Reports to the Director of Heart, Vascular, and Stroke Service Line at the respective sites and the Vice President of Heart, Vascular, and Stroke Service Line for the health system. Provides strategic and operational leadership for all stroke programs across the health system to ensure system-wide continuity and growth. Works in conjunction with stroke program coordinators to ensure clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, program integration, and continuous quality improvement across the stroke care continuum. Oversees staff members providing stroke patient-care services and assists with managing the overall operations of the departments. Contributes to the development/revision of policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care within the department at each site.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS 

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart. 

• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion. 

• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team. 

Manages the activities of program staff to ensure high quality, efficient patient care by:

• Develop and execute a unified strategic vision for stroke services across all system facilities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, national standards, and evidence-based best practices.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion, service line development, and regional partnerships to enhance stroke care access and quality.
• Serve as the primary liaison between stroke programs and executive leadership, presenting performance data, strategic recommendations, and resource requests.

• Directly supervise and mentor stroke coordinators, nurse navigators, data analysts, research coordinators, and other stroke program personnel across all system locations.
• Collaborate with program coordinators to identify, design, and implement quality improvement projects at their respective sites and/or across the health system.

• Ensuring the availability of equipment, supplies or other resources required for patient care.

• Responsible for approval of payroll.

• Assists with service recovery, resolving customer concerns, conducting investigations and intervening when immediate attention is needed and reporting results to the appropriate person.

• Working with staff to develop interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

• Provides operational leadership for the Stroke Program by supervising program activities, guiding staff performance, fostering teamwork, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, efficient patient care. 

• Manages staffing, scheduling, resource allocation, and service recovery while supporting professional development, coaching, and performance management for department staff. 

• Collaborates with executive leadership and program Medical Director to support strategic planning and operational goals, including budgeting, cost-efficiency initiatives, and evaluation of program policies, procedures, and standards of care. 

• Oversees quality improvement, regulatory readiness, and accreditation compliance; ensures program practices meet hospital policies and the standards of all applicable regulatory agencies. 

• Performs additional responsibilities and special projects to support program effectiveness and organizational goals. 

• Works with the stroke program Medical Director to ensure development, implementation, and compliance with clinical practice guidelines and protocols.
• Collaborates closely with the stroke program Medical Director and program coordinators to delineate program policies and procedures that standardize medical and system processes.

• Participates in ongoing professional development to remain an agile leader and partner to the stroke program Medical Director.

Assists with managing the overall operations of the program by:

• Participating in interviewing and the selection of new staff.

• Preparing and giving performance appraisals, coaching and, if necessary, disciplining staff as directed.

• Coordinating Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance activities.

• Providing input into the formation of capital and operating budgets; also assisting with the implementation of cost-efficient programs.

• Conducting product analysis and pursuing cost saving initiatives.

• Assisting with the development, implementation and evaluation of program goals, policies, procedures or standards of care.

• Participating in nursing, hospital and/or community committees and activities relating to nursing practice.

• Conducts program meetings as directed.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related duties and special projects as directed.

Leadership Competencies

• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.

• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.

• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements: 

• Attends and participates in program meetings and is accountable for all information shared. 

• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and program specific education within established timeframes. 

• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes. 

• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year. 

• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department. 

• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance. 

• Complies with established organization and department policies. 

• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way: 

• Leverage innovation everywhere. 

• Cultivate human talent. 

• Embrace performance improvement. 

• Build greatness through accountability. 

• Use information to improve and advance. 

• Communicate clearly and continuously. 

Qualifications 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in stroke care, neuroscience services, or related clinical specialty required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a leadership or management role required.

• One to two years of experience in data management, outcome management, and measurements required.

• Technical skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel) are preferred.

• Experience in leading teams to drive changes within the system through development and patient safety improvement projects that meet the needs of the stroke patient population.

Knowledge & Skills 

• Requires working knowledge of program policies, procedures, and practices. 

• Demonstrates solid management skills needed to provide effective direction and manage the effective utilization of resources; also requires the ability to promote teamwork. 

• Requires strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and convey information clearly across all staff levels. 

• Demonstrates excellent planning and organizational skills to coordinate projects and diverse teams effectively. 

• Requires a strong customer service orientation. 

• Proficient in computer applications, electronic health records, and data management tools.

• Familiarity with research methodology.

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Clear and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.

• Ability to prioritize, organize, and work independently under pressure.

• Skilled in resource utilization and maintaining collaborative relationships. 

Working Conditions 

• Works in a patient care environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, certain undesirable patient care activities, and possible exposure to biohazards, 

• Requires schedule flexibility due to the department's 24 hours per day, 7 days per week operation 

• At risk for occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. 

• Requires travel.

Physical Demands 

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.