Director of Emergency Services

Job Description

Job Description

THE HEALTHCARE INITIATIVE

Where Talent Meets Opportunity  

Director of Emergency Department

Community Hospital | Midwest  

A community-based medical center in the Midwest is seeking a Director of Emergency Department to lead an 11-bed ED with approximately 12,000 annual visits. The role is hands-on by nature and well suited for someone who values being close to department operations, staff development, patient flow, and overall performance. In a hospital of this size, leadership presence matters, and impact is tangible.

The Director will oversee clinical and operational performance across the department, including staffing, throughput, patient experience, regulatory readiness, quality, team development, and overall departmental direction.

What makes the opportunity compelling is the visibility of the role and the ability to shape the department in a meaningful way. The Director will partner closely with the CNO and have direct influence on team cohesion, accountability, staff development, and the overall consistency of the operation.

What also strengthens the opportunity is the hospital itself. They are a 90+ bed community medical center that serves as an important regional access point, including as the area’s only Level III Trauma Center and a Certified Chest Pain Center. They continue to invest in clinical capability and service growth, with recent updates highlighting expansion in areas such as robotic surgery, cancer services, imaging, cardiac care, and specialty access.

The community adds to the appeal. It offers small-town ease with college-town character, including a historic downtown square, local restaurants and shops, community events, and outdoor recreation nearby. For someone who values a smaller-market lifestyle but does not want the setting to feel flat, it offers more character and energy than many communities its size.

Position Highlights

• 11-bed Level III Emergency Department
• Approximately 12,000 annual visits
• Visible leadership role with direct operational influence
• Close partnership with the CNO
• Opportunity to shape department culture, expectations, and team performance

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical and operational leadership for the Emergency Department
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and team performance
• Support throughput, patient flow, and patient experience
• Drive quality, regulatory readiness, and emergency preparedness
• Develop staff, reinforce accountability, and strengthen day-to-day consistency across the department

What They Are Looking For

• RN required
• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of experience or 7+ years of progressive clinical ED experience in lieu of Bachelor’s
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience in the ED and/or other clinical areas. Open to leaders whose formal management experience may come from another service line, provided their clinical foundation is in ED
• Could consider a strong supervisor ready for the next step

Why This Role May Appeal

This could be a strong fit for an Emergency Department leader who values meaningful operational ownership, wants to stay close to the work, and is motivated by the opportunity to influence both team performance and department direction in a visible way. It is not a role for someone who wants distance from the work. It is a role for someone who wants influence.

To Learn More: To apply or schedule a confidential phone conversation, please send your resume (MS WORD format preferred) to View email address on ziprecruiter.com, or call Tania Pena at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com.  

As one of the most successful executive search firms in the country, The HealthCare Initiative is constantly working on several searches nationwide in the world of healthcare. With over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured that all information is exchanged on a confidential basis.  To learn more about The HealthCare Initiative, please visit