(RN) Lung Transplant Program Manager - 140105

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 149,700 - 297,700; Full time

Job summary

The University of California San Diego seeks a Lung Transplant Program Manager to provide operational leadership. This role involves strategic planning, compliance oversight, and direction of daily transplant services, ensuring exceptional patient care.

The ideal candidate will have extensive clinical and leadership experience in healthcare operations. Responsibilities also include managing resources and developing high-performing teams. Benefits include a comprehensive compensation package based on experience.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive clinical experience, including 3+ years RN experience in a transplant environment.
• 4+ years of formal leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of CMS and OPTN/UNOS regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute transplant program growth and service expansion.
• Collaborate with leaders to align program goals.
• Direct daily transplant operations across the entire care continuum.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Ability

Operational Management

Regulatory Compliance

Quality Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing

Registered Nurse (RN) license

Tools

Epic

Phoenix

Job description

#140105 (RN) Lung Transplant Program Manager

Position Title: TRANSPLANT MGR 1

Department: Lung Acquisition

Worksite: Jacobs Medical Center

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, 8 Hour Shifts, Monday - Friday

DESCRIPTION

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, recognized for only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. The Transplant Manager reports to the Transplant Administrative Directors and collaborates with Medical and Surgical Directors to provide strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for the Transplant Program, optimizing patient outcomes and driving program growth. Responsibilities include developing strategic plans, ensuring regulatory compliance with UNOS, CMS, HRSA, overseeing all aspects of transplant operations from patient referral through post‑transplant care, managing resources and interdisciplinary teams, and working with external partners.

The candidate will provide operational oversight of UC San Diego Health’s Lung Transplant Program, consult with healthcare professionals to optimize coordination of patient care, and ensure sustainable program growth through effective resource utilization and operational excellence.

Required leadership skills include strong analytical ability, quality metric monitoring, performance improvement planning, and financial performance management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute transplant program growth and service expansion
• Partner with medical, surgical, and administrative leaders to align program goals with organizational priorities
• Maintain compliance with UNOS, CMS, HRSA, and other regulatory entities
• Support accreditation processes and participate in inspections and surveys
• Collaborate with Quality leadership on transplant‑specific policies and procedures
• Direct daily transplant operations across the entire care continuum
• Optimize workflows, staffing, and resources to ensure efficiency and clinical quality
• Oversee patient flow, transplant personnel, and external partnerships
• Lead operational improvement initiatives
• Build and develop high‑performing interdisciplinary teams
• Provide performance management, professional development, and succession planning
• Manage recruitment, evaluation, and corrective action processes
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on quality care and staff engagement
• Monitor UNOS metrics, patient outcomes, readmissions, and other quality indicators
• Participate in adverse event reviews and implement corrective actions
• Track clinical, operational, and financial performance against benchmarks
• Develop and manage program budgets
• Monitor payer mix, reimbursement trends, and cost structures
• Support vendor contract discussions and business development
• Monitor and optimize staff productivity
• Track and improve program productivity metrics
• Monitor case costs, revenue and overall financial performance

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of California.
• Current UCSD ART certification, or BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six months of hire date.
• Seven (7+) years of progressive clinical experience, including three (3+) years RN experience within a complex transplant and/or inpatient environment.
• Four (4+) years of formal leadership experience, with demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and navigate difficult conversations.
• Proven leadership capability in healthcare operations, including strategic planning, clinical operations management, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams through change, fostering a growth mindset, and supporting culture transformation in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of CMS Conditions of Participation and OPTN/UNOS regulatory requirements.
• Experience partnering with multidisciplinary stakeholders, including physicians, administrators, and frontline staff.
• Knowledge of workforce management principles, including performance management and accountability in a unionized or highly regulated environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Nursing or relevant area.
• Current experience working within an organ transplant program or transplant‑related clinical operations.
• Prior transplant leadership or management experience.
• Experience working in an academic medical center or teaching hospital environment.
• Knowledge of labor relations and experience working within a unionized workforce.
• CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) certification.
• Epic and Phoenix experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical.

PAY TRANSPARENCY ACT

Annual Full Pay Range: $149,700 - $297,700 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%).

Hourly Equivalent: $71.70 - $142.58.

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The hiring pay range referenced is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.