Director, Respiratory Services

Director, Respiratory Care Services

Join UPMC as the Director of Respiratory Care Services and lead a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional cardiopulmonary care. This key leadership role is responsible for driving clinical excellence, operational performance, staff development, and program innovation across respiratory care services. The ideal candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader who is passionate about advancing patient care, supporting team growth, and aligning departmental initiatives with organizational goals.

Purpose

Directs all operational activities related to Respiratory Care Services for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Plans, coordinates, and evaluates departmental operations consistent with the strategic goals and objectives of the hospital. Oversees respiratory care education programs and fosters the development of future respiratory care professionals through student education initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the operational, clinical, and administrative functions of the Respiratory Care Services department.
• Analyze and manage the department's financial performance to ensure optimal efficiency, resource utilization, and adherence to established budgets.
• Plan, allocate, and authorize budgeted funds to support clinical operations, equipment, staffing, and programmatic needs.
• Monitor departmental performance and operate within established fiscal parameters based on patient volume and acuity.
• Lead all personnel-related functions, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, performance management, competency validation, corrective action, succession planning, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, regulatory, and accreditation standards, including those established by The Joint Commission.
• Collaborate effectively with the Medical Director, Medical Staff, Nursing Leadership, and Ancillary Services to promote interdisciplinary patient care.
• Maintain high-quality patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives, evidence-based practices, policy development, technology advancement, and ongoing evaluation of services.
• Communicate and champion the mission, vision, and values of UPMC while fostering a positive and engaged work environment.
• Partner with staff to develop and support departmental goals, initiatives, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Support respiratory care student education programs and ensure a high-quality learning environment for future clinicians.
• Demonstrate system-wide competencies and behaviors in accordance with UPMC standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Lead a critical clinical service line with a direct impact on patient outcomes.
• Influence departmental strategy, operational performance, and workforce development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary leaders across the organization.
• Shape the future of respiratory care through innovation, quality improvement, and education.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a CoARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory Therapy program required.
• Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related field of study required (AMA-approved BS degree preferred where applicable).
• Minimum of five (5) years of clinical respiratory care experience, including experience in a management and/or leadership role required.
• 5 years of progressive leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.
• Respiratory Therapists who obtained their RRT credential from the NBRC on or after July 1, 2002, must maintain certification in accordance with NBRC guidelines.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

• CPR certification required based on AHA standards, including both didactic and skills demonstration components, within 30 days of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Osteopathic Respiratory Care
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
• Act 33 Clearance with renewal
• Act 34 Clearance with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran