • Skilled with representing UPMC by presenting accomplishments to regional and national forms.
  • When assigned, completes special projects and performs other related duties according to agreed upon goals and parameters.
  • Effectively communicates improvements that are made to work teams, staff, managers and administrators throughout the organization and UPMC Health System.
  • Leads improvement utilizing various approaches such as TPS/Lean/PDSA or others as appropriate.
  • Creates a supportive environment in the department, system or service line where improvement is being done that is sensitive to address the issues and needs of that area by regularly consulting with the Executive Sponsor, Director and front line staff.
  • Works to ensure that quality improvement and innovation work remains focused on one more of the following goals: patient centeredness, staff vitality, process efficiency and waste reduction and safe and reliable patient care.
  • Assess system/facility/departmental readiness and identifies strategies to achieve goals.
  • Partners with all system divisional leaders to implement and deploy system and local change.
  • Strategizes and drives Quality/Improvement agenda.
  • Effectively coordinates the assessment of current operational processes at various UPMC entities.
  • Acts as a lead in absence of the Director.
  • Directs work to look at alternative more efficient/effective approaches.
  • Partners with all system divisional leaders to implement and deploy system and local change.
  • Demonstrate exceptional improvement skills using the UPMC improvement model to drive system level improvement.
  • Leads and engages teams across the organization and interacts with all levels of executives at times.
  • Utilized expert engagement approaches to drive change.
  • Assess system/facility/departmental readiness and identifies strategies to achieve goals.
  • Designs models for testing various approaches and evaluating effectiveness.
  • Maintains accountability for ongoing self-development activities especially related to presentation facilitation, change management and application of quality improvement activities.
  • May Manage direct reports.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree, or UPMC approved certification, or completion of two years in a four-year bachelor’s to PhD/DNP program required.
  • Master’s degree is strongly preferred for this role.
  • Minimum seven years of improvement experience with five years in Quality and or healthcare experience required. 
  • Knowledge of information systems and process improvement techniques. 
  • Experience applying quality improvement methodologies for Vizient Quality & Accountability aligned initiatives, including performance analysis, implementation of improvement strategies, and outcomes evaluation strongly preferred.

  • Must be able to demonstrate skills to understand and interpret data 
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families. 
  • Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment. Exemplary critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care. 
  • Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and to lead others. 
  • Mobility and visual manual dexterity. 
  • Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting.

    Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

  • UPMC approved certification or master’s degree in a related field required. Must maintain certification status 
  • Act 34

    UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

CAREER GROWTH

Grow Your Nursing Career

Spanning over 20 clinical specialties and more than 50 unique nursing roles, every nurse at UPMC can achieve and advance their goals with the My Nursing Career Ladder. Whether you’re looking to progress to an elevated role or continue your education, UPMC equips nurses with the resources, feedback, leadership, and benefits to help you succeed and achieve your career goals. Here’s how a few nurses have grown their careers through the years at UPMC:

Clyde C.

As a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Muncy, Clyde is a great example of someone who has taken advantage of UPMC’s My Nursing Career Ladder to grow his career while remaining in the same hospital location.

Clyde’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2017: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022-present: Professional Staff Nurse, Expert – UPMC Muncy

Male nurse stands in front of hospital, smiling at the camera.

Michelle B.

In her current role as a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Presbyterian, Michelle cares for patients with chronic and ongoing health issues as part of a Medical-Surgical unit. Michelle enjoys the daily change that Med-Surg nursing brings, and has found a career path that is interesting, meaningful, and full of opportunity.

Michelle’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2019: Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2023: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Expert – UPMC Presbyterian

Michelle, a blonde nurse, smiles at the camera outside of a hospital setting.

INSURANCE SERVICES DIVISION OF UPMC

Advance Your Future

A career with UPMC means more than just caring for patients – when you’re a part of UPMC Insurance Services Division, it means caring for more than four million insurance members, too. UPMC Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance products and services to our network across the country, providing peace of mind, better health, and financial security to our members, along with limitless career opportunities and a rewarding mission to those on our team.

About UPMC Insurance Services Division

As an integrated health care provider-insurer, UPMC goes beyond patient care to provide insurance products and services to millions of members. Our team partners with UPMC and community network providers to deliver knowledge and expertise that provides the highest quality care at the most affordable price, supporting our members through service, communication, and more.

