At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job DescriptionThe Director, Operations reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Director, Operations is accountable for planning, direction, management and supervision of the New Life Maternity and Emergency Department Teams.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for meeting operational, financial and strategic goals for designated departments, divisions, programs, services and/or locations. Target quality improvement by reducing process variation, eliminating redundancy or implementing new technology. 24/7 accountability
- Accountable for the development, implementation and evaluation of staff/human resource information and processes to support clinical practice of nursing and care delivery, including utilization of current practice guidelines and standards.
- With manager input, recommend department goals to NM leaders. Communicate agreed upon goals and context to teams. Lead teams to outcomes that support the advancement of NM Strategic Plan.
- Evaluate the feasibility, coordination and implementation of new or revised systems, processes and procedures, to ensure compliance with established standards. Develop and implement, and/or work through managers to develop and implement policies and procedures, facilitate inter-departmental processes and clarify and/or correct procedural questions/issues.
- Stay informed of current and emerging issues and trends for areas of accountability. Communicate and educate staff on requirements, changes, advances, opportunities, directions and projections for the future.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities:
Business expertise
- Knowledge of Joint Commission standards and all federal, state, and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to analyze data for decision making purposes and make data-driven recommendations.
- Ability to create budgets in accordance with guidelines and balanced to targets.
- Ability to effectively apply the principles of change management while leading.
- Strong computing skills, including Microsoft Office applications and Outlook.
- Attentive to detail and reviews own and others’ work for accuracy.
Problem solving
- Encourages diverse perspectives and solutions, drawing from staff, peers, physicians, patients and other stakeholders.
- Establishes and maintains constructive lines of communication between the physicians and administration. This includes assessing physicians' needs, collecting feedback on issues/problems and effectively communicating appropriately
- Demonstrates the ability to consistently establish appropriate departmental priorities.
- Serves as a role model and coach to others; builds partnerships and teams.
- Serves as an internal consultant to all levels of leadership in solving problems and planning interventions.
Interactions/interpersonal skills
- NMHC Performance Leadership Competencies (from performance management system)
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, physicians, management, staff and other customers, internal and external to NM.
- Exudes confidence, professionalism, interest and optimism when leading others in the workplace; guided by the servant leadership philosophy.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality for patients and their families, as outlined in the Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Patient Confidentiality policy.
Required:
- Master’s degree in healthcare related field
- If master's is not in nursing, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
- Current RN License or clinical license in the state in which the hospital resides (hospital setting)
- Five to ten years of clinical experience
Preferred:
- Previous or current new life maternity care strongly preferred
- previous experience in emergency department (ED) operations
- Master’s degree in business, healthcare administration, Nursing or related field
- Three to five years of supervisory or management experience
- Three to five years of operational experience exhibiting increasing leadership responsibilities and capabilities
- Specialty certification preferred
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in healthcare related field
- If master's is not in nursing, must have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)
- Current RN license or clinical license in the state
- Five to ten years of clinical experience
- Knowledge of Joint Commission standards and federal/state regulatory requirements
- Ability to create and manage budgets
- Ability to effectively apply change management principles
- Strong computing skills, including Microsoft Office and Outlook
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
- Previous or current New Life maternity care experience
- Previous experience in Emergency Department operations
- Master's degree in business, healthcare administration, nursing or related field
- Three to five years of supervisory or management experience
- Three to five years of operational experience with increasing leadership responsibilities
- Specialty certification
Northwestern Medicine Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northwestern Medicine and has not been reviewed or approved by Northwestern Medicine.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options, alongside a no‑cost EAP and wellness resources. Employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability further strengthens protection during illness or injury.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental and maternity leave at full base pay is available for eligible employees, supporting bonding time. Onsite childcare at select campuses and family‑oriented resources add practical support.
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Retirement Support — The retirement plan features an employer match after a service period, supporting long‑term savings. Basic life and AD&D coverage at no cost enhance financial security for families.
Northwestern Medicine Insights
What We Do
Northwestern Medicine is the collaboration between Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine around a strategic vision to transform the future of healthcare. It encompasses the research, teaching, and patient care activities of the academic medical center.








