(RN) Lung Transplant Program Manager

Payroll Title TRANSPLANT MGR 1 Department Lung Acquisition Hiring Pay Scale $196,000 - $227,000 / Year Worksite Jacobs Medical Center Appointment Type Career Appointment Percent 100% Union Uncovered Total Openings 1 Work Schedule Days, 8 Hour Shifts, Monday - Friday Position ID #140105 (RN) Lung Transplant Program Manager Filing Deadline Tue 6/30/2026 Employer UC San Diego Health Description UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas, which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011. Under 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 Lung Transplant Program . Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute transplant program growth and service expansion Partner with medical, surgical, and administrative leaders to align program goals with organizational priorities Regulatory Compliance Maintain compliance with UNOS, CMS, HRSA, and other regulatory entities Support accreditation processes and participate in inspections and surveys Collaborate with Quality leadership on transplant-specific policies and procedures Clinical Operations Direct daily transplant operations across the entire care continuum Optimize workflows, staffing, and resources to ensure efficiency and clinical quality Oversee patient flow, transplant personnel, and external partnerships Lead operational improvement initiatives Team Leadership Build and develop high-performing interdisciplinary teams Provide performance management, professional development, and succession planning Manage recruitment, evaluation, and corrective action processes Foster a collaborative culture focused on quality care and staff engagement Quality & Outcomes Monitor UNOS metrics, patient outcomes, readmissions, and other quality indicators Participate in adverse event reviews and implement corrective actions Track clinical, operational, and financial performance against benchmarks Financial Management Develop and manage program budgets Monitor payer mix, reimbursement trends, and cost structures Support vendor contract discussions and business development Productivity & Performance Management Monitor and optimize staff productivity Track and improve program productivity metrics Monitor case costs, revenue and overall financial performance While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of California. Current UCSD ART certification, or BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART 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 inpatient 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 Qualifications Master'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 Conditions Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical. Pay Transparency Act Annual Full Pay Range: $149,700 - $297,700 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%). Hourly Equivalent: $71.70 - $142.58. Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable). Additional Compliance and Policies As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace #J-18808-Ljbffr