Infection Prevention Manager

About the role

Your role with us As the Infection Prevention Manager at Salem Health, you will lead a system-wide program that protects patients, caregivers, providers, and communities from healthcare-associated infections and emerging infectious disease threats. In this highly visible leadership role, you will oversee infection prevention strategies across Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, and affiliated outpatient settings, ensuring consistent practices that support quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Working collaboratively with clinical, operational, and executive leaders, you will drive initiatives that strengthen patient outcomes, improve regulatory readiness, and promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a comprehensive infection prevention and control program across inpatient and outpatient settings throughout the health system
• Monitor and analyze healthcare-associated infection, multidrug-resistant organism, and infectious disease surveillance data to identify trends and drive improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with nursing, medical staff, employee health, and operational teams to support compliance, quality improvement, and patient safety goals
• Develop, implement, and maintain infection prevention policies and procedures that align with regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Provide consultation on infection prevention considerations related to construction, renovation, equipment acquisition, and exposure management
• Lead infection prevention committees, task forces, and educational programs that promote evidence-based practices across all care settings
• Manage department operations, including staff development, performance management, budgeting, vendor relationships, contracts, and policy oversight
• Promote operational excellence through process improvement, standardization, and Lean management principles

Requirements

• Experienced infection prevention leader with strong knowledge of healthcare-associated infection surveillance, outbreak response, regulatory reporting, and infection prevention best practices
• Proven ability to assess complex clinical and operational challenges, identify improvement opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions that improve quality and patient safety outcomes
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build credibility with physicians, nursing leaders, operational leaders, and executive stakeholders
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence delivering data, recommendations, and challenging information to senior leadership, committees, and Board-level audiences
• Demonstrated ability to lead change through partnership and influence, bringing stakeholders together around shared goals and evidence-based practices
• Collaborative and approachable leadership style that balances expertise with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning
• Ability to remain composed, decisive, and solutions-focused when responding to outbreaks, regulatory issues, and other high-pressure situations

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Current unencumbered Oregon Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or ability to obtain within one year of hire
• Three years of acute care registered nursing experience
• Five years of nursing or healthcare experience
• Two years of infection prevention experience

Skills

• Strong project management, data analysis, and outbreak investigation skills

Benefits

Total rewards package Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth. Click here for details.