Senior Director, Adult Acute Services

Job Title: Senior Director, Adult Acute Services

Location: Missoula, MT

Job Type: Full-Time (0.8 – 1.0 FTE)

Shift: 8-hour Day Shift | Start Time: 8:00 AM

Salary Range: $115,000 – $145,000

Sign-On Bonus: $30,000 (with a 2-year commitment for eligible external candidates)

About the Role

Client is seeking a visionary and results-driven Senior Director of Adult Acute Services to lead clinical operations and strategic planning across our Adult Acute Care service line. This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring high standards of care, operational excellence, fiscal accountability, and professional development across nursing and acute care programs.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage large-scale change initiatives, and foster a culture of patient- and family-centered care. Reporting directly to senior leadership, the Senior Director will serve as a key driver of our commitment to excellence in clinical care and nursing practice.

Key Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership

• Lead the strategic and daily operations of the Adult Acute Services unit.
• Align departmental goals with the Client’s mission, vision, and values.
• Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high-quality patient outcomes.
• Collaborate with medical staff and administrators to optimize workflows and patient satisfaction.
• Lead change management efforts and champion evidence-based care delivery.

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee budget development, cost control, and resource allocation.
• Monitor staffing models and financial performance; develop business plans to support growth and operational improvements.
• Ensure optimal use of space, supplies, and clinical personnel in line with patient volume and budgetary constraints.

Administrative Oversight

• Supervise department heads and managers, ensuring high-functioning teams and aligned goals.
• Manage compliance with all regulatory, legal, and organizational requirements.
• Implement metrics-driven performance evaluations and improvement strategies.
• Lead initiatives in patient safety, clinical quality, and outcome-based improvements.

Human Capital & Talent Development

• Build a workplace culture that promotes engagement, innovation, and inclusion.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and retention strategies for acute care nursing staff and leaders.
• Mentor leaders and clinical teams through succession planning and professional growth programs.
• Support ongoing development through education, certification, and leadership programs.

Education & Collaboration

• Serve as a clinical educator and mentor for emerging leaders, students, and residents.
• Actively engage in professional development, participating in committees, conferences, and relevant external networks.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Business, or Healthcare Administration strongly preferred.
• Current Montana RN license (or compact equivalent) required.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Board certification in a clinical or administrative specialty.
• Certification in Patient Safety and/or Clinical Quality.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive nursing leadership experience required; 5 years preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading clinical operations in an acute care environment.
• Strong track record of team development, quality improvement, and budget management.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse clinical teams.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with operational budgets and strategic planning.
• Effective communicator with strengths in negotiation, collaboration, and change management.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations, compliance, and accreditation standards.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and continuous innovation.

Why Join Us?

At Client, you’re more than your job title—you’re part of a team making a meaningful difference every day. As a Senior Director, you’ll help shape the future of healthcare in our community through compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and extended illness bank
• Life and disability insurance, accident/critical injury coverage, and identity protection
• 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and loan assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for physical, mental, and financial wellness
• Career development, education opportunities, and leadership growth programs

About Client

Client is a 151-bed hospital based in Missoula, Montana, and a proud member of Lifepoint Health. With a shared mission of making communities healthier®, we provide advanced acute care services supported by leading technology, compassionate staff, and a commitment to innovation. Join a healthcare organization where your leadership makes a lasting impact from day one.