Director, Risk Management & Patient Safety

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

7d•$125,000 - $197,715•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field required; Master's degree must be obtained within 4 years of hire or transfer.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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