Manager, Clinical Services, NICCU

Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is seeking a Manager of Clinical Services for its Level IV Neonatal and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU). This role involves oversight of clinical operations, strategic planning, and fostering staff development. Candidates should have 3-5 years of NICU experience and demonstrated leadership skills. A Master’s degree and current California RN license are required alongside various neonatal nursing certifications. The role promotes a collaborative environment and focuses on quality care delivery.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of recent NICU clinical experience in a Level III or IV NICU.
• Minimum 1-2 years of leadership experience in clinical settings.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of operational, clinical, and educational functions in the NICCU.
• Engagement in strategic planning and program development.
• Fostering a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Neonatal critical care standards

Leadership

Effective communication

Conflict resolution

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s degree

Current California RN license

American Heart Association BLS and PALS certifications

National Certification in neonatal nursing

Job description

Purpose Statement/Position Summary

The Manager of Clinical Services assumes primary responsibility and oversight for all aspects of the work area, including establishing and maintaining the CHLA culture of care, as well as operational, clinical, and educational functions. The role supports a 58-bed Level IV Neonatal and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU); one of the most advanced neonatal programs, providing care for the highest acuity neonatal and infant populations, including complex medical and surgical conditions. The unit operates within the Fetal and Neonatal Institute and partners closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, family-centered care. The Manager engages in strategic planning and program development to support staff growth and delegation of responsibilities. This role analyzes and utilizes outcomes data to drive performance improvement and quality outcomes in alignment with regulatory and accreditation requirements. The Manager fosters a collaborative team environment while maintaining the ability to function independently across all aspects of the work area. This leader ensures policies, procedures, and care delivery are developmentally appropriate and consistent with best‑practice neonatal critical care standards. The role empowers staff to achieve unit goals and supports continuous professional development to sustain high reliability and clinical excellence.

Minimum Qualifications/Work Experience

3-5 years of recent NICU clinical experience in a Level III or IV NICU. Minimum 1-2 years of leadership experience (charge nurse, supervisor, assistant manager, or equivalent). Previous supervisory and fiscal management experience preferred.

• Expert clinical knowledge of unit's patient population.
• Ability to lead others.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, both verbally and in writing.

Education/Licensure/Certifications

Master’s degree required. 15+ years of nursing or healthcare leadership experience may substitute for a Master’s degree.

• Current California RN license.
• American Heart Association BLS and PALS required.
• National Certification in neonatal nursing (e.g., RNC‑NIC, CCRN‑N) or Leadership certification (e.g., NE‑BC, NEA‑BC).
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.

Skills/Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of neonatal critical care standards, regulatory requirements, and patient safety practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage staffing, and coordinate patient care delivery.
• Effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration skills.
• Basic financial and operational understanding (staffing, throughput, quality metrics).