Clinical Operations Director, Emergency Services

Duke University Hospital; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University Hospital, the flagship hospital of Duke University Health System, seeks a Clinical Operations Director for Emergency Services. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for a high-acuity ED, directing throughput, LOS, and patient flow while partnering with physicians and leadership to advance quality and safety.

The Director will lead a large multidisciplinary team, drive performance improvements, and shape operational strategy within a premier academic medical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and active RN licensure required.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years progressive nursing leadership experience, including ED.
• ED/AMC and Level I trauma center experience preferred.
• CEN or similar certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Emergency Services at Duke University Hospital.
• Oversee a high-acuity ED with responsibility for throughput and LOS.
• Drive improvements in patient experience and safety.
• Collaborate with physician leadership and multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Nursing leadership

ED operations

Patient throughput

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

EHR systems

Performance dashboards

Job description

Kirby Bates Associates has been exclusively retained by Duke University Health System (DUHS) to conduct the search for the new Clinical Operations Director, Emergency Services, for their flagship facility, Duke University Hospital, a Level I Trauma academic medical center.

Duke University Health System (DUHS) is one of the nation’s preeminent academic health systems, offering world-class clinical care, groundbreaking research, and a culture deeply committed to quality, safety, and patient-centered excellence. Spanning three hospitals and a comprehensive network of outpatient and ambulatory locations, DUHS delivers leading-edge care to patients across the region and the country.

The Clinical Operations Director (Director) provides strategic and operational leadership for Emergency Services at Duke University Hospital, overseeing a high-acuity emergency department with over 85,000 visits. The Director is responsible for ensuring high-quality, safe, and efficient care delivery across multiple service areas. Partnering closely with physicians and multidisciplinary leaders, the Director will drive clinical operations, throughput, LOS, and patient flow. With a strong focus on quality, safety, and patient experience, the Director plays a key role in advancing operational performance and delivering exceptional care.

Opportunity Highlights:

• Lead Emergency Services at Duke University Hospital, the Magnet designated flagship hospital of Duke University Health System with over 1,100 beds.
• Oversee a large, high-acuity emergency department with ~80+ beds across adult, pediatric, behavioral health, and fast track areas.
• Provide leadership for a complex operational footprint including observation/services such as a Clinical Evaluation Unit, SANE program, and transport.
• Direct and develop a large, multidisciplinary team (~300 staff) across clinical and leadership roles.
• Drive improvements in throughput, LOS, employee engagement, and patient experience in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Partner closely with physician leadership to strengthen collaboration and care delivery.
• Influence operational strategy and performance within a leading academic medical center.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing; Master’s degree in related field.
• Active RN licensure, or eligible for licensure (NC or compact state).
• Minimum 5 years progressive nursing leadership experience, including ED experience.
• Proven expertise reducing throughput/LOS and improving patient experience metrics.
• ED experience in an AMC and/or Level I or II Trauma Center experience preferred.
• CEN or comparable certification preferred.

EEO Statement

Kirby Bates Associates is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our associates.