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Quality Improvement Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Kraft Heinz

Continuous Improvement Lead

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$33.27/hr

Ideal candidates must be safety and quality orientated and be willing to work in a team orientated ... associates * Flexibility to adjust to shifts to work with employees from all shifts as required

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Quality Improvement Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$25

$47

How much do quality improvement associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality improvement associate in Iowa is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a quality improvement associate?

Quality Improvement Associates are professionals who help organizations enhance their processes, products, or services by identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions. They typically collect and analyze data, collaborate with teams to develop strategies, and monitor outcomes to ensure continuous improvement. These associates often work in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and education, supporting quality assurance initiatives and helping maintain compliance with industry standards.

How does a quality improvement associate typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process enhancements?

Quality Improvement Associates frequently work alongside various departments such as operations, clinical staff, and data analysts to identify areas for process optimization. They facilitate regular meetings, gather feedback, and use data-driven analysis to recommend actionable improvements. Effective communication and project coordination are key, as the role often requires balancing multiple initiatives and ensuring that proposed changes are implemented smoothly across teams. This collaborative environment not only enhances the organization's overall quality standards but also provides Associates with valuable exposure to different areas of the business.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quality improvement associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quality Improvement Associate, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in quality assurance or process improvement, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, quality management systems (such as Six Sigma or Lean), and quality audit software is typical. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills help individuals effectively drive change and engage stakeholders. These abilities are crucial because they enable the identification and implementation of effective strategies that enhance organizational efficiency and product or service quality.

What is the difference between Quality Improvement Associate vs Quality Analyst?

AspectQuality Improvement AssociateQuality Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in healthcare, quality management, or related fieldsUsually requires a bachelor's degree, often with certifications like Six Sigma or QA certifications
Work EnvironmentHealthcare settings, hospitals, clinics, or quality improvement teamsManufacturing, healthcare, or service industries focusing on product or process quality
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare organizations aiming to improve patient careUsed across various industries to analyze and improve quality processes
Primary FocusImplementing quality improvement initiatives and process enhancementsAnalyzing data to identify quality issues and ensure standards are met

While both roles focus on quality, the Quality Improvement Associate primarily works on implementing and managing improvement projects within healthcare settings. The Quality Analyst tends to focus more on data analysis and monitoring quality metrics across industries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

The most popular types of Quality Improvement jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Quality Improvement Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Quality Improvement Associate job openings:

Quality Improvement Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Improvement Associate job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,616 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Quality Improvement Engineer, CMO

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at UI Health Care has an opening for a full-time Quality Improvement Engineer. This position will lead, coordinate and operationalize activities related to patient flow, quality improvement, safety, and patient satisfaction metrics across UI Health Care. This position will support and oversee programs, projects, and initiatives for the Office of the CMO, as designated.
The successful applicant will demonstrate:
  • 3 or more years of administrative and/or program management experience in an academic setting.
  • Be highly organized and have the ability to work independently.
  • The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Exceptional people skills and the ability to enact change within the institution in a positive way.
  • Experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Operational and Project Management
  • Be knowledgeable of process improvement methodologies, including Lean and Six Sigma
  • Lead operational improvement teams as needed. Be accountable to ensure projects are managed through entire life cycle (or to endpoint as directed by the CMO) within approved scope, schedule and budget.
  • Assists with multiple executive projects assigned by UI Health Care Senior Leadership and the Office of the CMO. These projects will vary in focus based on the strategic focus of the institution.
  • Responsible for leading and operationalizing performance improvement projects impacting core clinical processes, patient quality and safety and patient throughout the organization (Projects may include Optimal Length of Stay, Optimal Discharge Time, Optimal Transfer of Patients from referring hospitals, etc.).
  • Manages, oversees and coordinates the administration of selected programs within the Office of the CMO including daily operational oversight, understanding and overseeing financial commitments, and continuously evaluating the program goals and evaluating strategies for ongoing optimization through necessary change. Programs may include: Peer Review Program, Patient Advocacy Reporting System (PARS®) and Co-worker Observations Reporting System (CORS), Blind Spots reporting system, Medical Director Program, etc.
  • Responsible for supporting the creation of sustainable quality/performance improvement educational activities for the physicians and staff (Programs may include New Provider Orientation, New Resident Orientation, the Executive Leadership Academy, Just Culture sustainment, etc.)
  • Conduct basic and advanced analyses prioritize and drive change to improve processes, performance, and outcomes.
  • Assist with development and analysis of simulation models to determine feasibility of new initiatives in the Office of the CMO.

Strategic Planning:
  • Be innovative and suggest key actions and strategic implications, develop, and assist in execution of improved processes to allow for routine analytical reviews of financial and operational performance.
  • Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other clinical professionals to identify and improve clinical issues including, but not limited to, patient flow, observation status tracking, care coordination, hand off communication and inter departmental collaboration.
  • Assists CMO in process improvements in specific areas (based on the needs of UI Health Care). This includes evaluation of present process through data collection and interpretation, determining improvement strategies, and assists in implementation of improvements throughout UI Health Care.

Communication & Outreach:
  • Drives process improvement by maintaining institutional communications to sustain forward progress. Includes but is not limited to distribution of the "Quest" newsletter, Patient Safety Alerts, and CMO broadcasts.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of novel communication strategies to support the missions of UI Health Care
  • Serves as Leader/Manager of assigned projects. Collaborate with the Administrative Director, Office of the CMO, Associate Chief Medical Officer and other institutional leaders to accomplish assigned projects. Lead the organization in achieving a culture focused on quality.
  • Facilitates the coordination of CMO Office events, including but not limited to, Medical Director events, external speakers, and vendor on-site visits.
  • Presents and promotes information on programs (e.g., PARS/CORS, etc.) in the Office of the CMO, to departments and staff.
  • Serves as a liaison between the office of the CMO, and the faculty, staff, and trainees.
  • Maintains a high level of discretion and professionalism with sensitive data.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Work schedule: Some flexibility between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.Occasional requests outside these hours will occur.
Location: This position is located at the UI Health Care university campus at 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA. This position is eligible to participate in partial remote work after the initial training and onboarding has been completed. Remote work must be performed at a location within the state of Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location .
Salary level 5A. Starting salary will be based on applicant's qualifications and years of related/relevant experience.To view the full pay range for salary level 5A: Professional and Scientific Pay Structures | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa
Benefits Highlights: Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits .
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Required:
  • A master's degree in Health Administration, Business Administration or Public Health, or an equivalent combination education in a related field and experience is required.
  • Minimum of 3 years in administrative and/or program management experience in an academic setting is required.
  • This position requires the individual to be highly organized, have exceptional people skills, and be able to enact change within the institution in a positive way.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Prior experience with the following data analysis tools: Epic Reporting Workbench, Hedi, MS Access, Excel, Analysis Services cubes, Power Pivot, EPSI, and SQL Server is highly desirable.
  • 3 to 5 years of data analytics experience and demonstrated ability to use data to drive change is highly desirable.
  • 1 to 3 years Project Management experience is highly desirable.
  • Prior experience in an academic hospital setting and/or knowledge of UI Health Care operations is highly desirable.

Application Process:
  • In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a current resume and a cover letter that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
  • Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check.
  • Professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
  • This position is not eligible for University of Iowa sponsorship for employment authorization.
  • For questions, contact Amie Stewart at amie-stewart@uiowa.edu

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