Director of Emergency Services

A leading 853-bed regional tertiary and quaternary care center in Asheville is seeking an experienced Director of Emergency Services to oversee one of the region’s highest-acuity emergency departments. This Magnet®-recognized facility serves as the area’s only trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, and Level III NICU, supporting a large and diverse patient population.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for both the strategic direction and daily performance of emergency services in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Position Overview

The Director of Emergency Services holds full operational responsibility for the emergency department, including clinical quality, patient flow, staffing, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. This leader partners closely with physicians, nursing teams, and hospital administration to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care delivery.

A strong focus of this role is improving throughput, optimizing resource utilization, and maintaining consistent adherence to evidence-based clinical standards. The Director also plays a key role in shaping department culture, developing leaders, and supporting long-term service line growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of emergency department operations, including clinical and administrative functions
• Oversee patient flow, throughput, volume forecasting, and capacity management
• Direct nursing practice standards, policies, and departmental procedures
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and quality standards
• Implement evidence-based practices to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes
• Manage staffing models, labor utilization, and workforce planning
• Oversee departmental budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiency
• Partner with physicians and hospital leadership to enhance and expand emergency services
• Build and develop high-performing teams through coaching and leadership development
• Support performance improvement initiatives and reduce variation in clinical practice

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing required
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of emergency services experience required
• At least 3 years of acute care leadership experience required
• Prior Director-level experience (or equivalent) in a Level I or Level II trauma center with a high-volume ED required
• Strong working knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards in emergency care required
• Experience in unionized environments preferred but not required

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings program
• Paid time off and holiday benefits
• Employee wellness and support programs
• Continuing education and leadership development opportunities
• Relocation assistance considered on a case-by-case basis
• Performance-based incentive opportunity up to 17.5%
• Opportunity to lead emergency services at a nationally recognized Magnet® facility and regional trauma center

This role offers the opportunity to lead a highly complex emergency department within a major referral center, with significant influence over clinical quality, operational performance, and strategic growth.