Director, Risk Management & Patient Safety

What You'll Do

• Lead and develop the Patient Safety Office, providing direction and mentorship to professional and administrative staff
• Oversee the evaluation, investigation, and management of patient safety events, including critical incidents, equipment safety concerns, medication events, and other organizational risks
• Direct mortality reviews, root cause analyses, and adverse event investigations, ensuring timely identification of opportunities for system improvement
• Analyze safety and risk data, identify trends, and prepare executive-level reports that inform decision-making and organizational priorities
• Partner with clinical department leaders, executive leadership, and multidisciplinary teams to implement strategies that improve patient safety and reduce organizational risk
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on risk management, patient safety, and national patient safety standards
• Facilitate meetings with physicians, clinical teams, patients, and families regarding patient safety concerns and event reviews
• Collaborate with the Virginia Department of Risk Management, liability trust representatives, and legal partners in the evaluation and management of professional liability claims
• Participate in University and Health System committees and provide strategic guidance related to risk mitigation, policy development, and litigation management
• Education: Bachelor's degree in related field required; Master's degree must be obtained within 4 years of hire or transfer
• Experience: at least 5 years in a formal management role and risk management preferred

What Success Looks Like

• Independently lead UVA Health's patient safety evaluation system
• Drive meaningful improvements through data analysis, process enhancement, and system-wide safety initiatives

What We're Looking For

• The ideal candidate is a respected healthcare leader who combines strong clinical knowledge with strategic thinking, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills
• Preferred Qualifications: Clinical background in healthcare, Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in Risk Management, Patient Safety, or a closely related healthcare quality function, Proficiency in the RLDatix patient safety platform, Experience within a large acute care or academic medical center, Leadership or management experience supervising professional teams, Demonstrated expertise in patient safety investigations, root cause analysis, and risk mitigation strategies, Experience collaborating with senior executives, physicians, legal counsel, and multidisciplinary clinical teams, Excellent presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills, Ability to navigate complex, sensitive situations with professionalism, diplomacy, and composure

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-time position
• Monday-Friday, standard business hours
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Must be able to respond onsite within 30 minutes when needed
• 24/7 on-call availability for urgent patient safety and risk management matters

Pay Range

$125,000.00 - $197,715.00 annually

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings, Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts, Certification and education support, Generous Paid Time Off

  About the Role

  UVA Health is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Director of Risk Management & Patient Safety to lead our enterprise patient safety and risk management programs.

  Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in related field required; Master's degree must be obtained within 4 years of hire or transfer
  • Experience: at least 5 years in a formal management role and risk management preferred
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing during difficult situations as well as to educate employees and staff
  • Ability to build relationships across departments and disciplines in a complex organization
  • Knowledge and skill in using computer software such as Microsoft office suite to prepare reports and presentations and analyze data

    Benefits

    • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings, Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts, Certification and education support, Generous Paid Time Off

      Equal Opportunity Employer

      The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.