Fast Facts:

  • We provide insurance products and services to over more than four million members.
  • UPMC’s Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance options including UPMC Health Plan, Workpartners, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for Kids, UPMC Community HealthChoices, and Community Care Behavioral Health.
  • UPMC Health Plan is among the nation’s fastest-growing health plans.

Opportunities on Our Team

We’ve got a job that’s just right for you! UPMC Insurance Services Division team offers a vast array of career paths and opportunities, from career areas like customer service, data analytics, and information technology and even patient care roles like social work, nursing, and care management.

Whether in non-clinical or patient-facing roles, our team impacts patients and members by providing quality experiences before, during, and after their care, building relationships in a unique and meaningful way.

Recognized for Excellence

Be a part of an award-winning team! UPMC Insurance Services Division has been recognized for outstanding care and service with awards that include:

  1. U.S. News and World Report named UPMC for Life a “Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage” in Pennsylvania for 2024.
  2. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has named UPMC Health Plan an “Equality 100 Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion” for 2023–2024.
  3. UPMC for Life ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction* among Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power.
  4. The Ethisphere Institute named UPMC as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth consecutive year.

*Results are based on award-eligible plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power. For J.D. Power 2024 award information visit, jdpower.com/awards.

Jump-Start Your Career

Looking to launch a career with longevity and opportunity? With countless entry-level opportunities for recent graduates, along with tools and resources that empower you as you learn and grow, UPMC Insurance Services Division is the perfect place to get a career started.

Interested in taking your career to new heights? Our career paths and advancement opportunities will provide you with chances to achieve your goals at every step.

BENEFITS AND LIFE AT UPMC

Why Work Here

We know that you have many options when choosing where to build your career. So why choose UPMC? We can think of a few reasons.

Work-Life Balance

Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.

Development & Opportunities

Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.

Compensation

Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.

Performance & Recognition

Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.

Benefits

Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.

Work-Life Balance

Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.

Development & Opportunities

Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.

Compensation

Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.

Performance & Recognition

Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.

Benefits

Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing our employees with benefits that meet their needs and support their well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Tuition assistance for dependents
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options
  • Flexible work arrangements

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Tuition assistance for dependents
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options
  • Flexible work arrangements

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Flexibility to choose the shifts and work arrangements that work best for your lifestyle
  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options

A Culture That Cares

At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.

A Culture That Cares

At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.

A Culture That Cares

UPMC is a place where you can find a home, no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or culture, and where you can meet people who share your passions and care about you.

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
  • Accelerated career pathways for growth
  • Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
  • Accelerated career pathways for growth
  • Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Unlimited educational possibilities, including no-cost BSN and MSN programs
  • Robust career ladders for every nurse – no matter your specialty, location, or career stage
  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning opportunities

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

* Note: Benefits described may not be applicable to all staff.

Read More about Nursing at UPMC

Kendra wears blue scrubs at a hospital desk, looks at camera with a soft smile on her face.

After working as a nursing assistant for 16 years, Kendra took the leap to go back to nursing school and become an RN.

Collage of four photos of medical-surgical nurses, all smiling.

We asked our nurses to shed some light on what Med-Surg nursing means to them. Get to know Med-Surg nursing – in four words – from UPMC nurses!

Collage of four photos of medical-surgical nurses, all smiling.

Starting her career in Environmental Services, Leah shares how she fell in love with health care and became a nurse.

Read More about UPMC Insurance Services Division

Collage of four photos of medical-surgical nurses, all smiling.

In UPMC Insurance Services Division, analysts work to understand, innovate, and improve the products and services UPMC provides.

Young man smiles at camera in a studio setting.

Eddie S. shares how his passion for football, fishing, and friendship shapes his life and his career with UPMC Health Plan.

Veteran outside hiking.

We asked our nurses to shed some light on what Med-Surg nursing means to them. Get to know Med-Surg nursing – in four words – from UPMC nurses!

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Curious about the culture, roles, and people here at UPMC? The UPMC Careers blog is a great place to read more employee stories, get career tips, and learn about the passions and perspectives of folks who make up our UPMC team.

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