Director of Risk Management

Director of Risk Management (RN)

Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Schedule: Full-time, exempt, on-site as needed

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Relocation : Up to $10,000 relocation assistance available

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Risk Management to lead and oversee the risk management and compliance programs at a 199-bed acute care hospital in Las Cruces, NM. This high-impact leadership role is responsible for safeguarding patients, supporting providers, and ensuring regulatory excellence across the main hospital and affiliated clinics. As both the Risk Management Leader and the Compliance & Ethics Officer, you will shape how the organization anticipates challenges, responds to complexity, and protects both patients and staff.

Why This Is an Attractive Opportunity

This is a rare chance to take ownership of a comprehensive risk management program while serving in a dual role as Compliance & Ethics Officer - giving you broad influence over organizational safety, regulatory success, and ethical standards. You'll be part of a respected health system with strong benefits, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) matching, professional development opportunities, and relocation assistance up to $10k. Las Cruces offers a desirable quality of life with a lower cost of living, year-round sunshine, and close proximity to the mountains and the Texas border.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the organization's comprehensive risk management program, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of clinical, operational, and regulatory risks
• Partner with leadership, providers, and staff to proactively address risk exposure
• Oversee active and potential litigation, including investigations, interviews, depositions, and legal hold processes in collaboration with legal counsel
• Ensure timely and thorough response to claims and incidents
• Serve as the facility's Compliance and Ethics Officer, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies
• Lead compliance initiatives and promote ethical standards across the organization
• Educate leaders, providers, and staff on risk management practices, incident reporting, and building a culture of safety and transparency
• Develop and deliver training programs that strengthen organizational awareness and accountability
• Work cross-functionally with clinical, administrative, and executive teams as a trusted advisor on risk and compliance matters

Qualifications Required

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) required; MSN, Healthcare Administration, or MBA strongly preferred
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in healthcare, with at least 3 years in a Director/Manager leadership role
• Licensure: Active RN license in New Mexico (or eligibility to obtain)
• Certification: BLS required within 30 days of hire
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior acute healthcare risk management experience (may substitute for leadership experience)
• Experience working in a for-profit hospital setting
• Background in ethics and compliance programs
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with providers and multidisciplinary teams

Benefits Offered

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Life insurance, accident, and critical-injury insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off and extended illness bank
• 401(k) with company matching
• Tuition reimbursement and loan assistance
• Employee assistance program (mental, physical, and financial wellness)
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Work-from-home options available (role-dependent)
• Relocation assistance up to $10,000