(RN) Heart Transplant Program Manager

(RN) Heart Transplant Program ManagerUnder the direction of the Transplant Administrative Directors and in close collaboration with Medical and Surgical Directors, the Organ Transplant Program Manager provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for the transplant program, optimizing patient outcomes to drive program growth. This role participates in developing and executing comprehensive strategic plans for program expansion while ensuring full regulatory compliance with UNOS, CMS, HRSA, and other governing bodies. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of transplant operations from initial patient referral through post-transplant care, managing resources, workflows, interdisciplinary teams, and external partnerships. The Transplant Manager will consult and collaborate with healthcare professionals to optimize patient care coordination, serving as a resource to staff and physicians while ensuring sustainable program growth through effective resource utilization and operational excellence.The ideal candidate will bring proven expertise in healthcare operations management, regulatory compliance, and staff development to foster a collaborative, growth-oriented culture. This position demands strong analytical skills to monitor quality metrics, implement performance improvement plans, and manage financial performance.This position provides operational oversight to UC San Diego Health's Heart Transplant Program.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and execute transplant program growth and service expansionPartner with medical, surgical, and administrative leaders to align program goals with organizational prioritiesRegulatory ComplianceMaintain compliance with UNOS, CMS, HRSA, and other regulatory entitiesSupport accreditation processes and participate in inspections and surveysCollaborate with Quality leadership on transplant-specific policies and proceduresClinical OperationsDirect daily transplant operations across the entire care continuumOptimize workflows, staffing, and resources to ensure efficiency and clinical qualityOversee patient flow, transplant personnel, and external partnershipsLead operational improvement initiativesTeam LeadershipBuild and develop high-performing interdisciplinary teamsProvide performance management, professional development, and succession planningManage recruitment, evaluation, and corrective action processesFoster a collaborative culture focused on quality care and staff engagementQuality & OutcomesMonitor UNOS metrics, patient outcomes, readmissions, and other quality indicatorsParticipate in adverse event reviews and implement corrective actionsTrack clinical, operational, and financial performance against benchmarksFinancial ManagementDevelop and manage program budgetsMonitor payer mix, reimbursement trends, and cost structuresSupport vendor contract discussions and business developmentProductivity & Performance ManagementMonitor and optimize staff productivityTrack and improve program productivity metricsMonitor case costs, revenue and overall financial performanceMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution.Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of California.Current UCSD BART certification, or BLS certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six months of hire date.Seven (7+) or more years of progressive clinical experience, including three (3+) or more years of RN experience within a complex transplant and/or ICU environment.Four (4+) or more years of formal leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and navigate difficult conversations.Proven leadership capability in healthcare operations, including strategic planning, clinical operations management, quality, and regulatory compliance.Demonstrated experience leading teams through change, fostering a growth mindset, and supporting culture transformation in a fast-paced environment.Strong working knowledge of CMS Conditions of Participation and OPTN/UNOS regulatory requirements.Experience partnering with multidisciplinary stakeholders, including physicians, administrators, and frontline staff.Knowledge of workforce management principles, including performance management and accountability in a unionized or highly regulated environment.Preferred QualificationsMaster's Degree in Nursing or relevant area.Current experience working within an organ transplant program or transplant-related clinical operations.Prior transplant leadership or management experience.Experience working in an academic medical center or teaching hospital environment.Knowledge of labor relations and experience working within a unionized workforce.CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) certification.Epic and Phoenix experience.Special ConditionsMust be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.