ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tissue Donation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gift of Hope

Tissue Recovery Technician

Itasca, IL

$28.91 - $29.28/hr

Organ and Tissue Donation. At Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, we're dedicated to coordinating organ and tissue donation in the northern three-quarters of Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Gift of Hope

Tissue Recovery Technician

Itasca, IL · On-site

$28.91 - $29.28/hr

Organ and Tissue Donation. At Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, we're dedicated to coordinating organ and tissue donation in the northern three-quarters of Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Gift of Hope

Tissue Recovery Technician

Itasca, IL

$28.91 - $29.28/hr

Organ and Tissue Donation. At Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, we're dedicated to coordinating organ and tissue donation in the northern three-quarters of Illinois and northwest Indiana.

INFINITE LEGACY

Director - Tissue Recovery

Halethorpe, MD · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Manages and leads staff to increase tissue donation volume and grafts per donor and overall quality of recoveries, in conjunction with internal department leaders and external partners * Oversees the ...

INFINITE LEGACY

Director - Tissue Recovery

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Manages and leads staff to increase tissue donation volume and grafts per donor and overall quality of recoveries, in conjunction with internal department leaders and external partners * Oversees the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTissue Donation Jobs

Tissue Donation information

See salary details

$12

$21

$37

How much do tissue donation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for tissue donation in the United States is $21.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an organ donor get paid?

Tissue donation jobs, such as tissue bank technicians or recovery specialists, are typically paid hourly wages or salaries, often ranging from $15 to $30 per hour depending on experience and location. These roles usually require certification and adherence to strict medical and safety protocols, but donors themselves are not paid; compensation is for the professionals performing the recovery and processing.

What is the difference between Tissue Donation vs Tissue Recovery Specialist?

AspectTissue DonationTissue Recovery Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires certification in tissue banking or donation processesRequires certification in tissue recovery and surgical procedures
Work EnvironmentHospital or donation center, coordinating with medical teamsOperating room or recovery site, performing tissue retrieval
Industry UsageUsed broadly in organ and tissue donation programsSpecialized role focused on tissue recovery procedures

While both roles are integral to tissue donation, Tissue Donation involves coordinating the donation process, including donor identification and consent, whereas a Tissue Recovery Specialist performs the surgical procedures to retrieve tissues. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and responsibilities within the tissue donation industry.

How to become a tissue recovery tech?

To become a tissue recovery technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete specialized training in tissue recovery procedures. Certification from organizations like the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) is often required, along with knowledge of sterile techniques and the ability to work in a hospital or recovery environment. Experience in healthcare or related fields can be beneficial.

What organ did Steve Jobs receive?

Steve Jobs received a liver transplant, which is a common procedure for patients with severe liver disease. Tissue donation professionals may be involved in organ procurement and transplantation processes. Certifications in organ procurement are important for those working in this field.

What are some common challenges encountered in a tissue donation coordinator role, and how are they typically addressed?

Tissue donation coordinators often face challenges such as navigating sensitive conversations with donor families, working within tight timeframes, and ensuring strict adherence to medical and legal protocols. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive training in grief support, teamwork with medical staff, and the use of established checklists and communication protocols. Coordinators also benefit from ongoing professional development and support from their organizations to manage stress and maintain high standards of care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tissue Donation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tissue Donation Specialist, you need a background in health sciences, knowledge of anatomy, and often a certification such as Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS). Familiarity with donor management systems, regulatory compliance protocols, and surgical recovery tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and sensitivity when interacting with donor families are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure ethical, accurate, and compassionate facilitation of the tissue donation process, directly impacting the quality and safety of transplant outcomes.

What is tissue donation?

Tissue donation is the process where an individual donates tissues such as skin, heart valves, bones, tendons, and corneas after death to help save or improve the lives of others. Donated tissues can be used in a variety of medical procedures, including reconstructive surgeries, burn treatments, and vision restoration. Unlike organ donation, many tissues can be donated up to 24 hours after death, making it possible for more people to become donors. Tissue donation can make a significant difference for recipients, improving their quality of life or even saving it.

How to be a tissue donor?

