Continuous Improvement Specialist

The role focuses on facilitating improvement initiatives, supporting and evolving systems that enable better ways of working, and partnering with teams to design practical solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and knowledge sharing. The position works closely with leaders, staff, and cross-functional teams to identify root causes, test and refine ideas, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports improvement and change. In addition, the role contributes to the development and delivery of hands-on learning experiences that build capability in continuous improvement tools and practices, helping embed a culture of problem-solving and learning across the organization. #CA-DS

Apply By Date 8/29/2026 at 11:59pm PST

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, organizational behavior, organizational management, healthcare administration or related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience/training in healthcare
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience facilitating groups, leading projects, supporting organizational change, or improving operational effectiveness
• Demonstrated experience facilitating teams, committees, workgroups, projects, or improvement efforts involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience using digital tools and technology to support collaboration, workflow management, communication, documentation, or knowledge sharing
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate group discussions and collaborative problem-solving efforts with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Ability to create structure, clarity, and forward momentum in ambiguous or complex situations
• Demonstrated ability to lead work through influence rather than authority, fostering engagement, ownership, and collaboration
• Ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and translate complex situations into practical and actionable next steps
• Proven ability to organize and advance work from concept through implementation while balancing structure with adaptability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and create engaging materials that support learning, awareness, and action
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, shared learning, and continuous improvement

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• PROSCI Certification
• Experience working in a large, complex organization such as healthcare, higher education, government, or other matrixed environments
• Experience supporting cross-functional initiatives involving multiple departments, stakeholder groups, or organizational levels
• Experience designing, implementing, or improving systems, workflows, knowledge management practices, or technology-enabled solutions that improve how work is coordinated, tracked, or shared
• Experience coaching leaders, teams, or project groups through change, problem-solving, or improvement efforts
• Experience leading or supporting operational, organizational, or process improvement initiatives
• Experience supporting the implementation and sustainment of new processes, systems, or ways of working
• Experience designing and facilitating workshops, learning experiences, or development opportunities for adult learners
• Experience developing communication strategies, presentations, visual materials, or storytelling approaches that promote awareness, engagement, and adoption
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and tools such as Lean, Six Sigma, A3 thinking, process mapping, root cause analysis, or similar structured problem-solving approaches
• Familiarity with organizational development, change management, team effectiveness, organizational effectiveness, or human-centered design principles
• Knowledge of healthcare operations and the challenges associated with supporting clinical, operational, and administrative teams
• Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in developing practical solutions to organizational and operational challenges
• Strong learning agility and ability to quickly understand new environments, systems, and business needs

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Facilitate Improvement and Change Initiatives
• 25% - Design System & Tools that Support Improvement
• 15% - Education, Communication & Awareness Building

Department Overview

UC Davis Health is a nationally recognized leader in the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care, based in the Greater Sacramento area of Northern California. UC Davis Health has a Comprehensive Cancer Center, internationally recognized MIND Institute, and a nationally ranked pediatric hospital. The UC Davis acute care hospital has 646 beds and an ambulatory care service area spanning north to the Oregon border, east to Nevada, and down the Central Valley to Fresno, California, covering 65,000 square miles across 33 counties.

The Department of Pharmacy is a dynamic, integral, and critical part of patient care provided by UC Davis Health. As a department of greater than 600 professional, technical, and administrative support personnel, we focus on providing patient-centered medication management that optimizes outcomes through practice, education, research, and leadership through the continuum of care. We also have the largest pharmacy residency program in the country with 46 total residents in 13 different programs.

The Department of Pharmacy offers comprehensive pharmaceutical services (unit dose, IV admixtures, clinical services, infusion pumps, and teaching) throughout the health system complex 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The pharmacy services encompass inpatient pharmacy services as well as an expansive footprint in the ambulatory care space where we have clinical pharmacists embedded within our clinics and specialty care locations. Our operational teams support the health system enterprise with three inpatient pharmacies, five outpatient pharmacies, two infusion pharmacies, a home infusion service line, and the full complement of pharmacy purchasing, stores, and distribution.

Department Specific Job Scope

This position reports to the Chief Pharmacy Officer and serves as a key resource in advancing continuous improvement and organizational effectiveness across the Division of Pharmacy Services. Working in close partnership with the Director of Pharmacy Continuous Improvement, the position facilitates improvement initiatives, supports the design and management of systems that enable better ways of working, and partners with leaders and teams to develop practical solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, and knowledge sharing.

The position works collaboratively with staff, leaders, and cross-functional teams to identify challenges, create structure in complex situations, test and implement solutions, and strengthen the infrastructure that supports continuous improvement across the division. In addition, the role contributes to education, communication, and capability-building efforts that help develop problem-solving skills and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $3,375.47 - $6,210.72
• Salary Frequency: Biweekly
• Salary Grade: Grade 23
• UC Job Title: ORGANIZATIONAL CNSLT 3
• UC Job Code: 007394
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8 Hours Full Time
• Location: Sherman Way Building (HSP056)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

This is an exempt position. Work schedule and location may vary based on operational needs and may include day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts, as well as assignments across multiple clinic and hospital locations.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks