Director of Emergency Services

Job Title Director of Emergency Services


Full-Time | Exempt | On-Site


Vendor fee-$4500


Compensation

• Salary range: $83,616 - $112,881 annually
• Eligible for annual performance-based merit increases, per hospital policy

Reports To


Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Designee

Position Summary


The Director of Emergency Services provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for the Emergency Department within an acute care hospital. This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe, timely, high-quality, and patient-centered emergency care while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and aligning departmental goals with the organization's mission and strategic priorities. The Director serves as a visible, hands-on leader who fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and accountability for Emergency Department operations, staffing, and performance.
• Develop and implement strategic goals and initiatives that align Emergency Services with hospital and system-wide objectives.
• Ensure effective staffing models, scheduling, and resource allocation to support a 24/7 Emergency Department.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence in the department to support staff, providers, patients, and families.

Clinical Quality & Patient Safety

• Ensure delivery of evidence-based, patient-centered emergency care in accordance with professional standards and best practices.
• Lead quality improvement, patient safety, and performance initiatives, including analysis of key metrics such as door-to-provider time, throughput, LWBS, and patient experience.
• Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards, including Joint Commission, CMS, EMTALA, OSHA, and state regulations.
• Lead departmental preparation for surveys, audits, and inspections and implement corrective action plans as needed.

Financial & Resource Management

• Collaborate with finance and administration to develop, manage, and monitor the Emergency Department budget.
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify opportunities for cost control, efficiency, and value-based care.
• Ensure effective management of supplies, equipment, and capital resources.

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain qualified nursing and support staff.
• Provide coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities to promote staff growth and engagement.
• Ensure staff education, competencies, and certifications meet regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing leadership, ancillary departments, EMS, and community partners.
• Serve as an effective communicator and liaison between Emergency Services and hospital leadership.
• Address patient, family, and staff concerns in a timely and professional manner.

Emergency Preparedness

• Participate in disaster preparedness, emergency management planning, drills, and surge capacity initiatives.
• Support hospital-wide emergency response and mass casualty planning efforts.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience in Emergency Nursing or acute care
• Minimum of 2-3 years of progressive leadership experience in a hospital setting
• Demonstrated success in quality improvement, operational leadership, and staff development

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license (state-specific or eligible for licensure)
• BLS required
• ACLS and PALS required within designated timeframe
• Emergency nursing certifications (CEN, TCRN, ENPC) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of emergency nursing practice and acute care operations
• Proven leadership, communication, and team-building skills
• Ability to analyze data and lead performance improvement initiatives
• Solid financial and operational management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Commitment to patient-centered care, service excellence, and staff engagement

Work Environment


Fast-paced, high-acuity Emergency Department operating 24/7. Requires flexibility to support evenings, nights, weekends, and on-call responsibilities as needed.