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Director Quality Improvement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director, Quality Improvement and Compliance, in collaboration with the Medical Director, is responsible for developing and implementing the annual QI plan, including leading quality initiatives ...

The Director, Quality Improvement and Compliance, in collaboration with the Medical Director, is responsible for developing and implementing the annual QI plan, including leading quality initiatives ...

We are looking for a Quality Improvement Director for our Behavioral Health Service line. We are looking for candidates who have five years acute care clinical experience and at least two years ...

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Director Quality Improvement information

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$42.5K

$105.6K

$182.5K

How much do director quality improvement jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for director quality improvement in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Quality Improvement do?

A Director of Quality Improvement oversees and leads initiatives to enhance the quality of services within an organization, especially in healthcare or manufacturing settings. They develop and implement strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure products or services meet established standards and regulatory requirements. This role often involves analyzing performance data, coordinating with various departments, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Directors of Quality Improvement also provide training and support to staff to maintain and improve quality outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Quality Improvement, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Quality Improvement, you need expertise in quality management principles, process improvement methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), and a relevant degree—often paired with experience in healthcare or organizational leadership. Familiarity with quality measurement tools, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications like CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) is highly valued. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to drive organizational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

How does a Director of Quality Improvement typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement quality initiatives?

A Director of Quality Improvement works closely with various departments such as clinical staff, operations, IT, and compliance to design and implement quality initiatives. This often involves leading interdisciplinary meetings, facilitating communication, and ensuring alignment on goals and metrics. The Director acts as a bridge between executive leadership and frontline teams, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans and supporting teams in adopting best practices. Effective collaboration is crucial for identifying improvement opportunities, overcoming resistance to change, and achieving sustainable quality outcomes.

What is the difference between Director Quality Improvement vs Quality Manager?

AspectDirector Quality ImprovementQuality Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in healthcare, quality management, or related field; certifications like Six Sigma or CQE are commonSimilar credentials, often with certifications like Six Sigma or CQE, but may have less emphasis on strategic leadership
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in healthcare or manufacturing settings, overseeing multiple teams or departmentsOperational role focused on day-to-day quality processes and compliance within a specific department
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries to lead quality improvement initiativesCommonly found in manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors managing quality assurance activities

The main difference between a Director Quality Improvement and a Quality Manager lies in scope and strategic focus. The Director typically leads organization-wide initiatives and sets long-term quality goals, while the Quality Manager handles daily quality operations and ensures compliance within specific areas.

More about Director Quality Improvement jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Quality Improvement jobs? Cities with the most Director Quality Improvement job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Improvement jobs? The most popular types of Quality Improvement jobs are:
What states have the most Director Quality Improvement jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Quality Improvement jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Quality Improvement job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Senior Director, Quality Improvement

Senior Director, Quality Improvement

University of Maryland Medical System

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Requirements
The Senior Director, Quality Improvement provides leadership and direction for quality improvement strategies for University of Maryland Medical Center Campuses. Works with leadership, staff and physicians to provide a planned, systematic, organization-wide approach to identify, measure, monitor, and evaluate quality improvement activities. Ensures the development of clinical practice guidelines, standards and application of benchmarking and best practice applications to support the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care. Establishes goals and objectives aligned with the annual operating plan, including education, training, data management, and leadership. In coordination with nursing and faculty, develops and implements operating policies and procedures; interprets and ensures compliance with UMMC policies, quality standards, regulations and codes.
Demonstrate personal leadership in clinical effectiveness, and quality through demonstrated expertise at both setting strategic direction, designing innovative ways to improve performance, and assuring successful implementation of specific tactics to assure reliable and sustained quality outcomes in the delivery of patient care across all settings. Effectively motivates and leads departmental staff and supports the professional development of a results-oriented team.
Responsibilities and Tasks
  • Leads, tracks, and monitors the performance of UMMC Quality Improvement Programs.
  • Utilizing high reliability organizing principles develops, implements and evaluates programs to maintain UMMC-wide quality improvement programs through effective utilization of personnel and materials
  • Ensures the provision of regular and comprehensive quality reporting to School of Medicine Clinical Departments and Patient Care Services (to include targets, trends and regulatory requirements, case type data, mechanisms for requiring action, and information flow requirements in accordance with Plan for Improving Organization Performance.
  • Provides consultation to ancillary support and clinical departments within the Medical Center to establish quality indicators, analyze quality data, conduct medical record reviews to identify trends/patterns, formulate plans for resolving issues/problems, and monitors plans for effectiveness.
  • Coordinates special quality improvement projects and studies. Identifies resources needed, persons to be involved and the logistics of accomplishing the project.
  • Annual review and implementation of the UMMC Plan for Improving Organizational Performance.
  • In collaboration with Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Patient Safety, ensures compliance with external regulators and accrediting agencies) i.e. Office of Healthcare Quality, Joint Commission)
  • Facilitates the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) and establishes metrics for tracking and monitoring CPG adherence and impact.
  • Oversees Quality Improvement initiatives focused on providing evidence-based healthcare services to improve care equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Oversees functional teams responsible for the improvement in performance program tactics including but not limited to readmissions, timely follow-up after hospital discharge, potentially avoidable utilization, and any target listed in the annual quality improvement plan (ex: MHACs).

Work Experience
Education and Experience
  • Healthcare administrator or registered nurse, advanced practice provider, or other allied health-related professional with a current license to practice in Maryland.
  • Master's Degree in Health Care Administration, Business, or related field preferred
  • Seven or more progressively responsible years of experience performing safety and quality improvement is required, including experience in developing new and innovative quality initiatives with a special focus on partnering with physicians.
  • Three years of leadership experience in healthcare quality in an acute care facility is required. Experience in an Academic Medical Center is preferred.
  • Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in managing, and directing departmental operations and management/supervisory personnel, evaluating, training and motivating performance.
  • Ability to accomplish results through others. Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively and to establish clear guidelines for accountability. Ability to build consensus and provide strong leadership in a team environment, with the highest professional and personal integrity.
  • Knowledge of current reimbursement and clinical issues academic medical centers who serve as safety net providers and the safety net provider mission is preferable.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state and local requirements of regulatory and accreditation agencies is required.
  • Proficient knowledge of quality improvement measurement, analysis and improvement strategies is required.
  • Highly effective communication skills are necessary to work with Medical Staff, Board of Directors, Administration/Senior Management, hospital personnel, the media, and the community