Job Description

Calling all Nursing Excellence Leaders!

Are you a passionate nursing leader who thrives on advancing professional practice, driving quality outcomes, and transforming patient care through evidence-based innovation? Do you excel at bringing teams together, translating research into practice, and creating environments where nurses can thrive and deliver exceptional care? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

The Role:

As the Director, Nursing Excellence, you will play a vital role in advancing nursing practice across the continuum of care by supporting the standardization of best practices, promoting quality and safety, and championing innovative approaches to patient care. You will serve as a trusted resource to nursing leadership, guiding the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategies that improve outcomes and strengthen professional nursing practice.

This influential role combines leadership, research, quality improvement, and program development to support Magnet Designation initiatives, shared governance, nursing research, and professional practice advancement. As a catalyst for change, you will work closely with ministry, regional, and system nursing leaders to translate evidence into practice and foster a culture of clinical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do:

• Nursing Excellence Champion: Lead efforts to standardize nursing best practices across the continuum of care while maintaining a relentless focus on patient safety, quality outcomes, and professional nursing excellence.
• Magnet Program Leader: Guide Magnet Designation and re-designation efforts in partnership with ministry project directors, nursing leaders, and caregivers to advance professional practice and nursing excellence.
• Evidence-Based Practice Advocate: Translate research findings into practical, actionable strategies that improve bedside care, strengthen clinical outcomes, and promote evidence-based decision-making.
• Research and Innovation Partner: Participate in nursing research initiatives, mentor others in the research process, and support programs designed to generate new knowledge and improve patient outcomes.
• Quality Improvement Strategist: Define, implement, and evaluate process improvements that enhance service delivery, improve organizational effectiveness, and increase safety for both caregivers and patients.
• Clinical Institute Facilitator: Provide clinical guidance in developing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that address the complex needs of Clinical Institutes and nursing programs.
• Project Leadership Expert: Lead multiple initiatives simultaneously by identifying key partners, coordinating resources, tracking outcomes, and maintaining project timelines and deliverables.
• Data and Outcomes Analyst: Collect, analyze, and present data that supports quality improvement efforts, Magnet standards, nursing performance, and clinical outcomes.
• Shared Governance Champion: Recruit, develop, and sustain effective shared governance structures that empower nurses and strengthen professional practice throughout the organization.
• Professional Development Mentor: Orient and educate nurse leaders, managers, and staff regarding Magnet principles, Clinical Institutes, evidence-based practice, and nursing excellence initiatives.
• Collaboration Builder: Partner with interdisciplinary teams, nursing leadership councils, research councils, and executive leaders to advance strategic nursing priorities and organizational goals.
• Recognition and Engagement Advocate: Oversee programs such as the DAISY Nurse and Nurse Leader Awards, fostering a culture that celebrates excellence, professional growth, and caregiver engagement.

What You'll Bring:

Educational Background:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Master's Degree required. Clinical degree preferred.
• Doctoral Degree (DNP, PhD, DNSc, or ND) preferred.
• Current California Registered Nurse License upon hire.

Experience:

• 3+ years of nursing leadership experience at the supervisory or nurse manager level.
• Experience supporting nursing professional practice initiatives and organizational change.
• Knowledge of nursing administration, adult learning principles, and advanced nursing practice.
• Experience with Magnet Designation and Pathway Designation programs.
• Experience in nursing research, evidence-based practice, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Ability to translate research into practical clinical applications that improve outcomes.

Quality Improvement & Analytics Expertise:

• Experience with performance improvement and project management methodologies.
• Knowledge of LEAN principles, rapid-cycle improvement, and healthcare process improvement strategies.
• Experience in data analytics, informatics, measurement, and outcome reporting.

Strategic Leadership Capabilities:

• Ability to balance multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining focus on quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to independently assess issues, identify opportunities, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to influence change and create compelling cases for implementing evidence-based practices.

Communication & Collaboration Skills:

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage executives, nursing leaders, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively across diverse teams to solve problems and achieve shared goals.
• Ability to present recommendations and influence decisions with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.

People Leadership & Mentorship:

• Proven ability to coach, mentor, motivate, and support leaders and staff.
• Experience facilitating teamwork, engagement, and professional development.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Why Join Us?

• Advance Nursing Excellence: Help shape the future of professional nursing practice through evidence-based care, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead Meaningful Change: Serve as a catalyst for transforming care delivery and improving patient outcomes across the continuum.
• Influence Quality and Safety: Drive initiatives that improve clinical outcomes, strengthen patient safety, and advance organizational effectiveness.
• Champion Magnet Success: Play a key leadership role in Magnet Designation and nursing excellence initiatives that elevate professional practice and caregiver engagement.
• Support Research and Innovation: Work at the forefront of nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement strategies.
• Partner with Exceptional Leaders: Collaborate with nursing executives, clinical leaders, interdisciplinary teams, and caregivers who are passionate about delivering outstanding care.

Ready to Shape the Future of Nursing Excellence?

If you're a visionary nursing leader with a passion for professional practice, quality improvement, nursing research, and patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help create an environment where nursing excellence thrives, innovation flourishes, and exceptional patient outcomes become the standard.

The full pay range is listed in accordance with applicable law. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, organizational compensation alignment, and the approved hiring department budget for the position. This position may also be eligible for incentive compensation and benefits.