Director of Quality & Risk Management

Title: Director of Quality & Risk Management

Location: Ottumwa, IA (52501) | On-site

Level: Senior Leadership

Salary: $110,000 – $150,000 / year

Relocation: Partial assistance available

Reporting to: Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

The Opportunity

A regional health care centre is seeking the expertise of a Director of Quality & Risk, to be their primary architect of clinical safety and regulatory compliance. You will lead the planning and execution of performance improvement functions across all hospital departments. You will serve as the facility's Patient Safety Officer, ensuring that our clinical standards, infection prevention, and risk mitigation strategies exceed the expectations of our patients, the Board of Directors, and accrediting bodies.

Core Responsibilities

Quality, Performance & Accreditation

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the National Quality Program and the Foundational Five initiatives in alignment with senior leadership.
• Survey Mastery: Facilitate all external surveys (Joint Commission, CMS, State licensure). Lead mock surveys and maintain constant "unannounced" readiness.
• Data-Driven Insight: Prepare monthly Quality & Patient Safety slide decks for executive operating reviews; track and trend incidents to trigger "Action Deeper" (RCA/FMEA) analyses when needed.
• Safety Advocacy: Lead the Leapfrog Patient Safety program and the Culture of Safety survey analysis to drive continuous organizational improvement.
• Oversight: Manage the infection control, prevention, and surveillance programs, as well as the facility's electronic educational platforms and incident reporting systems.

Risk Management & Claims Defense

• Risk Identification: Develop facility-wide systems for identifying, investigating, and reducing variances and potential liabilities.
• Legal Collaboration: Partner with defense counsel and claims directors on malpractice and liability cases. Prepare employees for depositions and act as a corporate representative during trials.
• Grievance Resolution: Oversee the complaint and grievance process, ensuring timely, confidential service recovery and identification of improvement trends.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all programs comply with state and federal laws (DEA, OSHA, CMS, OIG) and Joint Commission standards.

Required Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• Education:Master's Degree in Nursing or a healthcare-related field.
• Clinical Licensure: Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Iowa (or compact equivalent).
• Experience: At least 5 years of leadership/management experience in a healthcare setting specifically focused on nursing, risk management, or quality improvement.

Certifications

• Required: Certification in Patient Safety (CPPS) must be obtained within one year of hire.
• Preferred: Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) or Certification in Quality Management.

Professional Skills

• Analytical Expertise: Ability to interpret clinical outcomes data and translate it into actionable improvement plans.
• Expert Knowledge: Deep familiarity with TJC, CMS, and Safe Medical Device Act reporting requirements.
• Communication: Exceptional presentation and interpersonal skills required to engage with Medical Staff, Peers, and the Board of Directors.

Benefits

Dental, Medical, Vision, Life Insurance, Retirement, Paid Time Off