Director, Physician Compensation

About Northwell

Northwell is New York State’s largest private employer and its largest integrated health system, dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, advancing medical research, and educating the current and future generations of health care professionals. With a network of 28 hospitals, more than 1,050 ambulatory care centers and a dedicated team of 13,500 providers—including more than 6,000 physicians—across all specialties, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve. 

Position Summary

The Director of Physician Compensation Design is a highly visible role responsible for leading a team of experienced physician compensation analysts in the design and implementation of all compensation plans for our 6,000+ employed physicians. Reporting to the Vice President, Physician Compensation Design, this individual will ensure our compensation models are competitive, compliant, and directly aligned with the system's strategic objectives of clinical excellence and financial sustainability.

This role requires an experienced leader who can navigate the complexities of a large, multi-specialty physician enterprise, balancing the need to attract and retain top medical talent with financial sustainability and rigorous regulatory requirements.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Compensation Plan Design & Innovation:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive program for the design and redesign of physician compensation plans across all clinical service lines.
• Design and model innovative compensation plans that effectively balance productivity (e.g., wRVUs), quality outcomes, patient experience, access, and professional citizenship.
• Conduct ongoing environmental scans and needs assessments to ensure compensation programs remain relevant, equitable, and forward-thinking.

2. Market Analysis & Benchmarking:

• Establish and maintain competitive pay ranges for all physician specialties, ensuring both external competitiveness and internal equity.
• Analyze complex compensation and productivity data to identify trends, predict future costs, and provide actionable insights to executive leadership.

3. Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management:

• Serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory matters related to physician compensation, including Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and IRS regulations.
• Develop and maintain standardized documentation, policies, and procedures for physician compensation approval and administration.

4. Leadership:

• Lead a team of compensation analysts, providing mentorship and guidance while managing performance and career growth.

5. Operational Excellence:

• Oversee the administration of all physician compensation plans, ensuring timely and accurate calculation of payments, including base salaries, incentives, and bonuses.
• Partner with Finance, HRIS, and Payroll teams to streamline processes, enhance system capabilities, and ensure data integrity.
• Develop and deliver clear, compelling communications and training materials to educate physicians and leaders on compensation plan mechanics, philosophy, and performance.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Human Resources or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in compensation, with at least 3 years focused specifically on physician compensation design and administration within a large, complex health system, academic medical center, or consulting firm.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations governing physician compensation, including Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Fair Market Value (FMV) principles.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing physician compensation models
• Exceptional analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills with proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and build consensus among senior executives and physician leaders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the proven ability to explain complex concepts to diver