Associate Director, Respiratory Therapy & Pulmonary Function

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Exciting Opportunity at MSK: Associate Director, Respiratory Therapy & Pulmonary Function

At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), we’re united by a singular mission: to end cancer for life. Every team across our organization plays a vital role in advancing that mission through excellence in patient care, research, and innovation.

We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Associate Director of Respiratory Therapy & Pulmonary Function to provide operational, clinical, and strategic leadership for these essential services. This is an opportunity to join a world-renowned institution and shape the future of respiratory care at MSK.

Role Overview

• Provide 24/7 leadership and oversight of the Respiratory Therapy Service and Pulmonary Function Laboratory.

• Lead strategic and operational planning to ensure high-quality, safe, and compliant patient care.

• Partner with Medical Directors, Anesthesiology, and Critical Care leadership to align departmental goals with MSK’s mission and regulatory standards.

• Oversee budget management, staffing, and resource allocation, ensuring financial and operational efficiency.

• Manage and develop leaders and staff across both services, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and accountability.

• Collaborate with IT and DigITs on medical device integration and secondary alarm surveillance programs.

• Champion quality improvement, staff education, and clinical excellence, ensuring continuous advancement in cardiopulmonary care.

• Represent the department on hospital committees and workgroups, supporting institutional priorities and cross-functional initiatives.

• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and innovation within respiratory care and pulmonary function services.

Key Qualifications

• Master’s degree in respiratory therapy, Health Administration, or a related field preferred.

• 7–10 years of experience in respiratory therapy, including at least 3 years in progressive management or leadership roles.

• Current New York State Respiratory Therapist License (required).

• NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification (required).

• BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications (required).

• Demonstrated success managing large clinical teams and departmental budgets.

• Strong understanding of regulatory and accreditation standards (state, federal, and TJC).

Core Skills

• Leadership Excellence: Ability to inspire, coach, and develop a large, multidisciplinary team while maintaining accountability and engagement.

• Operational Expertise: Skilled in planning, budgeting, and optimizing workflows to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.

• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of cardiopulmonary care, pulmonary function testing, and respiratory therapy best practices.

• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to lead process improvements and quality initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and service delivery.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to partner effectively across departments and leadership levels.

• Change Leadership: Ability to guide teams through evolving technologies, processes, and organizational priorities.

Additional Information: 

• Reports directly to the Senior Director, Perioperative and Procedural Operations  

• This position is fully onsite, with responsibility for 24-hour oversight. 

 Helpful Links: 

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Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Salary : $148,100 - $244,400