Nursing Quality and Safety Director (Ambulatory Care Services)

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Nursing Quality and Safety Director for Ambulatory Care at University of Michigan Health (UMH) is a strategic leader responsible for advancing the quality and safety of nursing practice across outpatient settings. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and fosters a culture of safety and excellence in patient care. The Director collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to align quality goals with institutional priorities and supports data-driven decision-making to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

*This position reports to the Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Ambulatory Care

Key responsibilities:  

Quality Improvement and Compliance

• Design, implement, and evaluate quality improvement initiatives across ambulatory care units.
• Identify key performance indicators and quality metrics in alignment with Ambulatory Care delivery.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS).
• Lead the development of clinical integration of quality and data information.
• Develop tools and dashboards to track and report quality metrics, including physician-specific quality report cards.

Patient Safety Leadership

• Develop and oversee patient safety programs and risk mitigation strategies utilizing data and in partnership with Safety Management Services.
• Investigate safety events and implement corrective actions.
• Promote a just culture and a culture of continuous learning.
• Educate staff on safety protocols and evidence-based practices.

Data Analytics and Reporting

• Analyze clinical and operational data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare and present performance reports to executive leadership and quality committees.
• Monitor progress toward performance goals and adjust strategies as needed.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead a team of quality and safety specialists and clinical staff.
• Serve as a liaison between nursing, medical staff, and administrative leadership.
• Represent ambulatory nursing on institutional quality and safety councils.
• Support strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives utilizing data to help leaders remove barriers to enhance measurable outcomes.
• Responsible for establishing clear  frameworks with nursing directors for the use of  data-driven action plans to ensure consistent follow-through, accountability, and improved patient outcomes, regardless of reporting lines
• Other Duties as Assigned

• Current RN license in the State of Michigan.
• Master's degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Business, or related field (Juris Doctor degree may be considered) 
  • If Master's degree is not in Nursing, then a Bachelor's degree in Nursing is required.
  • Doctoral degree in Nursing or a related health care field is strongly preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in ambulatory care or quality/safety roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in quality improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Strong knowledge of population health, care transitions, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.

• Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Patient Safety (CPPS), or Nursing Leadership (NEA-BC or CNML).
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and clinical decision support tools.
• Familiarity with UMH systems, culture, and strategic priorities.

Hours: 40 hours/week

Shift and hours will vary based on departmental needs, but primarily Monday through Friday with some flexibility.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Execution
• Clinical and Business Acumen
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Effective Communication and Influence
• Change Management and Innovation
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.