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Director Emergency Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Med Ninjas

Emergency Medicine Physician

Dyersville, IA · On-site

... " dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:c0d9d5ff-89f2-45cb-89b0-b946107aa6ad-58" data-turn-id ... Physician - Emergency Medicine Location: Iowa Rate: Open & Negotiable Shift: 24 Hour In-House ...

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All JobsEmergency JobsDirector Emergency JobsDirector Emergency Jobs in Iowa

Director Emergency information

See Iowa salary details

$24K

$107K

$175.6K

How much do director emergency jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for director emergency in Iowa is $106,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,900.00 and $132,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of emergency do?

A Director of Emergency is responsible for overseeing the operations of an emergency department within a hospital or healthcare facility. They manage staff, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and develop policies to provide high-quality emergency care. Their role also involves budgeting, resource allocation, and coordinating with other departments to ensure efficient patient flow and safety. Additionally, they may be involved in training programs, quality improvement initiatives, and emergency preparedness planning.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of emergency services and how can they be addressed?

Directors of Emergency Services often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, ensuring adequate staffing during peak times, and maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. Effective communication and strong leadership are key to fostering a collaborative environment and addressing these challenges. Regularly updating protocols, investing in staff training, and implementing efficient triage systems can help streamline operations and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, building strong interdisciplinary relationships supports better resource allocation and crisis management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of emergency, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Emergency, you need extensive clinical expertise in emergency medicine, leadership experience, and an advanced degree such as a BSN or MSN, often with additional certifications like CEN or TNCC. Familiarity with hospital management systems, electronic health records, and emergency preparedness protocols is crucial. Strong decision-making, crisis management, and communication skills help lead teams effectively under pressure. These competencies ensure efficient, high-quality emergency care delivery and the ability to navigate complex, high-stress situations.

What is the difference between Director Emergency vs Emergency Manager?

AspectDirector EmergencyEmergency Manager
Required CredentialsOften requires advanced degrees in emergency management, public safety, or related fields; certifications like CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) are commonTypically holds similar certifications such as CEM; may have degrees in emergency management, public safety, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentLeads emergency response teams, coordinates with government agencies, and manages large-scale crises in organizational or governmental settingsDevelops emergency plans, conducts training, and manages response efforts at organizational or community levels
Employer & Industry UsageFound in government agencies, large corporations, and healthcare organizationsCommonly employed by local governments, nonprofits, and private sector organizations

While both roles focus on emergency preparedness and response, the Director Emergency typically holds a higher leadership position overseeing entire programs or departments, whereas the Emergency Manager often handles planning, training, and coordination at organizational levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Emergency jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Emergency jobs in Iowa are:

Director Emergency jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Emergency job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,955 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Executive Director - Emergency Services

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines is seeking a dynamic and collaborative healthcare leader to serve as Executive Director, Emergency Services (ED & EMS). This executive leadership role provides strategic, operational, and clinical oversight across key patient care and support service areas spanning Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, and Methodist West Hospital.
Guided by the UnityPoint Health mission, vision, and values, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing operational excellence, quality and safety outcomes, employee engagement, patient experience, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance across assigned service lines.
This leader will partner closely with physicians, nursing leaders, operational teams, and executive stakeholders to drive care coordination, strengthen organizational performance, and support innovation across a complex, multi-campus environment. The ideal candidate brings strong healthcare leadership experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for developing high-performing teams and advancing exceptional patient care.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
As Executive Director, you will provide leadership and direction for designated service lines, partnering closely with physicians, operational leaders, and executive stakeholders to drive performance, quality, and strategic growth.
Key responsibilities include:
    • Provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership for Emergency Services, Nursing Operations, and assigned clinical/support departments
    • Lead departmental budgeting, resource allocation, operational planning, and performance management
    • Partner with physicians, clinical leaders, and service line stakeholders to advance organizational goals and strengthen care delivery
    • Develop and support high-performing leaders through coaching, mentorship, and succession planning
    • Align and standardize care delivery across multiple campuses while recognizing the unique needs of each patient population
    • Drive operational improvement initiatives using evidence, performance metrics, and outcomes data
    • Collaborate across service lines to enhance patient flow, care coordination, and organizational performance
    • Ensure compliance with specialty program standards and accreditation requirements, including Trauma, Stroke, Residency, and other regulatory distinctions
    • Foster a culture of safety, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
    • Support emergency preparedness and organizational response efforts as part of the hospital incident command structure

Qualifications
  • Master's degree required (MSN, MHA, MBA, or other healthcare, nursing, or business-related graduate degree)
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience within a hospital, outpatient, or clinical environment, including responsibility for operational, financial, and people leadership
  • Demonstrated success improving operational, clinical, quality, and/or patient experience outcomes
  • Proven ability to lead leaders, develop high-performing teams, manage change, and build strong cross-functional partnerships
  • Strong communication, relationship-building, and executive leadership skills required
  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Iowa required (or ability to obtain prior to start date, if applicable)
  • Professional certification applicable to nursing or healthcare leadership preferred
  • Valid driver's license required if operating a vehicle for work-related responsibilities

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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