Director of Preservation & Recovery Services

NFH•Louisville, KY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Network for Hope (NFH), the Director of Preservation & Recovery Services provides strategic and operational leadership for organ preservation and surgical recovery operations. This role is responsible for optimizing recovery quality, preservation effectiveness, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance while advancing innovative preservation practices that support organ utilization and transplantation outcomes. The Director leads departmental leaders, oversees critical recovery infrastructure and logistics, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that align with organizational goals and mission. With operational headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, NFH serves communities throughout Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Greater Cincinnati, and the Huntington, West Virginia region. This position may be based in either Louisville, KY, or Cincinnati, OH. Regular travel throughout the donation service area (DSA) is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in organ recovery operations, preservation services, surgical services, or related healthcare operations required.
Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience required, preferably in OPO or healthcare.
Experience leading teams in a highly regulated healthcare environment required.
Proven ability to lead operational improvement initiatives, manage complex workflows, and achieve measurable outcomes.
Strong communication, relationship-building, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills required.

Nice To Haves

Degree concentration in healthcare, nursing, biological sciences, business, operations management, or a related field preferred.
Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP) preferred.
Experience with machine perfusion technologies, NRP, preservation systems, or related recovery innovations preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the vision, strategy, and performance of Network for Hope's organ recovery and preservation operations.
Drive innovation in recovery and preservation practices, including machine perfusion, NRP, and emerging technologies.
Partner with organizational leaders to advance strategic priorities and improve organ utilization outcomes.
Oversee 24/7 organ recovery, preservation, transportation, and logistical operations.
Ensure operational efficiency, resource optimization, and high-quality service delivery across all recovery activities.
Monitor key performance indicators and use data to drive continuous improvement.
Develop, mentor, and support a team of managers and operational leaders.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
Lead hiring, performance management, succession planning, and employee development efforts.
Build strong relationships with transplant centers, surgeons, hospitals, and internal stakeholders.
Partner across departments to ensure seamless coordination throughout the donation and transplantation process.
Serve as a trusted subject matter expert and organizational representative.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, accreditation, and quality standards.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance recovery quality, preservation effectiveness, and patient outcomes.
Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices.