Director, Organ Donor Optimization

Donor Network of Arizona’s mission is to make the most of life through the gift of organ and tissue donation. We challenge ourselves and others every day to realize Arizona's potential to save and improve lives. Every employee at Donor Network of Arizona is responsible for embracing the organizational culture by upholding the Donor Network of Arizona’s core values of Positive Energy, Passion, and Eagerness.

Director, Organ Recovery Optimization

About the Role

Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) is seeking a strategic and mission-driven leader to serve as our Director, Organ Donor Optimization. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee all staffing, clinical operations, and performance related to organ donor management, organ recovery, preservation, and allocation.

This role ensures that every potential donor opportunity is maximized and that all viable organs are placed for transplant or research in alignment with DNA’s mission, regulatory requirements, and Tier 1 performance goals.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Clinical Services, the Director leads 24/7 organ recovery operations and partners closely with Referral Optimization and other donation teams to drive clinical excellence and operational efficiency.

This is an onsite leadership role based in Arizona. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to Arizona.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement departmental goals, strategies, and performance plans aligned with organizational objectives and Tier 1 benchmarks.
• Design and optimize departmental structure, workflows, and staffing models to ensure efficient and effective 24/7 coverage.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to donor management, organ recovery, placement, and utilization.
• Develop and manage annual departmental budgets.
• Establish systems to ensure visibility into quality, service levels, and operational performance.
• Ensure staff competency and compliance with Donor Network of Arizona policies, federal and state regulations, and professional standards.

Clinical Excellence & Oversight

• Direct and oversee donor management, organ recovery, preservation, and allocation activities.
• Ensure donors are managed using evidence-based clinical practices to optimize organ function and transplant suitability.
• Partner with Referral Optimization to evaluate potential donors and support timely and effective donation processes.
• Drive efforts to minimize organ discard and maximize placement opportunities for transplant or research.
• Maintain compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation, OPTN/UNOS policies, and all applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain clinical competency by participating in organ recovery coordination as operational needs require.
• Serve as a clinical resource and advisor across departments

Collaboration & Relationship Management

• Partner with hospital teams to foster strong working relationships and effective communication.
• Collaborate with Donor Family Services, Donor Program Development, and Referral Optimization to ensure seamless coordination from referral through organ placement.
• Support cross-functional initiatives to improve donation outcomes and operational performance.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop managers and supervisors within the department, promoting accountability and engagement.
• Establish clear performance expectations and measurable outcomes.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, competency validation, and performance management.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Ensure SOPs are current and aligned with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Promote a collaborative, resilient, and mission-driven team culture aligned with DNA’s core values of Positive Energy, Passion, and Eagerness.

Technology & Data Management

• Partner with IT and Business Intelligence teams to ensure effective utilization of technology and EMR systems.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation and data reporting.
• Monitor and analyze departmental metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Minimum Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• CPTC (Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator) certification required.
• 5+ years of experience within an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO)
• 3+ years of progressive leadership experience managing clinical teams
• Critical care background with one of the following credentials:
  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Paramedic (NRP/EMT-P)
  • Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Demonstrated experience improving operational performance metrics

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Nursing, Leadership, or related field
• 5+ years of OPO management experience
• Experience leading performance improvement initiatives
• Exposure to advanced organ utilization or preservation practices

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic Thinking
• Business Judgment
• Drive for Results
• Talent Management
• Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Building Collaboration
• Integrity & Resilience
• Learning Orientation
• Leading Courageously

Physical & Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Frequent standing, walking, and hands-on clinical activity
• Exposure to ICU, ER, and OR environments
• Exposure to biohazardous materials (PPE required)
• Long and irregular hours, including crisis response
• Travel as required
• On-call or contact outside scheduled working hours

We Offer 

• Competitive Salary
• Annual Organizational Incentive Program
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• 403(b) Employer Match & Profit Sharing
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Wellness & Assistance Programs
• Inclusive culture consistently recognized as a top workplace in Arizona
• Tobacco-free, drug-free workplace

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Donor Network of Arizona is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.  All employment is based on qualifications, merit and business need. If you require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or interview process, please contact our team at [email protected]. We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.