Risk Management Director (RN)

About the role

The Director of Risk Management at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a critical role responsible for advancing a comprehensive, enterprise-wide risk management program that supports the institution's mission and commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence. This position provides executive-level oversight of risk management operations across a complex healthcare environment, with a strong emphasis on patient care risk assessment, claims management, regulatory compliance, and proactive risk reduction strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manages and executes MD Anderson's risk management program and activities throughout MD Anderson, Houston Area Locations, and off-site facilities.
• Maintains and updates Standard Operating Procedures relating to risk management functions.
• Collaborates with health care providers, hospital leadership, Patient Advocacy, Patient Experience, Patient Safety and Accreditation, Off-Shift Administration, Social Work, Clinical Ethics, Patient Business Services, Institutional Compliance, and other departments to timely address and successfully resolve patient care matters.
• Serves as a subject matter and content expert and policy steward for risk management-related policies and procedures.
• Identifies and coordinates opportunities for the risk management team to collaborate with department leaders regarding targeted risk reduction activities.
• Ensures compliance with standards issued by federal and state governments, regulatory agencies, The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the American Society for Health Care Risk Management.
• Develops, prepares, and provides educational programs for MD Anderson health care providers regarding risk management issues.
• Completes monthly, semi-annual, and annual claims and incident reports, case summaries, and other reports for Legal Services and various MD Anderson committees.
• Supports MD Anderson representatives, Legal Services attorneys, UT System attorneys and representatives, and attorneys from other state agencies and the private sector, as requested and as appropriate.
• Directs the investigation and assessment of potentially adverse and compensable events, including potential claims by patients, visitors, or employees, property damage or loss, and other pre-litigation matters.
• Maintains and archives all pre-litigation claims and related files.
• Provides risk management support to MD Anderson representatives, Legal Services attorneys, UT System attorneys and representatives, and attorneys from other state agencies and the private sector, as requested and as appropriate.
• Directs Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) compliance reporting, which includes report preparation, policy development, and education.
• Supervises employees, including orientation to the Section and Department, training in new procedures, and oversight of completion of tasks and other assignments.
• Communicates this scheduling information to the switchboard page operators.
• Develops and maintains written position descriptions and standards for positions in the Risk Management Section of Legal Services and trains those employees.
• Prepares and conducts employee conferences, notices, and written performance appraisals.
• Performs other duties, as assigned and as necessary or desirable to assist the Legal Services Department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• 8 years of experience in risk management, quality improvement, nursing administration, or medicine, including five (5) years of management experience in patient care risk management, quality improvement, or related fields within a large healthcare or insurance organization.
• 10 years of risk management experience in a hospital setting, including at least five (5) years managing a healthcare risk management team.
• Demonstrated experience working with patients, physicians, nurses, scientists, administrators, attorneys, and claims adjusters.
• Prior experience in a large academic medical center.
• Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience.
• Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
• Licenses and Certifications Required (upon hire): RN - Registered Nurse: Texas Professional Nursing license (RN) OR Other applicable clinical or healthcare professional licensure issued by a U.S. state licensing authority.
• Required within 18 months of hire: CPHRM - Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management: The American Hospital Association (AHA) Certification Center.

Qualifications

• Education Required: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Preferred: Master's Degree.
• Work Experience Required: 8 years of experience in risk management, quality improvement, nursing administration, or medicine, including five (5) years of management experience in patient care risk management, quality improvement, or related fields within a large healthcare or insurance organization.
• 10 years of risk management experience in a hospital setting, including at least five (5) years managing a healthcare risk management team.
• Demonstrated experience working with patients, physicians, nurses, scientists, administrators, attorneys, and claims adjusters.
• Prior experience in a large academic medical center.
• Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience.
• Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.

Skills

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and standards.
• Experience with risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of its employees, including fully covered medical benefits, generous paid time off, and a robust retirement program with employer contributions.