What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Risk Management & Patient Safety position at The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia?
Lead Patient Safety. Drive Organizational Excellence. Protect What Matters Most.
UVA Health is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Director of Risk Management & Patient Safety to lead our enterprise patient safety and risk management programs. This leader will play a critical role in advancing a culture of safety by overseeing patient safety initiatives, risk management operations, adverse event analysis, and regulatory compliance while partnering closely with executive leadership, clinical teams, legal counsel, and external agencies.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced healthcare leader who is passionate about improving patient outcomes, influencing organizational strategy, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability within a nationally recognized academic health system.
What You'll Do
As the Director of Risk Management & Patient Safety, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Medical Center's patient safety and risk management functions. Key responsibilities include:
Lead and develop the Patient Safety Office, providing direction and mentorship to professional and administrative staff
Oversee the evaluation, investigation, and management of patient safety events, including critical incidents, equipment safety concerns, medication events, and other organizational risks
Direct mortality reviews, root cause analyses, and adverse event investigations, ensuring timely identification of opportunities for system improvement
Analyze safety and risk data, identify trends, and prepare executive-level reports that inform decision-making and organizational priorities
Partner with clinical department leaders, executive leadership, and multidisciplinary teams to implement strategies that improve patient safety and reduce organizational risk
Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on risk management, patient safety, and national patient safety standards
Facilitate meetings with physicians, clinical teams, patients, and families regarding patient safety concerns and event reviews
Collaborate with the Virginia Department of Risk Management, liability trust representatives, and legal partners in the evaluation and management of professional liability claims
Participate in University and Health System committees and provide strategic guidance related to risk mitigation, policy development, and litigation management
Educate physicians, leaders, and team members on patient safety principles, risk management practices, and organizational policies
Perform other duties as assigned
What Success Looks Like
Within your first 6-12 months, you will:
Independently lead UVA Health's patient safety evaluation system
Build trusted relationships with clinical and executive leaders, serving as the primary resource for patient safety and risk management guidance
Drive meaningful improvements through data analysis, process enhancement, and system-wide safety initiatives
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is a respected healthcare leader who combines strong clinical knowledge with strategic thinking, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Clinical background in healthcare
Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in Risk Management, Patient Safety, or a closely related healthcare quality function
Proficiency in the RLDatix patient safety platform
Experience within a large acute care or academic medical center
Leadership or management experience supervising professional teams
Demonstrated expertise in patient safety investigations, root cause analysis, and risk mitigation strategies
Experience collaborating with senior executives, physicians, legal counsel, and multidisciplinary clinical teams
Excellent presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills
Ability to navigate complex, sensitive situations with professionalism, diplomacy, and composure
Schedule & Work Environment
Full-time position
Monday-Friday, standard business hours
Hybrid work arrangement
Must be able to respond onsite within 30 minutes when needed
24/7 on-call availability for urgent patient safety and risk management matters
Why UVA Health?
At UVA Health, patient safety is foundational to everything we do. As an academic health system recognized for clinical excellence, innovation, and research, we are committed to continuously improving the care we provide and fostering an environment where every team member contributes to safer outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to influence organizational strategy, partner with nationally recognized clinical leaders, and make a lasting impact on the safety and quality of care delivered to the patients and communities we serve. If you are a collaborative, thoughtful leader who remains calm under pressure, communicates with confidence, and is passionate about advancing patient safety, we encourage you to apply.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor's degree in related field required; Master's degree must be obtained within 4 years of hire or transfer.
Experience: at least 5 years in a formal management role and risk management preferred. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing during difficult situations as well as to educate employees and staff. Ability to build relationships across departments and disciplines in a complex organization. Knowledge and skill in using computer software such as Microsoft office suite to prepare reports and presentations and analyze data.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The pay range for this role is $125,000.00 - $197,715.00 annually. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.Benefits
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Certification and education support
Generous Paid Time Off
UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.
Salary : $125,000 - $197,715