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Purpose:

The Director of Infection Prevention provides enterprise-wide leadership and strategic direction for infection prevention and clinical quality improvement across UPMC. In partnership with the Senior Director of Clinical Improvement, this role supports the development and execution of system goals related to quality, safety, and infection prevention, and serves as a key leader in advancing evidence-based practice and sustainable improvement at the system level.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & System Alignment

+ Partner with senior system leadership to establish and advance the strategic direction for enterprise-wide infection prevention and quality improvement initiatives.

+ Align infection prevention strategies with UPMC organizational goals, national priorities, and regulatory and transparency programs.

+ Establish, implement, and recommend updates to system-wide infection prevention policies, guidelines, and practices.Clinical Improvement & Expertise

+ Serve as an internal subject matter expert and consulting resource for infection prevention and national clinical improvement programs.

+ Stay abreast of emerging evidence, regulations, and best practices in infection prevention and control and translate them into actionable system strategies.

+ Analyze clinical variance and infection prevention trends; recommend practice and process improvements based on data, evidence, and outcomes.

+ Provide strategic direction, oversight, and support to hospital-based Infection Prevention teams to ensure regulatory and accreditation compliance while driving sustained reductions in hospital-acquired infections through standardized, evidence-based practices.Data, Analytics & Reporting

+ Utilize and oversee data management and surveillance systems to support infection prevention and quality initiatives.

+ Ensure timely analysis, interpretation, and reporting of program findings, outcomes, and improvement efforts to system leadership and other various stakeholders.Program Oversight & Implementation

+ Lead and support multidisciplinary teams in the design, implementation, and sustainment of infection prevention and clinical improvement initiatives.

+ Oversee select enterprise programs, including High-Level Disinfection, Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA), and Centralized Surveillance Infection Prevention (CSIP).

+ Ensure implementation of care and process changes driven by clinical findings, team recommendations, and research to optimize quality, safety, and resource utilization.Collaboration, Education & Culture

+ Collaborate across the UPMC system to identify and support educational opportunities that drive practice change and strengthen infection prevention and control competencies.

+ Foster a learning environment that promotes continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development.

+ Build strong relationships across the continuum of care to support consistent infection prevention and control practices and optimal patient outcomes.Leadership & People Management

+ Provide direct supervision and leadership for Infection Preventionists, Improvement Specialists and the system CSIP team, including day-to-day operational oversight.

+ Coach, mentor, and support staff in professional development planning and performance improvement.

+ Create and sustain a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.Operational Excellence & Performance Improvement

+ Lead problem-solving and improvement teams to address complex infection prevention challenges.

+ Identify and implement innovative approaches to improve care quality, team performance, and productivity while reducing unnecessary cost and variation.

+ Delegate responsibilities appropriately and integrate internal and external partners into improvement efforts as needed.Additional Responsibilities

+ Perform all duties in accordance with UPMC system-wide competencies and behaviors.

+ Perform other duties as assigned.

+ Master's degree in health care with operational experience in healthcare is required.

+ Minimum of 7 years of progressive management experience which includes experience in a leadership role in a health care setting required.

+ Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with physicians, nursing, clinical providers, staff, CEO, CFO, corporate, university, hospital administration, and other senior leadership.

+ Advanced knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations as they pertain to infection prevention and control related practices.

+ Knowledge of various aspects of quality and process improvement through Lean Six Sigma, Lean Systems management and other techniques.

+ Familiarity with Cerner, Epic, Theradoc, and Cognos, or familiarity with other electronic medical records and surveillance software plus comfort with learning new systems.

+ Have acquired a proficient understanding of National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance and reporting.

+ Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handling multiple changing priorities.

+ Experience in the effective presentation of efforts to multi-professional executive groups, including the UPMC Board of Directors.

+ Excellent interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.

+ Able to lead groups independently and facilitate change across a large complex organization. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:License as an RN or other clinical professional preferred

+ Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran