Unit Director, Pediatric Emergency Department

About the role

Involved in ensuring optimal patient outcomes through effective leadership and provision of patient care delivery in assigned nursing unit(s) or area(s). Promotes an environment for a shared voice in nursing practice and exchange of ideas to continually improve nursing and patient care outcomes. Accountable for the quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. Consults and collaborates with other health care professionals to coordinate the management of patient care. Serves as a resource to staff, physicians, students, and others.

As the Unit Director of the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco Emergency Department, you will provide nursing leadership for one of the region's premier pediatric emergency care programs. In this pivotal role, you will lead a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional, family-centered care in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment. As the clinical and operational leader for the department, you will drive excellence in patient outcomes, quality, safety, workforce engagement, and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Working in close partnership with physician leaders and multidisciplinary teams, you will help shape the strategic direction of pediatric emergency services, ensuring the delivery of evidence-based, compassionate care to children and their families during some of their most critical moments.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for a pediatric emergency care program, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
• Drive excellence in patient outcomes, quality, safety, workforce engagement, and regulatory compliance.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with physician leaders and multidisciplinary teams to shape the strategic direction of pediatric emergency services.
• Ensure delivery of evidence-based, compassionate care to children and their families.
• Manage complex workflows and multiple priorities within the patient care unit.
• Supervise clinicians and oversee department operations.
• Apply knowledge of Lean principles, bedside shift report, and hourly rounding.

Requirements

• Minimum two (2) years of Peds ED clinical experience (within the past 5 years).
• Recent administrative oversight in an Emergency Department environment (e.g., previous experience as an Assistant Nurse Manager, charge nurse, or similar role).
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
• Strong hospital management experience, with progressive and in-depth expertise in patient care services.
• Knowledge of hospital/clinic operations in a hospital or medical center setting.
• Knowledge of appropriate professional standards for the department and team.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills to foster effective communication and collaborative decision-making across multiple units and disciplines.
• Strong leadership, fiscal, and operations management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians, management, and staff from all disciplines.
• Ability to create and maintain a goal-oriented climate of teamwork and consistent achievement of objectives.
• Strong knowledge of relevant healthcare information technology, patient care workflows, and processes.
• Strong knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements, legislative, accreditation, licensing, and compliance environments.
• Demonstrated skills to effectively supervise clinicians and manage complex workflows.
• Knowledge of business software and specialized applications used in nursing units or departments.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse in the State of California.
• AHA BLS Certification.
• AHA PALS Certification.
• AHA ACLS Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Nursing or relevant area.
• Certification in a relevant area.