Director of Emergency Services

Director of Emergency Services – Fort Walton Beach, FL

Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Days
Salary Range: $132,579 – $172,369 (up to ~$180K–$185K for highly experienced candidates)
Annual Performance Bonus: 17.5% – 26.25%
Relocation Assistance: Case-by-case

Overview

A 331-bed acute care hospital in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is seeking a Director of Emergency Services to lead operations across the main Emergency Department and multiple freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs).

This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, patient-centered emergency care while overseeing staffing, patient throughput, departmental budgets, and operational strategy. The Director will work closely with executive leadership and physicians to drive clinical excellence, improve patient experience, and support departmental growth initiatives.

The Emergency Department includes a 40-bed main ED with Level II Trauma designation, along with two freestanding emergency departments (12 beds each) and plans to open an additional FSED in the near future.

Responsibilities

Clinical Quality & Operations

• Lead emergency department operations to ensure delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care.

• Implement evidence-based practices to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Monitor clinical practice variation and implement strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Coordinate patient throughput, volume forecasting, and care transitions.

Patient Experience

• Promote a culture focused on exceptional patient experience.

• Analyze feedback and performance metrics to improve satisfaction and service delivery.

• Partner with patient experience leaders to implement evidence-based service initiatives.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead and develop ED leadership team and frontline staff.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and engagement.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities for managers and staff.

• Implement retention and recruitment strategies to build a strong workforce.

Growth & Strategic Development

• Collaborate with administrative and physician leadership to expand services and drive growth.

• Identify opportunities for program development and technology adoption.

• Support initiatives that increase patient volume and market differentiation.

Financial Management

• Participate in annual budget development and financial planning.

• Monitor departmental financial performance and address budget variances.

• Manage labor productivity, staffing models, and premium pay utilization.

• Identify cost savings opportunities while maintaining quality care delivery.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

• 3+ years of current or recent Emergency Department Director experience

• Experience leading ED operations in a Level I or Level II Trauma Center

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field

• Experience managing high-volume emergency departments

Department Overview

• Hospital Size: 331 beds

• Main Emergency Department: 40 beds

• Trauma Level: Level II

• Average ED Volume: 120–125 patients per day

• Freestanding ERs: Two (12 beds each) with a third planned

• Direct Reports: 2 ED Managers

• Total FTEs: 64 (main ED)

• Clinical Designations: Primary Stroke Center, STEMI-capable

Ideal Candidate

• High-energy leader capable of inspiring large clinical teams

• Experienced in managing high-volume emergency departments

• Skilled in patient throughput and operational efficiency

• Proven ability to improve quality metrics and team engagement

• Comfortable leading both hospital-based and freestanding emergency departments

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