Director, Nursing Services-Ambulatory

Alameda Health System; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 274,000; Full time

Job summary

Alameda Health System seeks a Director of Nursing Services for the Ambulatory Division in Oakland, CA. This leadership role oversees Highland General Hospital ambulatory programs and reports to senior executives.

The position emphasizes clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and staff development. The successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, at least five years in ambulatory nursing leadership, and California RN licensure with BLS.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required: Nursing, Health Administration or Business Administration.
• Five years progressive management experience with ambulatory/outpatient leadership.
• Licensed RN in California with BLS certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical and administrative direction to ambulatory clinic staff.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, staffing, performance evaluations and discipline as needed.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Lead quality, safety and patient outcomes initiatives in ambulatory care.

Skills

Nurse leadership

Healthcare management

Strategic planning

Clinical governance

Education

Master's degree in Nursing or related field

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Job description

Director, Nursing Services-Ambulatory

• Oakland, CA

• Highland General Hospital

• FQ Ambulatory Serv Admin

• Full Time - Day

• Management

• $164,416-$274,028 Annually

• Req #:45142-33596

• FTE:1

• Posted:November 6, 2026

Summary

Under general direction of the Vice President of Ambulatory Services, and the Chief Associated Medical Officer, Medical Director, the Director of Nursing Services (Ambulatory Division primary/specialty) provides clinical and administrative direction to clinic staff with 24-hour 7-day a week responsibility. The Director is responsible for promoting quality patient care, patient safety and nursing services on a continuous basis, combining knowledge, skills of leadership, performance/quality improvement, communication, operations and business.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

NOTE: Following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

Clinical & Operational Leadership

• Manages the day-to-day operations through direct supervision with appropriate management of personnel through staffing levels, development, performance evaluations, goal setting and when necessary, progressive discipline across the health system.
• Sets the scope of nursing practice, establishes clinical guidelines, protocols, or policy, and ensures care is delivered at the top of licensure.
• General clinical oversight of all ambulatory nursing staff, including Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Technicians, and Medical Assistants.
• Develops strategy for systemwide standard work implementation for clinical departments and oversees implementation and execution of clinical strategic initiatives.
• Establishes and maintains ongoing competency standards for staff in partnership with nursing professional development department
• Collaborates with Nursing education to develop and implement continuous education for nursing and allied health professionals in the ambulatory setting with a focus on patient care outcomes, safety, population health and all state/federal regulatory standards.

Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensures compliance with state and federal licensing regulations and/or accreditation programs within ambulatory services through strategic planning with a focus on quality, safety, patient outcomes, and population health with a focus on members of the community
• Oversee local, state, federal and other regulatory agencies to maintain clinical and practice standards for the license and accreditation of ambulatory services.
• Leads quality and performance improvement initiatives to measure, assess, and improve nursing practice and patient care outcomes, including patient satisfaction
• Establishes, evaluates, collaborates, and revises standards of care in accordance with regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient data and medical records in accordance with applicable laws and policies
• Maintains quality patient care services as a change agent by planning, developing, implementing, interpreting policies and regulations, and evaluating process improvement initiatives, policies, procedures, patient care standards, programs and/or services consistent with the overall mission and vision goals, objectives and activities of the wellness centers with physician partnership.

Staff Development & Talent Management

• Responsible for recruitment, hires, strategy for onboarding, and training new nursing staff.
• Establishes performance goals, conducts evaluations, and administers progressive discipline as needed.
• Evaluates education and training needs of nursing personnel and directs the development of ongoing in-service and continuing education programs.
• Mentors and supports the development of service line managers and nursing leadership

Strategic Planning & Communication

• Participates with senior administrative staff in the development of strategic plans and goals for ambulatory care nursing.
• Prepares clear, concise reports and provides outcome metrics and action plans to the Vice President, Ambulatory.
• Promotes a positive image of the health system with regulatory bodies, community organizations, and other institutions.
• Serves as a resource for the health system and the community on ambulatory nursing matters.

Financial & Resource Management

• Directs and coordinates division the activities of multiple clinics’ goals, objectives, and fiscal budgets in accordance with the Medical Center's mission and strategic plans, assuring that short-term objectives and budgets are consistent with long-term plans anticipated for the future though forecasting, cost effective evidence-based practice, and resource allocation.
• Participates in the development and administration of the department operating budget; manages resource allocation and monitors fiscal performance.
• Assures that short-term objectives and budgets are consistent with the organization's long-term plans through forecasting and cost-effective, evidence-based practice.
• Maintains ambulatory services facilities by planning for and recommending space, clinical equipment, and clinical supply needs in a safe, clean environment.

1. Functions independently within the framework of the Medical Center Alameda Health System and Ambulatory Division System through strategic planning, philosophy collaboration, research utilization, evidence-based goals and objectives, community standards, policies, procedures, and budgetary fiduciary responsibility.
2. Promotes a positive image of the Medical Center in a relationship with other institutions, regulatory bodies and community organizations through effective communication and professionalism in accordance with the code of conduct.
3. Serves as a resource for other wellness centers and the community.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Required Education: Master's Degree in Nursing, Health or Business Administration or related field.
• Required Experience: Five (5) years progressive management experience, with 2+ years in an ambulatory/outpatient setting in nursing leadership/management level position.
• Required Licenses/Certifications: Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) - issued by-American Heart Association (AHA). Valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
• Preferred Licenses/Certifications: Lean/Six Sigma certification for healthcare setting; project management certification

Alameda Health System is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military background.