Clinical Risk Liaison

Clinical Risk Liaison

The Clinical Risk Liaison serves as the primary connection between the Transition and Clinical Teams and the Quality and Patient Safety Department. Reporting to the Director of Risk Management and Patient Safety, this role is charged with proactively identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating safety risks throughout the hospital transformation effort. This role will be exclusively focused on the clinical transformation work, creating the protected, dedicated capacity and expertise needed to embed safety into our decisions and actions at each stage of the transition. The Liaison is approved as a short-term position matrixed into the Transitional Management Office and other relevant governance structures to drive a systematic approach to identifying safety-related clinical, operational, regulatory, and technical vulnerabilities, with the goal of reducing preventable patient harm. This is a time-limited benefit eligible position through the end of September 2028, with continuation beyond that date subject to organizational need.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as the day-to-day risk point of contact for the DFCI transition from BWH affiliation to BIDMC affiliation. Collaborates with multiple functional workstreams to identify risk and vulnerabilities during the separation, contingency, and new hospital build phases. Coordinates risk due diligence activities: conducts risk assessments, reviews policies and documents, escalates risks as needed to QPS leadership, and maintains the transition risk register, issues log, and heat maps. Prepares risk dashboards, summaries, and presentations for steering committees and senior leadership; ensures clear escalation of high/urgent risks and decision points. Monitors key risk indicators and performance metrics; tracks corrective actions to closure and reports progress to sponsors. Maintains complete, timely, and confidential documentation; contributes to continuous improvement of affiliation risk processes, tools, and templates.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proficiency in risk management methodologies and tools (FMEA, risk assessment, heat maps and matrices Experience navigating the structures and dynamics within matrixed organizations, as well as multi-institutional relationships Critical thinking and synthesis Experience building and facilitating cross-functional teams, influencing both with and without authority Ability to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities simultaneously, operate effectively in situations of ambiguity, confront uncertainty, resolve conflict, and adapt to change Ability to respond effectively to time-sensitive issues in a fast-paced, dynamic, and deadline-driven environment A self-directed workstyle, taking initiative while thriving in a setting that requires collaboration and teamwork Clear written and verbal communication skills Data literacy and dashboard interpretation Project coordination and change management Integrity, confidentiality, and accountability Adaptability and culturally responsive engagement across diverse teams Proficiency in usual and customary productivity tools: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Smartsheet

Minimum Job Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Public Health or related field required. Master's Degree Preferred. 5 years of experience in patient safety, quality, compliance, or related clinical practice experience, including 4 years of risk management experience required. Previous experience working in an acute care setting preferred. Previous experience with transitioning/new affiliations preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Required

Clinical licensure required (e.g., RN, NP, PA, PharmD). Certification in risk management (CPHRM) preferred. Certification in Patient Safety/Quality (CPPS, CPHQ) preferred.

Special Working Conditions

This is a time-limited position through the end of September 2028, with continuation beyond that date subject to organizational need.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute