Referral Optimization Manager

At Network for Hope, the Referral Optimization Manager oversees the Referral Optimization team, providing operational leadership for the evaluation of potential organ donors and ensuring seamless coordination throughout the donor evaluation process. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment, enjoys developing high-performing teams, and is passionate about driving operational excellence while making a meaningful impact.

With operational headquarters in Louisville and Cincinnati, NFH serves communities throughout Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Greater Cincinnati, and the Huntington, West Virginia region.

This position may be based in Louisville, KY, Lexington, KY, or Cincinnati, OH. Regular travel throughout the donation service area (DSA) is required.

What You'll Do 

As the Referral Optimization Manager, you will lead a team of Clinical Responders responsible for the initial evaluation and management of organ donor referrals. You will oversee daily operations, provide clinical and operational guidance, and partner across multiple departments to maximize donation opportunities and ensure exceptional service to our hospital partners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Referral Optimization team in a 24/7 environment.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership to Clinical Responders, supporting their professional growth and field performance.

• Ensure timely evaluation of organ donor referrals while optimizing donor progression and operational continuity.

• Monitor team performance, staffing, scheduling, and quality metrics to achieve operational goals.

• Collaborate with leaders across Clinical, Family Support, Partnership Services, Quality, and Donation Support Services to ensure seamless coordination throughout the donation process.

• Drive process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and donor outcomes.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and organizational standards.

• Analyze operational data and present performance trends and recommendations to leadership.

• Provide operational support during high-volume activity, complex donor cases, and staffing challenges.

Skills and Qualifications 

We're looking for a collaborative leader who brings strong clinical knowledge, operational expertise, and a passion for coaching others.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Proven leadership and team development skills.

• Knowledge of organ donation, transplantation, critical care, or hospital operations.

• Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

• Experience managing competing priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• A commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

• The ability to remain calm and effective in emotionally complex situations.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management, Nursing, Biological Sciences, or a related field required.

  • Exceptional candidates with significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), critical care, or related healthcare environment required.

• Two (2) years of leadership experience.

Work Environment 

• Office and field-based position with frequent travel throughout Network for Hope's service area.

• Must be able to support a 24/7 operation, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities as needed.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Benefits 

Network for Hope offers comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k), life and disability insurance, pet insurance discounts, and wellness programs like Calm. We also provide education reimbursement, flexible schedules, and on-the-job training to support personal and professional growth.

About Us

Network for Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. We work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to donor families, facilitate organ and tissue recovery, and educate the communities we serve. The dynamic field of organ and tissue donation offers exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for those looking to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. If you're passionate about leading innovation, improving outcomes, and making a lasting impact through organ donation and transplantation, we'd love to hear from you.

To learn more about NFH, please visit www.networkforhope.org.

Network for Hope is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a participant of E-Verify.