Director of Innovation/Special Projects

Company: Lange Recruiting
Location: Roanoke
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description We are seeking a Director of Innovation to work directly with our CEO to turn high-velocity ideas into scalable systems, pilots, and repeatable programs across nursing homes, physician services, and healthcare operations. This is not an operations role. This is not a project management role. This is a builder systems architect strategic thinker role. If you love creating frameworks, designing pilots, synthesizing complexity, and building systems that fundamentally change how an industry works, this role was built for you. You will serve as the CEOs second brain —capturing raw ideas, structuring them, pressure-testing assumptions, and ensuring ideas don't get lost they get built. What You Will Do 1. Build New Systems & Frameworks Convert raw, fast-moving ideas into clear, structured, executable one-page frameworks Design blueprints for new clinical, operational, and strategic programs Work side-by-side with leadership to translate vision into tangible systems 2. Lead Pilot Programs (Concept Data) Design and launch pilot programs for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) partnerships Define success metrics, dashboards, and KPIs Analyze early data and convert learnings into scalable playbooks 3. Create the Innovation Engine Establish and operate the company's internal innovation lab Coordinate rapid research, testing, and iteration cycles Partner with operations, clinical, and compliance teams to integrate new models 4. Strategic Analysis & Insight Development Conduct deep research on healthcare trends, regulations, and incentive structures Build practical models and insights to guide strategic decisions Prepare strategic briefs, memos, and presentations for leadership 5. Work Directly With the CEO You will: Capture raw ideas in real time Organize, refine, and structure them Pressure-test assumptions Turn concepts into executable systems Ensure ideas move from thought framework pilot scale This role requires comfort operating in a high-speed, high-context, low-ego partnership with a visionary founder. What Success Looks Like New initiatives are translated into structured frameworks within days Pilot programs launch smoothly with clear metrics and outcomes Operations teams receive playbooks that are simple, clear, and executable The CEOs idea velocity is matched by your ability to structure and implement Innovation becomes systematic, not accidental Programs scale without losing quality or clarity Must-Have Skills Systems thinking (you naturally think in frameworks) Experience building programs, pilots, or new initiatives Ability to simplify complex ideas Strong written and verbal communication Practical analytical skills (not academic) High speed of thought and execution Comfort with ambiguity Ability to push back constructively and thoughtfully Experience 5 years of experience in one or more of the following: Innovation Product Strategy Consulting Operations design Healthcare design (bonus, not required) Personality Traits Builder Resourceful Curious Fast learner Calm under pressure Low ego Loves structure Loves solving unsolved problems Who Will Thrive in This Role Someone who: Loves turning ideas into systems Wants ownership, not instructions Enjoys fast-paced, evolving environments Likes working directly with a founder Can handle rapid change and high complexity Wants to shape the future of elder care and healthcare innovation Who Will Not Thrive Those who need constant clarity Those who dislike ambiguity Slow or overly cautious thinkers Overly academic consultants Anyone seeking repetitive or predictable work Anyone uncomfortable challenging the CEO Why This Role Matters You will help build the next evolution of elder care —combining clinical, operational, regulatory, and strategic redesign. Your work will directly impact patients, families, nursing homes, and healthcare providers nationwide. You will help define the new standard for how nursing home physician services and healthcare operational systems are delivered across the country.

Keywords: Lange Recruiting, Burlington , Director of Innovation/Special Projects, Design, Graphic Design & CAD , Roanoke, North Carolina