Executive Director, FDN Quality Systems

Join LifeLink — Join a Life Saving Team

About LifeLink
More than four decades ago, a visionary group of innovators, led by renowned nephrologist Dr. Dana Shires, made a life-changing commitment—to save lives through organ and tissue donation. From that bold beginning, LifeLink Foundation was established – founded with heart, purpose, and a mission that still guides us today.

What started as a nonprofit with big dreams has grown into a vision-driven organization of more than 700 dedicated professionals across west-central Florida, Georgia, parts of South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

At LifeLink, we are united by our mission: To honor donors and save lives through organ and tissue donation.

Our vision remains clear: To maximize the gift of life while giving hope to donor families and transplant patients.

We are grounded in the values that shape our work and culture—Compassion. Excellence. Legacy. People. Quality.

If you're inspired by purpose, driven by impact, and ready to help save and heal lives, LifeLink is the place for you.

What You'll Do
As an Executive Director, Foundation Quality Systems you will directly contribute to LifeLink's life-saving mission. 

This position is responsible for management and execution of the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan and applicable initiatives as well as continual quality improvement in accordance with LifeLink Foundation and OPO specific standard operating procedures. It will ensure development, implementation and monitoring of regulatory compliance related to internal, industry and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. In addition, this position will direct the routine activities of OPO quality managers. Specific areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, preparation and response to internal and external OPO audits; facilitation of OPO required training including competencies; record management in applicable LifeLink Foundation platforms; and ongoing facilitation of electronic documentation record updates and implementation. Multi-site oversight capacity, with some travel across states and service areas.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality assurance systems and activities including but not limited to document control, auditing, training, variances, CAPAs/RCAs, PDSAs, etc.
• Works closely with the OPO Directors to review external regulatory agency (CMS, OPTN, AOPO, etc.) requirements, including regular review of standards and available measurements ensuring compliance with requirements and reporting.
• Provides oversight and audit of all data and documentation required for submission to meet deadlines for federal and state certifications and scheduled data submissions to UNOS, SRTR, AOPO, and other entities as required.
• Development of an OPO audit process to include: scheduling, frequency, sampling procedures and reporting.
• Responsible for ongoing facilitation of policy review and approval process, in conjunction with the policy review committee, through designated LifeLink platform; this includes participation in ongoing policy review committee meetings; facilitation of interim policy revision and approvals recommended via internal committee and external regulatory change; and coordination of annual policy review, revision, approval and implementation per LifeLink policy.
• Works with tissue partners to ensure requirements are reflected in OPO policies as appropriate.
• Responsible for participation in quarterly Process/ Performance Improvement Committee (PIC) meetings including attendance and active participation in all standing committees of the PIC, ensuring committee goals and actions are congruent with the OPO Quality Assessment Performance Improvement Plan. 
• Ensures compliance with and ongoing evaluation of OPO Quality Assessment Performance Improvement Plan in conjunction with all LifeLink OPOs and LifeLink Foundation designated staff.
• Responsible for the development, review, and implementation of training and educational programs applicable to quality and/or compliance with internal and external regulations. Facilitates consistent documentation in applicable LifeLink platforms.
• Participates in CMS, UNOS, AOPO and any other audits/surveys, as required.
• Provided oversight for the OPO variance documentation process.
• Continuously identifies areas of improvement through data and process analysis for the OPOs.
• Facilitates the incorporation of value stream mapping and deliverables into practice for QA processes.
• Participates in the testing and validation of new iTx releases, updating protocols/guidelines and policies as needed.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Serves as a liaison and maintains professional relationships and rapport with LifeLink leadership and staff.
• Assists in the development and analysis of all statistical performance measurements of organ activity, quality and regulatory compliance. Conducts ongoing monitoring of occurrences, variances, complaints and adverse outcomes for trends analysis and to ensure consistent quality practices.

Who You Are

• Passionate about helping others and making a difference
• Aligned with LifeLink's core values of Compassion, Excellence, Legacy, People, and Quality
• Nursing, PA, or Bachelor's degree in a Biological Science or Business or equivalent, Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of two to four years of experience with Quality Assurance/Process Improvement processes and prior management experience a plus.
• Demonstrates critical thinking in an effort to analyze data that monitors department trends and identify action items to improve performance.
• Must possess interpersonal skills necessary to interact with all levels of staff.
• Advanced knowledge of medical terminology.
• Specific training in Quality Assurance/Process Improvement such as Total Quality management (TQM), LEAN, Six Sigma, American Society of Quality - ASQ CQMOE or equivalent, ASQ CQA, with or without a  Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC) certification preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of computer-based skills, including word processing and spreadsheet development utilizing Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Must be able to function independently and have the ability to interpret regulations and their relevancy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze documentation and identify breaches in policy.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and attention to detail required.
• A collaborator who thrives in a mission-first environment

Why LifeLink?

• Be part of an organization with a legacy of saving lives and giving hope
• Join a passionate and supportive team across Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico
• COMPANY PAID Medical, Dental, Disability & Life Insurance
• Generous COMPANY PAID Pension Plan for your Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days & Holidays
• Growth opportunities in a mission-driven, high-impact nonprofit
• Work with purpose, knowing your efforts directly touch lives

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
LifeLink is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment that reflects the communities we serve.

Ready to Help Change Lives?
Your next career move could be the most meaningful one yet.