MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Leads the management of the Value Program operations, ensuring that AACN resources are allocated to effectively meet customer needs and support organizational objectives.
• Takes ownership of multiple points of contact, conducting thorough needs assessments and providing high-level solutions to address evolving program demands.
• Monitors the progress and performance of the Value system platform, working closely with the IT department to ensure that technical support and updates align with program goals.
• Proactively evaluates processes, identifies areas for optimization, and collaborates with key stakeholders to define and implement innovative solutions. Develops plans to improve efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that the program continually evolves to meet AACN’s mission and vision.
• Assures effective systems and management of key department initiatives.
• Leads and oversees all critical decisions related to the Value Program, including testing, auditing, and reporting, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and compliance with industry standards.
• Partners with leadership to define program standards and continuously monitors program performance to ensure that all outcomes meet or exceed established benchmarks.
• Acts as a key consultant for the Value Program, providing expert guidance and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders to drive continuous program improvement.
• Designs and delivers comprehensive training on systems and processes to stakeholders, including onboarding new hires, to ensure seamless program execution and knowledge transfer across teams.
• Manages all whistleblower cases (certification improprieties and fraudulent activities).
• Identify issues and formulate action steps for a resolution.
• Maintains compliance with certification eligibility requirements and consistent resolutions.
• Partners with Certification auditors to ensure timely audits and partners with the legal on complicated issues.
• Provides leadership in development, implementation and evaluation of the value program.
• Leads the creation, management, and execution of complex project plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Evaluates, adjusts, and reallocates resources as necessary to meet evolving project needs and priorities, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Takes full ownership of IT-related projects, driving them from initiation to closure while ensuring they meet high standards of quality, performance, and efficiency.
• Other tasks as assigned

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas effectively in both written and verbal formats, demonstrating expertise in conflict resolution, stakeholder management, and leading diverse teams.
• Ability to make high-level, data-informed decisions independently, balancing competing priorities, and aligning decisions with organizational goals.
• Expertise in developing and executing sophisticated project plans, with demonstrated success in managing cross-functional initiatives, prioritizing and reallocating resources, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate operational processes, identify opportunities for optimization, and implement scalable improvements that enhance program performance.
• Skilled at researching, analyzing, and resolving complex program issues, driving innovative solutions that support the program’s strategic objectives.
• Exceptional at building and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing expert consultation to drive program success and alignment with broader organizational strategies.
• Advanced proficiency in using business, project management, and productivity software such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, and SmartSheet.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure situations.
• In-depth understanding of industry standards, certification eligibility requirements, and compliance protocols, with the ability to ensure adherence to these standards while driving continuous improvement in operations.
• Proficient in various business, project, and productivity software (examples may include: Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, and SmartSheet)

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in program coordination, certification operations, or a related field, demonstrating progressively responsible roles and leadership.
• Proven success in leading program operations, managing key projects from initiation to closure, and driving organizational initiatives to meet and exceed goals.
• Demonstrated expertise in certification processes, including managing complex issues related to eligibility, audits, and fraud prevention.
• Experience collaborating across departments to assess needs, implement solutions, and improve processes. Background in developing and delivering training to stakeholders, including on-boarding new hires and ensuring successful program implementation.
• Experience providing high-level consultative support, offering insights and recommendations to enhance program outcomes.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the job description, the following requirements represent the essential functions of this job, which must be met by an individual to perform successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Upon request, the company will engage in an interactive process to identify and implement reasonable accommodations.
This position involves frequent sitting, standing, walking, and reaching, along with regular repetitive hand motions such as typing and mouse use. It requires prolonged periods of desk work and extensive use of standard office equipment. Occasional travel may be necessary.
To perform effectively, the individual must have sufficient visual acuity to read printed materials and digital screens, as well as the auditory ability to comprehend spoken communication. The role demands strong mental stamina to manage multiple tasks, solve problems, determine the appropriate course of action when making decisions, and interpret and apply both oral and written instructions. Regular communication and interaction across various platforms are essential, along with the ability to remain alert, focused, and responsive throughout the workday.
This position also requires proficiency in processing information, communicating across diverse platforms, and analyzing data to inform decision-making. The role involves proactive problem-solving and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to drive organizational objectives, achieve measurable results and continuous improvement, often with limited direct supervision..

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS CAN VISIT OUR CAREERS PAGE AND APPLY FOR THE CERTIFICATION OPERATIONS SPECIALIST, VALUE PROGRAM ROLE. ANY QUESTIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO: JOBS@AACN.ORG. THE POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE OR HYBRID ON-SITE WORK OUT OF OUR ALISO VIEJO, CA NATIONAL OFFICE. SOME TRAVEL MAY BE REQUIRED.

Position Purpose: The Certification Operations Specialist, Value Program, is responsible for leading and overseeing the operations of the certification value program. This role partners with department leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure that the program and associated platform operate seamlessly and in alignment with organizational goals.
As a key point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, the Specialist drives communication approaches and manages inquiries related to the Value Program. This includes overseeing interdepartmental processes, website/interface functionality, and resolving challenges or implementing necessary updates. Additionally, the role requires ongoing program assessments, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing data-driven solutions based on environmental feedback and stakeholder needs.
The Certification Operations Specialist is also accountable for managing all whistleblower cases related to certification improprieties or fraudulent activities. This involves identifying issues, formulating corrective action plans, and ensuring compliance with certification eligibility standards and processes. The role operates independently, taking full ownership of program performance and ensuring that all operational tasks are executed efficiently and consistently. This position operates autonomously, making decisions, and solving challenges by utilizing a comprehensive understanding of certification program operations, stakeholder requirements, and organizational objectives.

THE TARGET PAY RANGE FOR THIS ROLE IS $78,307 - $97,883

** In addition to the salary range listed, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at AACN even more rewarding. Benefits include generous paid time off, low-cost health plans for medical and mental health services, dental, and vision, company paid life and short-term disability insurance, a variety of other benefits, and retirement savings program with employer matching and additional company contribution. AACN is committed to a people-centered culture of workplace excellence and belonging, and offers various alternative and flexible work arrangements to support work/life balance for our team members