Director, Risk Management & Patient Safety

Lead Patient Safety. Drive Organizational Excellence. Protect What Matters Most.

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. This leader will play a critical role in advancing a culture of safety by overseeing patient safety initiatives, risk management operations, adverse event analysis, and regulatory compliance while partnering closely with executive leadership, clinical teams, legal counsel, and external agencies.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced healthcare leader who is passionate about improving patient outcomes, influencing organizational strategy, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability within a nationally recognized academic health system.

What You'll Do

As the Director of Risk Management & Patient Safety, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Medical Center's patient safety and risk management functions. Key responsibilities include:

• 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

• Educate physicians, leaders, and team members on patient safety principles, risk management practices, and organizational policies

• Perform other duties as assigned

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 6-12 months, you will:

• Independently lead UVA Health's patient safety evaluation system

• Build trusted relationships with clinical and executive leaders, serving as the primary resource for patient safety and risk management guidance

• 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

Why UVA Health?

At UVA Health, patient safety is foundational to everything we do. As an academic health system recognized for clinical excellence, innovation, and research, we are committed to continuously improving the care we provide and fostering an environment where every team member contributes to safer outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to influence organizational strategy, partner with nationally recognized clinical leaders, and make a lasting impact on the safety and quality of care delivered to the patients and communities we serve. If you are a collaborative, thoughtful leader who remains calm under pressure, communicates with confidence, and is passionate about advancing patient safety, we encourage you to apply.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

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

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

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.