Manager of Tissue Services

Purpose Statement

This position is responsible to provide both supervision and leadership in the operational activities of Tissue Services as it relates to evaluation, screening and recovery of tissue and eyes from donors, and ensuring that AATB, EBAA and FDA Standards and quality guidelines are met. The Manager of Tissue Services is also responsible for fostering an organizational culture that is based on collaboration, support, and constructive feedback, enabling the organization to uphold our core values and fulfill donor and donor family wishes.

Key Result Areas

Leadership, Management, & Oversight:

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to Tissue Recovery Coordinators.
• Manage daily tissue recovery operations to ensure appropriate staffing coverage, equitable workload distribution, and timely response to case activity.
• Oversee staff performance management, including coaching, corrective counseling, performance reviews, and professional development planning.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and retention of a highly skilled tissue recovery workforce.
• Participate as a member of the organizational leadership team, collaborating cross-functionally.
• Direct and coordinate tissue recovery activities, including screening, allocation, recovery, logistics, shipping, and storage.
• Ensure all recovery documentation, donor charts, and records are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Track and analyze recovery reports and recovery data to identify trends, errors, or opportunities for improvement.
• Implement initiatives, including LEAN or process improvement projects, to enhance productivity, quality, and outcomes.
• Participate in on-call responsibilities, donor screening, and case triage as required.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with hospitals, medical examiners, funeral homes, tissue processors, vendors, and partner organizations.

Clinical Responsibilities, Training, and Development:

• Maintain availability for on-call activities related to tissue recovery, eligibility determination, logistics, and consultation.
• Function independently as a Tissue Recovery Coordinator as operational needs require.
• Assist and obtain authorization and release for donation from Coroner/Medical Examiner offices when needed.
• Support on-site recovery activities, ensuring adherence to aseptic techniques, safety standards, and best practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in tissue recovery practices and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with Processing Technical Training and Education teams and internally with the Education and Professional Development team to support onboarding, initial training, competencies, continuing education, and wet labs.
• Assist in the development, revision, and implementation of training materials, job aids, and work instructions.
• Ensure staff participation in annual competencies and ongoing professional development.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including FDA, AATB, EBAA, and partner standards.
• Participate in internal and external audits, inspections, and accreditation activities.
• Support non-conformance investigations and the development of corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Quality teams to analyze, trend, and report performance metrics and scorecard data.
• Maintain a culture of safety, confidentiality, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and day-to-day management of the departmental budget.
• Review and approve timecards, PTO requests, expense reports, and purchase orders for direct reports.
• Provide data and reporting support for departmental scorecards and strategic planning initiatives.
• Participate in policy review, development, and implementation of new procedures and guidelines.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related healthcare, science, or applied field preferred (relevant experience may substitute).
• Minimum of 5 years of tissue recovery, tissue banking, or related healthcare experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet travel and on-call requirements.

Certification and Licenses:

• AATB Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS) preferred, required to obtain/maintain.
• EBAA Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge and technical capabilities for tissue recovery, processing, graft utilization, and operating room environments.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related technologies; ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work under time-sensitive conditions, manage competing priorities, and respond to emergencies.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds with or without assistance.
• Ability to stand, move, or remain stationary for extended periods.
• Exposure to healthcare environments and biohazardous materials.
• Compliance with immunization, health screening, and background check requirements.
• Availability for nights, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and on-call coverage.