Nonprofit Medical Program Director (CA Registered Nurse) – Program Leadership Role

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts in Carlsbad, CA, seeks an experienced RN leader as Medical Program Director (RN) to oversee the Medical Department. This full-time, on-site role blends clinical expertise with program management to deliver high-quality patient care and expand surgical programming.

Lead staff and volunteers, supervise Surgery Weekends, and coordinate with hospital partners while mentoring teams and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• BSN is required; Master's degree preferred.
• Current California RN license required.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical nursing and healthcare leadership experience; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Current CPR certification required; ACLS, PALS, and CNOR certifications preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and clinical operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Medical Department to ensure efficient and effective healthcare services.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, surgeons, physicians, and care teams to facilitate communication and coordination.
• Oversee Surgery Weekends, staffing, scheduling, and resources for clinical and volunteer teams.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and monitor resources responsibly.
• Represent the organization in community and professional settings and support outreach activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Job description

Are you an experienced RN with a passion for leadership and a desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of children?

At Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, our mission goes beyond medical care. Since 1991, our nonprofit organization has transformed the lives of infants, children, and teens by providing reconstructive surgeries and related medical care services at absolutely no cost to their families. Our work is made possible by dedicated medical professionals, compassionate volunteers, and a team committed to giving every child the opportunity for a brighter future.

We're seeking an experienced nurse leader who is passionate about making an impact. As our Medical Program Director (RN), you'll combine your clinical expertise with strategic leadership, team development, and program oversight to help expand our reach and transform more lives.

Work Location: This is a full-time, in-person position based at our office in Carlsbad, California, requiring on-site attendance five days per week. Fully remote work arrangements are not available for this role.

Position Overview: The Medical Program Director (RN) provides leadership and operational oversight for the Medical Department (Clinic). This role combines strong nursing expertise, program management, and team leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care and successful surgical programming. The Director serves as a key liaison between patients, families, physicians, volunteers, and hospital partners, ensuring exceptional communication, coordination, and patient outcomes. The Director is responsible for managing Surgery Weekends, supervising staff and volunteers, supporting outreach activities, and fostering a collaborative, patient-centered environment.

Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Medical Department to ensure efficient and effective healthcare services.
• Serve as a strong leader, mentor, and resource for medical staff, volunteers, and administrative team members.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, patient safety, and service excellence.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and best practices.
• Manage healthcare programs and services associated with Rady Children's Hospital and collaborate closely with hospital coordinators.

Clinical and Patient Care Responsibilities

• Serve as a Registered Nurse leader and advocate for patient-centered care.
• Act as a liaison between patients, families, surgeons, physicians, and care teams to facilitate communication and coordination.
• Support patient consultations, evaluations, diagnostic testing, surgeries, laser treatments, speech therapy, and dental treatment scheduling.
• Provide clinical guidance and ensure continuity of care throughout the patient journey.
• Participate in patient outreach events and assist with patient assessments when appropriate.

Operational Oversight

• Manage and coordinate Surgery Weekends, ensuring staffing, scheduling, resources, and operational readiness.
• Prepare and maintain cohesive surgery schedules and secure necessary clinical and volunteer resources.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and monitor resources responsibly.
• Plan and facilitate Joint Oversight Committee meetings and Medical Program Committee meetings.
• Oversee staff training and professional development initiatives.

Community Engagement

• Represent the organization in community and professional settings.
• Support patient outreach and education activities that further the mission of Fresh Start Surgical Gifts.
• Build strong relationships with healthcare providers, community partners and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master's degree preferred.
• Current California Registered Nursing (RN) License required.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical nursing and healthcare leadership experience; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Current CPR certification required; ACLS, PALS, and CNOR certifications preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and clinical operations.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated compassion and commitment to serving underserved populations.
• Excellent relationship-building and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Adaptability and sound decision-making in a dynamic healthcare environment.
• Highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Salary Range: $120,000-$140,000

DISCLAIMER The duties listed above are intended only as representation of the essential functions of this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change at the sole discretion of the employer. Nothing in this document alters an employee’s at-will employment status. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, including braids, locks, and twists), ethnicity, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, caste, sex (including childbirth, breast feeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age (40 and over), protected medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, disability (mental and physical), reproductive health decision-making, medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws