Director, Transplant Quality and Compliance - 132662

The Director of Transplant Quality, Compliance and Operational Efficiency is responsible for leading quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and process improvement initiatives within the UC San Diego Health transplant center. This role is crucial in ensuring our program meets or exceeds national standards while optimizing patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Additionally, the Director oversees the staff education program and the transplant Information Systems (IS) team, ensuring comprehensive management of all quality, compliance, and operational aspects of the transplant program.

This expanded role is critical to maintaining the transplant center's excellence in patient care, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, staff competency, and technological advancement. The ideal candidate will bring a comprehensive blend of clinical knowledge, regulatory expertise, leadership skills, educational experience, and technological acumen to drive continuous improvement across all aspects of our transplant programs.

Key Responsibilities
* Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive quality management system for the transplant program
* Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives across all aspects of transplant care
* Analyze quality metrics and outcome data to identify areas for improvement
* Collaborate with clinical teams to implement best practices and evidence-based protocols
* Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including UNOS/OPTN policies
* Oversee the preparation and maintenance of all required documentation for regulatory inspections and audits
* Stay informed about changes in transplant regulations and implement necessary program adjustments
* Manage relationships with regulatory bodies and accreditation organizations
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency
* Optimize resource allocation and utilization across the transplant program
* Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational efficiency
* Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive education programs for transplant staff
* Ensure all staff members receive up-to-date training on regulatory requirements, clinical protocols, and best practices
* Ensure compliance with continuing education requirements for all transplant staff
* Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of transplant information systems
* Ensure that IS solutions meet regulatory requirements and support efficient clinical workflows
* Develop and maintain data management systems for accurate reporting and analysis
* Stay informed about emerging technologies in transplant care and evaluate their potential implementation

Team Leadership & Collaboration
* Manage quality and compliance staff, staff educator, and transplant IS team within the transplant program
* Collaborate closely with transplant administrators, clinical directors, and organ-specific teams
* Participate in strategic planning for the transplant program
* Represent the transplant center in regional and national quality forums
* Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement across all teams under supervision
* Provide leadership and mentorship to quality and compliance team members
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, physicians, nurses, and administrators
* Participate in strategic planning for the transplant program
* Present quality and compliance reports to senior leadership and relevant committees

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing and Registered Nurse in the State of California
• Seven or more years of relevant clinical experience including transplant program and quality improvement roles
• Progressive leadership experience, including two or more years in a manager or higher level leadership role
• Demonstrated experience in quality improvement, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, staff education, and information systems management in a transplant setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of organ transplant CMS Conditions of Participation and UNOS/OPTN policies, Title 22, and hospital Joint Commission requirements
• In-depth understanding of solid organ transplantation processes, regulations, and information systems
• Proficiency in quality improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis and performance monitoring
• Excellent project management and change management skills
• Proficiency in electronic medical records systems and data reporting tools
• Understanding of adult learning principles and educational program development
• Knowledge of current trends in healthcare information technology, particularly in transplant care
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and manage diverse teams
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal

• Advanced degree in Nursing or relevant field of study
• Four or more years in a formal leadership role in a transplant setting
• Certified in healthcare quality (CPHQ), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) or similar certification
• Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator
• Epic experience including Phoenix transplant EMR module

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace