Director of Surgical Services

The Director of Surgical Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and clinical direction for all surgical recovery functions across South Florida Donor Network. This role is accountable for advancing organizational performance in organ recovery, preservation, and allocation while ensuring full regulatory compliance and clinical excellence. Responsible for compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to clinical regulations promulgated by the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS), the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO). Must build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external clients. This position has considerable “on-call” requirements.

• Ensure  departmental policies and procedures comply with OPTN/UNOS/CMS/AOPO standards. 
• Establish and execute a comprehensive strategic vision for Surgical Services aligned with SFDN’s organizational goals and growth initiatives.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to enterprise-wide strategy, decision-making, and culture development.
• Lead the evaluation, adoption, and integration of emerging technologies and clinical best practices to advance organ recovery and transplantation outcomes.
• Drive innovation and process optimization to improve operational efficiency, clinical quality, and donor utilization rates.
• Provide executive      oversight of surgical recovery operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency across all functions.
• Ensure organizational readiness and excellence in all aspects of organ recovery, preservation, packaging, and transportation.
• Oversee staffing  models, workforce planning, and resource allocation to meet current and future operational demands.
• Establish performance standards and ensure the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) across the department.
• Ensure enterprise-wide compliance with CMS, OPTN/UNOS, OSHA, and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and governance of clinical policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Provide oversight of the perfusion laboratory, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to lead QAPI initiatives, analyze outcomes data, and implement corrective actions.
• Build, lead, and develop a high performing team fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Oversee leadership development, succession planning, and workforce capability building within Surgical Services.
• Collaborate with the Education and Development team to design and implement training, competency frameworks, and professional development programs.
• Champion employee engagement, retention, and professional growth initiatives.
• Establish and monitor departmental and organizational scorecards, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights to enhance patient outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant reporting of all clinical and operational records.
• Serve as the senior representative for Surgical Services with hospitals, transplant centers, physicians, and community stakeholders.
• Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships within the Donation Service Area (DSA).
• Collaborate across departments to maximize donation opportunities and organizational impact.
• Promote SFDN as a leader in clinical excellence and community service.
• Work cross-functionally with senior leaders to ensure alignment, integration, and consistency across all operational areas.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives focused on culture, employee experience, and mission advancement.
• Lead and participate in      executive committees, strategic planning sessions, and governance forums.