Director of Technology and Innovation

The Director of Technology and Innovation is the senior leader responsible for running the day-to-day operations of Essential Tech Connect, 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 Tech Connect.

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

• 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 Tech Connect’s ongoing success.

• 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 sponsor ships and partnerships to ensure alignment with member needs, the association strategic plan, and Essential Tech Connect’s independent evaluation process.

• 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.
• 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…