Simulation Operations Specialist Lead CDH Full-time Days

Northwestern Medicine; Winfield (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Sign-on bonus eligibility

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Simulation Operations Specialist Lead to provide advanced technical and operational support for simulation-based education. The role leads a team, mentors technicians, and coordinates daily operations across multiple sites.

You will collaborate with educators and clinical leaders to design innovative programs, support strategic quality initiatives, and ensure safe, high-fidelity simulation experiences aligned with NM goals.

Qualifications

• Education/experience options as listed: BA/BS or equivalent combinations.
• Experience in simulation-based education or healthcare simulation.
• Proficiency with audio/visual systems and simulation software.

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding and development of simulation staff.
• Coordinate daily simulation operations across sites.
• Oversee program policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Design and implement innovative simulation-based education programs.
• Analyze data related to simulation usage and outcomes.
• Mentor staff and ensure high-quality experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Simulation operations

AV systems

Data analysis

Scheduling

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate degree + 3 years experience

High school + 5 years experience

Tools

Laerdal

Gaumard

CAE

KBPort

AV systems

Job description

Description

TheSimulation Operations Specialist Lead reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards.

This role provides advanced technical and operational support for simulation-based education and serves as a team lead for simulation operations. The Lead is responsible for mentoring Simulation Operations Specialists and/or Technicians, coordinating daily operations, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring high-quality simulation experiences that align with organizational goals.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Program Development

• Serve as the primary point of contact for simulation operations and act as liaison between simulation staff, faculty, and leadership.
• Lead the onboarding, training, and ongoing development of Simulation Operations Specialists, Technicians, and other simulation users.
• Assist in the development and implementation of simulation program policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Coordinate and oversee daily operations of simulation activities across multiple sites or departments.
• Collaborate with simulation educators and clinical leaders to design and implement innovative simulation-based education programs.
• Support strategic planning and quality improvement initiatives related to simulation operations.

Technical Operations

• Provide advanced technical support for all simulation operations, including setup, maintenance, and repair of simulators, task trainers, and multimedia equipment.
• Oversee the programming and testing of simulation scenarios and ensure fidelity and realism in simulation environments.
• Ensure simulation equipment functionality, security, and safety; coordinate repairs and upgrades with vendors and internal teams.
• Maintain inventory and recommend purchases of simulation-related equipment and supplies.

Scheduling & Coordination

• Manage simulation scheduling and resource allocation to optimize utilization and efficiency.
• Coordinate logistics for simulation events, including moulage, staging, and role-playing as needed.
• Ensure simulation environments are safe, organized, and conducive to learning.

Data & Communication

• Collect, analyze, and report data related to simulation usage, outcomes, and quality metrics.
• Support the development of communication tools such as newsletters, dashboards, and internal team sites.
• Maintain data confidentiality and security in accordance with institutional policies.

Other Duties

• Provide tours and demonstrations for visitors and stakeholders.
• Stay current with emerging simulation technologies and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Simulation Program leadership.

Qualifications

Required:

• Education and Experience (any one of the following):
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., healthcare, biomedical engineering, education, or technology), or
  • Associate degree with a minimum ofthree yearsof relevant simulation or technical experience, or
  • High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum offive yearsof progressively responsible experience in simulation operations or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated experience in simulation-based education or healthcare simulation.
• Proficiency in audio/visual systems and simulation software.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Working knowledge of standard medical equipment and simulation technologies.
• Valid government-issued driver’s license (North Region only).

Preferred:

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS).
• Experience with Laerdal, Gaumard, CAE, KBPort, and AV systems.
• Experience in program development, staff training, and quality improvement initiatives.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position):Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.