Business Development Specialist

About the Role

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for increasing outpatient and inpatient utilization of hospital services by educating and informing stakeholders—including physicians, physician office staff, other health‑care entities, employers, and the community—about the services offered by Houston Methodist and the most efficient ways to access those services for their patients, members, employees, and other constituents. The role markets services to an assigned market area, maintains a pipeline of prospective business, tracks all efforts and activities, and provides regular reports to leadership. The specialist works closely with Houston Methodist medical staff, directors, managers, executives, and office staff to effectively expand utilization of Houston Methodist services and affiliated physicians. Regular travel is required. FLSA status: Exempt.

Responsibilities

• People
  • Meet with internal and external stakeholders to develop relationships that will lead to new business for Houston Methodist.
  • Exercise professional discretion regarding sensitive and/or confidential issues.
  • Utilize effective communication and diplomatic skills when dealing with stakeholders.
  • Liaise with appropriate stakeholders to address service, operations, scheduling, and other barriers.
  • Maintain rapport with stakeholders to promote effective community health‑care provider interaction and appropriate utilization.
  • Develop relationships and meet regularly with individuals and organizations to improve communications and education.
• Service
  • Manage and prioritize multiple tasks, regularly reevaluating priorities according to business needs.
  • Effectively communicate changes in policy and/or new services and programs.
  • Assist in problem solving and act as a liaison to provide resolution as needed.
• Quality & Safety
  • Prepare reports to document and communicate activities using approved software.
  • Stay abreast of and adhere to current Stark, HIPAA, and IRS regulations in accordance with Houston Methodist policies.
• Finance
  • Monitor regular reporting to meet or exceed quarterly targets.
  • Research, analyze, and monitor assigned market(s) to identify potential new business or improve current service offerings.
• Growth & Innovation
  • Coordinate or participate in physician/employer/community events such as new physician orientation, CME conferences, physician office education meetings, health fairs, benefit fairs, chamber of commerce events, advisory groups, focus groups, luncheons, and outreach introductions.
  • May participate in the development of program‑specific web pages and marketing materials.
  • Identify opportunities to develop new business and assist with development and implementation as assigned.
  • Facilitate relationships with stakeholders to increase effective and efficient professional interactions as needed.
  • Recruit and/or onboard new team members, employees, or physicians as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, or an additional four years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience: Five years of experience involving business development, sales, or relevant experience. Current Houston Methodist employees may count experience in business development, project management, marketing, finance, clinical operations, or other related areas toward the total.

Skills

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, as determined through ongoing assessments and performance evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English, especially for activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, family members, and co‑workers with a customer‑service focus and positive language principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities in a positive and supportive manner.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet, word‑processing, and presentation software.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential/sensitive information professionally.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Supplemental Requirements

• Work attire: Business professional (uniform not required).
• On‑call: Not required, though employees may be called upon during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events).
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston metropolitan area and occasional travel outside the metropolitan area.