Role Overview for Chief Data Officer (CDO) with a Large Healthcare System – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with one of Philadelphia’s most prominent and respected large-scale healthcare systems in their search for a transformative Chief Data Officer (CDO). This is a career-defining executive leadership opportunity to shape the future of patient care, operational efficiency, and clinical research through the strategic application of data and analytics. The healthcare industry is at a critical inflection point, where data is not just a byproduct of operations but the central nervous system that drives decision-making, innovation, and value-based care. Our client recognizes this paradigm shift and is seeking a visionary leader to establish and execute a comprehensive, enterprise-wide data strategy.
As the CDO, you will be the senior-most executive responsible for the organization’s data assets. You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and work in close collaboration with the entire C-suite, including the CIO, CMIO, CFO, and COO. Your mission will be to unlock the immense potential held within vast and complex datasets, transforming them into actionable insights that improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and optimize financial performance.
You will champion a data-driven culture across the entire health system, from the boardroom to the bedside, fostering an environment of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role requires a unique blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, business acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will be tasked with building and maturing the organization’s capabilities in data governance, data quality, master data management, business intelligence, and advanced analytics, including predictive modeling and artificial intelligence (AI).
The ideal candidate is a seasoned data executive with a proven track record of success within a complex healthcare or life sciences environment. You are not just a technologist; you are a strategic business partner who understands the intricate challenges and opportunities of the modern healthcare landscape. You are passionate about leveraging data to solve real-world problems and are adept at translating complex technical concepts into compelling business cases for senior stakeholders. If you are a forward-thinking leader ready to make a lasting impact on a leading healthcare institution and the community it serves, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Data Officer (CDO) with a Large Healthcare System – Philadelphia, PA
The Chief Data Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategy, governance, technology, and leadership. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to create a unified, reliable, and accessible data ecosystem that serves as a strategic asset for the entire organization.
Enterprise Data Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive enterprise data strategy that aligns with the health system’s overall strategic goals. Create a multi-year roadmap for data management, analytics, and governance, securing executive buy-in and necessary resources.
Data Governance & Quality
Establish and chair a formal data governance council. Define and implement enterprise-wide data governance policies, standards, and procedures. Institute robust data quality frameworks and metrics to ensure data is accurate, complete, consistent, and trustworthy across all systems.
Advanced Analytics & Business Intelligence (BI)
Lead the development and expansion of a sophisticated analytics function. Oversee the BI and data science teams to deliver descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Champion the use of AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to address complex clinical and operational challenges, such as predicting patient readmissions or optimizing operating room scheduling.
Data Architecture & Infrastructure
In partnership with the CIO, oversee the design and implementation of a modern, scalable data architecture. Evaluate and direct the organization’s data warehousing, data lake, and cloud data platform strategies (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) to support advanced analytics and data democratization.
Regulatory Compliance & Data Security
Ensure all data management practices comply with relevant regulations, including HIPAA, HITECH, and GDPR. Work closely with the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to establish robust data privacy and security protocols, protecting sensitive patient and organizational data. Ensuring adherence to federal guidelines and promoting healthcare data interoperability standards is paramount.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of data professionals, including data architects, data engineers, data scientists, and BI analysts. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the data and analytics organization.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Serve as the primary advocate and evangelist for data-driven decision-making across the enterprise. Build strong, collaborative relationships with clinical leaders, hospital administrators, finance executives, and research teams to understand their needs and deliver impactful data solutions.
Master Data Management (MDM)
Spearhead the strategy and implementation of MDM solutions for critical data domains such as Patient, Provider, and Payer. Ensure a single, authoritative source of truth for key data entities to drive consistency and efficiency across all operations.
Financial Oversight & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual budget for the data and analytics function. Oversee relationships with data-related technology vendors, ensuring the organization receives maximum value from its investments.
Requirements for the Chief Data Officer (CDO) with a Large Healthcare System – Philadelphia, PA
This executive position demands a deep and diverse skill set, combining extensive experience in data leadership with a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.
Educational Background
A Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Health Informatics, or Business Administration is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree with extensive, highly relevant experience will be considered.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in data management, business intelligence, and/or analytics. At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership role (Director, VP, or CDO) with a proven track record of building and leading data teams in a large, complex organization.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the healthcare industry is mandatory. A deep understanding of clinical and administrative data (EHR/EMR, claims, RCM), healthcare workflows, and the regulatory environment (HIPAA) is essential. Experience with a large hospital system, academic medical center, or integrated delivery network is highly desirable.
Technical Proficiency
- Demonstrated expertise in modern data architecture principles, including data warehousing, data lakes, and medallion architecture.
- Hands-on experience with major cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
- Strong familiarity with leading BI and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
- Solid understanding of data science concepts, machine learning models, and AI applications in a business context.
- Knowledge of data governance and data quality management tools (e.g., Collibra, Informatica).
Leadership & Strategic Skills
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to translate business needs into a clear data vision and execution plan.
- Proven ability to lead large-scale change initiatives and drive cultural transformation toward a data-centric mindset.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, from technical staff to the Board of Directors.
- Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and demonstrating the ROI of data initiatives.
Certifications (Preferred)
Professional certifications such as Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or similar credentials are a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Executive Salary
A compelling base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity tied to individual and organizational goals.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in a long-term incentive plan (e.g., equity or equivalent) to reward sustained contributions to the health system’s success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan with a substantial employer match.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A comprehensive PTO policy that includes vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing education, executive coaching, and attendance at industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Philadelphia area.
Wellness Programs
Access to a variety of employee wellness and assistance programs.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. We are seeking a visionary leader who is passionate about the power of data to revolutionize healthcare. If you possess the requisite experience and leadership qualities to excel in this role, we encourage you to begin a confidential discussion with us.
To express your interest in this executive opportunity, please connect with our team through our healthcare executive search practice area page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
