RN Program Director, Congenital Heart
Based in Madison, WI, this position follows regular business hours, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for local remote work and potential variations based on operational needs.
About the role
Join UW Health Kids in shaping the future of congenital heart care. As the RN Program Director, you will drive clinical excellence, transform the program, and advance a strategic vision that impacts lives. This role goes beyond operations—you’ll elevate a growing congenital heart program by leading quality initiatives, innovation, and care transformation in a highly collaborative healthcare environment. Partner with physician leaders to advance a vision that extends across Wisconsin and beyond.
Key opportunities include:
- Driving the transformation of one of UW Health’s strategic programs of focus
- Building infrastructure to establish national recognition in pediatric and congenital heart care
- Leading quality, safety, innovation, and programmatic growth initiatives that directly improve patient outcomes
- Collaborating with renowned physician leaders in pediatric cardiac critical care, cardiothoracic surgery, catheterization services, congenital cardiology, and anesthesia
- Creating a seamless patient journey from fetal life through adulthood within an evolving regional care network
- Contributing to Forward Pediatric Alliance, a unique collaboration between Children’s Wisconsin and UW Health Kids aimed at improving outcomes and expanding access to world-class congenital heart care
Responsibilities
As a key member of the Congenital Heart leadership team, you will:
- Lead day-to-day program operations across the hospital division, including inpatient, surgical, and procedural services
- Optimize patient flow, access, and care coordination
- Advance quality, safety, and process improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with key stakeholders across UW Health, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, UnityPoint Health - Meriter, and Children’s Wisconsin
- Support clinical excellence, care model transformation, operational efficiency, and program expansion
Requirements
The ideal candidate thrives in complexity and embraces transformation, bringing:
- Strong healthcare operations or program leadership experience
- Exceptional relationship-building and collaboration skills
- A passion for quality improvement and clinical excellence
- Experience driving change in matrixed organizations
- Ability to influence without direct authority
- Strategic thinking balanced with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach
- Commitment to patient- and family-centered care
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Required
- Master’s Degree in Nursing, Healthcare, Administration, or related field Preferred
- Doctorate Degree in Nursing or related field Preferred
Work Experience:
- 2 years of relevant experience in healthcare operations supervisory/management or program leadership, or three (3) years of progressive relevant leadership experience Required
- 5 years of progressive, relevant supervisory/management or program leadership experience Preferred
- 3 years of clinical experience caring for cardiac populations Preferred
- Experience in an administrative position within a large academic or complex health system Preferred
Licenses & Certifications:
- Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of WI or holds a license issued by a jurisdiction that has adopted the nurse licensure compact Upon Hire Required
- Basic Life Support/CPR Upon Hire Required
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Preferred
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Preferred
- Relevant clinical certification Preferred
Benefits
- Excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans
- Two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance
- Flexible schedules and shifts to support work-life balance
- Access to UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department resources for emotional, financial, and physical well-being
- Tuition benefits for career advancement coursework