System Director of Infection Prevention

Ascension; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

403(b) match

PTO & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Ascension is seeking an experienced leader to direct organization-wide infection control efforts in Nashville, TN. You will define goals, ensure regulatory alignment, manage staffing and budgets, and oversee audits to minimize transmission and exposure risks.

The role requires CBIC certification or equivalent and RN licensure in Tennessee. Advanced degree in public health is strongly preferred to drive hospital-wide quality and safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Certification specializing in Infection Control credentialed from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) obtained before hire date or transfer date.
• Registered Nurse credentialed from Tennessee Board of Nursing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs organization-wide surveillance, remediation, and reporting to mitigate transmission and occupational exposure risks.
• Defines infection control goals and standards in alignment with clinical, regulatory, legal, and ethical requirements.
• Manages end-to-end staffing functions, including recruitment, performance management, discipline, and continuing education.
• Prepares and oversees program budgets, ensures resource compliance, and directs internal and external audits.
• Leads the evaluation of healthcare-associated infection data to drive risk-reduction strategies and optimize patient outcomes.

Skills

Infection control leadership

Staff management

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare or related field

Associate's degree in healthcare field

Master's in Public Health preferred

Job description

Your future role at a glance

• Directs organization-wide surveillance, remediation, and reporting to mitigate transmission and occupational exposure risks.
• Defines infection control goals and standards in full alignment with clinical, regulatory, legal, and ethical requirements.
• Manages end-to-end staffing functions, including recruitment, performance management, discipline, and continuing education.
• Prepares and oversees program budgets, ensures resource compliance, and directs internal and external audits.
• Leads the evaluation of healthcare-associated infection data to drive risk-reduction strategies and optimize patient outcomes.

Eligible for an annual bonus incentive

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Directs organization-wide surveillance, remediation, and reporting to mitigate transmission and occupational exposure risks.
• Defines infection control goals and standards in full alignment with clinical, regulatory, legal, and ethical requirements.
• Manages end-to-end staffing functions, including recruitment, performance management, discipline, and continuing education.
• Prepares and oversees program budgets, ensures resource compliance, and directs internal and external audits.
• Leads the evaluation of healthcare-associated infection data to drive risk-reduction strategies and optimise patient outcomes.

What Minimum Requirements You’ll Need

Licensure / Certification / Registration

• Required Credential(s):
  • Certification specializing in Infection Control credentialed from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Preferred Credential(s):
  • Registered Nurse credentialed from the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Education

• High School diploma equivalency with 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 3 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required, with 2 of those years being in leadership/management.

Additional Preferences

• Masters in Public Health strongly preferred.

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.