Administrative Director, Acute Care Services

Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories, LLC; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Cottage Health in Santa Barbara seeks an Administrative Director of Acute Care Services to lead operational and clinical performance for Neurology‑Urology, Pulmonary‑Renal/Infectious Disease, Surgical Trauma, Orthopedics, Oncology and Infusion Suite.

This role reports to the Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Patient Care Services and drives high‑quality, patient‑centered care aligned with Cottage Health priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required.
• Master’s degrees (MSN/MBA/MHA) required or preferred depending on role.
• DNP preferred for advanced clinical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational and clinical leadership for Acute Care Services.
• Ensure day‑to‑day performance and integration of services.
• Translate strategic goals into operational execution with ACNO of PCS.
• Achieve quality, safety, service, and financial outcomes across departments.
• Collaborate with physicians and nursing leadership to optimize care delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder collaboration

Clinical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

MSN/MBA/MHA

DNP (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital seeks an Administrative Director of Acute Care Services to provide operational and clinical leadership for a defined group of clinical care areas under the administrative direction of the Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) of Patient Care Services (PCS). The Administrative Director is accountable for the day‑to‑day performance and integration of services within Acute Care Services, including but not limited to Neurology‑Urology, Pulmonary‑Renal/Infectious Disease, Surgical Trauma, Orthopedics, Oncology, and the Infusion Suite, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, safe, patient‑centered care aligned with organizational priorities.

In partnership with the ACNO of PCS and interdisciplinary leaders, the Director translates strategic goals into operational execution, advancing clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, patient flow, and workforce engagement. The Administrative Director is responsible for achieving quality, safety, service, and financial outcomes across assigned departments, while fostering a culture of professional nursing practice, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The Administrative Director collaborates closely with physicians, nursing leaders, and support services to optimize care delivery models, improve throughput, and enhance the patient experience. This role participates in organizational committees and initiatives, supports service line development and performance improvement efforts, and ensures consistency with Cottage Health mission, vision, and values.

Qualifications

Level of Education

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS): Nursing .
• One of the following Master’s Degrees: MSN, MBA, MHA.

Preferred: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

Minimum: California Registered Nurse (RN) License. BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS)

Preferred: Specialty Certification in clinical or nursing leadership

Years of Related Work Experience

Minimum: 5 years of progressively responsible healthcare management/ administrative/leadership experience.

Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, CA, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.

*Pay for non-physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on-call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health’s annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit https://cottagehealth.org/careers/total-rewards .

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Cottage Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottage Health applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, transgender status, gender expression and identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between Cottage Health and an applicant or employee. Cottage Health is committed to upholding discrimination‑free hiring practices. We strive to cultivate an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belonging, support, and connection to their work.

Any Cottage Health applicants who require assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process may request the need for accommodation with the Recruiter.