Director of Infection Prevention

Lutheran Health Network; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN, is seeking a Director of Infection Control to lead the health system's infection prevention program. You will ensure compliance with state, federal, and Joint Commission standards while advising on strategies to prevent infections and promoting patient and staff safety across the organization.

The role collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, educates staff, reviews data, and leads incident containment and post-exposure follow-up.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or seven years of equivalent experience.
• Master's degree preferred for leadership and advanced infection control.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in healthcare settings is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a system-wide infection prevention program in compliance with standards.
• Educate staff and leadership on infection control policies and practices.
• Lead surveillance of healthcare-associated infections and employee health exposures.
• Conduct audits of aseptic techniques and isolation protocols.
• Update infection control policies in collaboration with leaders.
• Analyze infection data and present reports to quality committees.
• Advise on PPE, disinfectants, and sterilization practices.
• Drive process improvements to reduce infection risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Participate in emergency preparedness for outbreaks and bioterrorism.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Time management

Data analysis

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Healthcare software

Education

Bachelor's degree

Leadership experience

Master's degree preferred

Seven years experience in lieu

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Healthcare software systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

• Competitive Compensation – Salary and benefits package designed to reward your expertise, leadership, and contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options to support you and your family.
• Future Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) to support work‑life balance and personal well‑being.
• Career Growth Opportunities – Professional development, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across our organization.
• Recognition & Reward Programs – We celebrate employee achievements and contributions to our success.
• Exclusive Employee Discounts & Perks – Access to special savings and benefits designed for our team members.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive Compensation – Salary and benefits package designed to reward your expertise, leadership, and contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options to support you and your family.
• Future Security – 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching to help you build long‑term financial stability.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) to support work‑life balance and personal well‑being.
• Career Growth Opportunities – Professional development, leadership training, and advancement opportunities across our organization.
• Recognition & Reward Programs – We celebrate employee achievements and contributions to our success.
• Exclusive Employee Discounts & Perks – Access to special savings and benefits designed for our team members.

Job Summary

The Director, Infection Control oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the health system's infection prevention and control program. This role ensures compliance with state, federal, and The Joint Commission standards while advising on and implementing strategies to prevent the spread of infections. The Director collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, educates staff, and serves as a consultant for infection control practices, promoting patient and staff safety across the organization.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive infection prevention and control program, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Educates staff, leadership, and medical personnel on infection control policies, procedures, and emerging concerns, promoting adherence to evidence‑based practices.
• Administers system-wide infection control initiatives, including surveillance of healthcare‑associated infections (HAIs) and employee health exposures.
• Conducts regular audits to monitor and evaluate aseptic techniques, isolation protocols, and overall infection prevention practices.
• Collaborates with department leaders and medical staff to develop and update area‑specific infection control policies and procedures.
• Analyzes infection data and trends using surveillance software, preparing and presenting reports to leadership and quality committees.
• Advises on the selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and sterilization practices to optimize infection prevention.
• Leads process improvement initiatives to reduce infection risks and improve compliance with infection control standards.
• Participates in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness plans related to infectious disease outbreaks and bioterrorism.
• Oversees employee education on infection prevention, including new hire orientation, ongoing in‑service training, and updates on regulatory changes.
• Provides leadership and consultation on the management of infection outbreaks, including containment strategies and post‑exposure follow‑up.
• Stays current with emerging infectious diseases, best practices, and regulatory changes, integrating new knowledge into the organization’s infection control program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long‑term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost‑effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up‑to‑date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3‑5 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required
• 3‑5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross‑functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.

Licenses and Certifications

• CIC - Certified in Infection Control required
• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure preferred

Why Work at Lutheran Hospital?

At Lutheran Hospital, we’re more than healthcare providers, we’re a team dedicated to compassionate care and community wellness. Join us for a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our patients every day. Your skills, your passion, and your commitment matter here.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

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