Managing Director, Center of Excellence in Autism

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Comprising 26 hospitals and multiple medical service centers, the Ministry of Defense Health Services (MoDHS) is the second largest healthcare provider in Saudi Arabia after the Ministry of Health. The MoDHS healthcare system not only serves active-duty military personnel, but also retired personnel, military families and dependents. In addition, the network also supports civilians as and when referred by other healthcare systems.

In the recent years, autism as a development disorder has emerged as a key priority in Saudi Arabia. The Mohammed bin Salman Program for the Treatment of Autism (Autism Center of Excellence or Autism CoE) is an initiative of MoDHS aimed at enhancing the treatment and support available for individuals with autism. Launched with the vision of improving healthcare and the quality of life for those with autism, the program includes a variety of services and initiatives. The Center’s aim is to develop capabilities and launch new initiatives for people with autism.

The Autism CoE will:

• Be the national leader in autism care and a central source of expertise and excellence for the entire autism care network within MoDHS ecosystem,  
• Lead the development and oversight of clinical service models, ASD policy, and standardized care pathways,
• Provide specialized multidisciplinary, therapeutic services, individualized intervention, life skills, school transition support, and family empowerment,
• Oversee workforce development through structured training, certification, and fellowship programs,
• Oversee physical and technology infrastructure development across the system,
• Promote research and innovation in autism spectrum disorder and digital solutions,
• Standardize data collection and reporting, and
• Coordinate and integrate autism services across MoDHS facilities.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a rare opportunity for a senior, highly accomplished healthcare leader to establish enduring legacy as a founding co-leader of a high-impact Autism care institution in Saudi Arabia. As a Joint Managing Director of the envisioned Center of Excellence, and Advisor to MoDHS leadership on autism care, the candidate will work closely with the appointed Managing Director (Saudi national) and take shared responsibility of the establishment and operation of a world-class Center.

• Location: Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Contract type: Full-time (preferred); Part-time acceptable only if the candidate is already in the Middle East region and is willing to travel to Riyadh to spend 2-3 days every week in Riyadh.
• Contract Duration: (6 months initially, with a view to become a 2-to-3-year long engagement)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as an executive coach and mentor to the appointed Managing Director, while simultaneously taking joint responsibility and accountability for the establishment and operation of the Autism CoE.
• Shared responsibilities may include, but not be limited to:

1. Develop and implement a robust strategy to achieve the leadership’s vision for excellence in autism care,
2. Evaluate and elevate the operational excellence and overall performance of the MoDHS autism care network,
3. Strategic audit of all functions, including patient care delivery, clinical functions, research and innovation, awareness building and strategic communication etc.,
4. Design transformation program for existing departments to streamline processes, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the patient experience,
5. Identify and engage leading institutions around the world as strategic partners,
6. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve operational performance, and
7. Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure seamless integration of operational functions across the organization.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must:

• Have demonstrated leadership in establishing and managing a reputed autism center/ multi-center program of excellence,
• Hold a Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., M.D.) in relevant fields such as clinical psychology or neuroscience and have specialized training in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), through fellowships,
• Have extensive research experience focusing on autism or related neurodevelopmental disorders,
• Have at least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in mental health related healthcare operations, including 8+ years in a senior leadership role,
• Possess in-depth understanding of models of care, financial management, and regulatory requirements,
• Have proven ability to lead and execute strategic plans that drive efficiency and improve patient outcomes,
• Display strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and motivate dynamic teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders,
• Possess data-driven decision-making skills and experience managing complex organizations,
• Be able and willing to engage in a fixed (6 month) contract initially with a view to engage for a longer period of 2-3 years, and
• Be fully vested in building leadership capability locally through hands-on coaching and mentoring.