Director | Inpatient Operations - Palmer

Gundersen Health System • West Union, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Emplify Health by Gundersen Palmer is looking for a Director of Inpatient Operations who can lead across a diverse set of inpatient departments, build strong relationships, and drive accountability, quality, and operational excellence. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working across teams, and understands both the clinical and operational sides of patient care. This position serves as a key link between system strategy and day-to-day operations. The Director is responsible for anticipating market and environmental trends, responding to changing care delivery models, and leading the area of responsibility in support of Emplify Health by Gundersen's mission and goals. The role requires a leader who can balance strategy, fiscal stewardship, people leadership, and clinical quality while working closely with managers, clinicians, and system leaders.

Requirements

• 5 to 7 years of experience leading system-level work
• Strong leadership experience in health care
• Experience overseeing multiple departments or a diverse operational portfolio
• Strong clinical background, preferably in nursing
• Strong relationship-building skills and a proven ability to hold teams accountable

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field preferred, or the ability to complete a master’s degree within 5 years of starting the role
• Experience as a PDN, charge nurse, quality leader, or similar clinical leadership role is a plus
• Experience in critical access hospital or rural health clinic settings is helpful

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of operational plans aligned with system strategy
• Oversee fiscal performance, resource management, and cost-effective operations
• Build, coach, and hold accountable a team of managers and staff across multiple departments
• Drive quality, safety, service, and patient experience improvements
• Partner with physicians, leaders, and staff to remove barriers and improve care delivery
• Support a culture of collaboration, respect, communication, and professional growth
• Participate in senior leadership call rotation with four leaders sharing coverage
• Contribute to system-level committees and initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director