To become a tissue donor, you should register with your local organ and tissue donation organization, often by signing up through a national registry or informing your family of your decision. It is also helpful to carry a donor card and discuss your wishes with loved ones. No special skills are required, but being healthy and meeting medical criteria at the time of death are important for donation eligibility.
More about Tissue Donation jobs
What cities are hiring for Tissue Donation jobs? Cities with the most Tissue Donation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tissue Donation jobs? The most popular types of Tissue Donation jobs are:
What states have the most Tissue Donation jobs? States with the most job openings for Tissue Donation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tissue Donation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tissue Donation jobs are:
Tissue Donation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tissue Donation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,694 per year, or $21 per hour.
Director, Tissue Donation Services

Director, Tissue Donation Services

LIFECENTER NORTHWEST

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$132K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Director, Tissue Donation Services (the Director) has primary accountability for the successful operation of the Tissue Donation Services (TDS) department. Through the planning and execution of strategic priorities, the Director ensures that the department effectively and efficiently serves the organization's mission. The Director also ensures regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and leads the organization's efforts with safe, compliant, and effective practices with tissue processors. In addition, the Director serves as an organizational leader as a member of the Extended Senior Leadership team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Leadership Responsibilities
  • Is responsible for operations of TDS, including compliance with all current federal, state, and/or local laws and/or regulations, including those of the FDA, compliance with the Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics (AATB) Standards and the TDS Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual.
  • Works in concert with the Quality and Regulatory Affairs (QRA) Department to reduce risk and ensure quality processes are in place.
  • Cultivates a programmatic approach to maximize tissue donation in LifeCenter's service area.
  • Is responsible for the development and implementation of departmental strategic plans.
  • Develops, manages and leads the departmental budget. Routinely engages in routine efforts to reduce costs and/or improve operational efficiency.
  • Manages and leads staff to increase tissue donation volume, including recovered donors and recovered grafts per donor.
  • Is responsible for tissue recovery performance
  • Ensures effective communication and coordination with team personnel, management, and senior leadership.
  • Works with the Hospital Development department to identify opportunities for increased donation, presentation of common integrated message, and improvement in donation authorization and conversion rates.
  • Monitors performance of contacted donor screening and authorization organizations.
  • Is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with medical professionals, hospitals, and donation organizations.
  • Develops and maintains departmental policies and procedures and ensures the consistent application and compliance with same.
  • Is responsible for developing, reviewing, and approving TDS employee training programs.
  • Establishes and monitors team performance and developmental goals, sets objectives, assigns accountabilities, establishes priorities, and conducts continuous performance feedback.
  • Participates on regional and national committees as appropriate. Attends the AATB annual meeting along with other national tissue meetings as needed to ensure industry standards and connections.
  • Maintains effective relationships with tissue processors to maximize processing opportunities.
  • Regularly evaluates the tissue processor mix, including consideration and analysis of adding new processors.
  • Manages departmental contracts, including proactive monitoring of renewal deadlines and driving contract changes through the appropriate approval process.
  • In partnership with the VP, Organ and Tissue Donation Operations, closely monitors the tissue industry, adjusting LifeCenter's strategies and operations as indicated based on the changing landscape.
  • Provides effective coaching to engage, support, and motivate staff to realize their greatest potential in service of LifeCenter's mission.
  • Has administrator-on-call (AOC) responsibilities as defined by company policy and/or guidelines.
  • This position requires regular, time-sensitive travel related to case activity across the region. As such, the ability to independently and reliably commute between locations is essential to fulfilling the responsibilities of the role. Due to the nature of the work, which may involve urgent or unscheduled travel, personal driving capability is a critical operational need.
  • Drives timely resolution of non-conformance investigations and development of appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
  • Submits appropriate documentation for all training events attended.

Supervision
  • This position is accountable for the direction and strategy for assigned department(s) and responsible for the direct oversight of the leadership for that team. As a result of responsibilities and expertise, will provide direction to various individuals within the department. This position is a member of the extended senior leadership team of LifeCenter Northwest and has influence interdepartmentally as well as cross functionally.

Other Responsibilities
  • Participates in, and may lead, employee committees and events.
  • Complies with applicable laws, regulations, and LifeCenter policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
  • Understanding of the hospital system environment.
  • Operating knowledge of computers with a demonstrable, intermediate level skill (at a minimum) with email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other comparable software programs.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly professional and able to interact with all levels of management.
  • Possess initiative and a desire for continuous improvement.
  • Proactive team player who upholds the core values of the organization.
  • Works effectively with others, some in remote locations
  • Experience with strategic planning, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to manage complex administrative systems and budgets, ensure legal compliance, and cultivate a high-performance culture through effective communication, data-driven decision-making, and continuous process improvement.
  • Ability to work in a matrixed, fast-paced, constantly changing and ambiguous environment.
  • Ability to build relationships based on trust, diplomacy and collaboration at all levels.

BEHAVIORAL REQUIREMENTS
The employee in this position must uphold the core values of LifeCenter; these include:
  • Integrity: We are trustworthy, reliable, respectful, and accountable.
  • Collaboration: We work in partnership with others, seeking to understand and be understood, and finding common ground and shared goals to build upon together.
  • Courage: We take personal responsibility and face challenges head-on.
  • Service: Through professionalism and dedication, we honor our commitment to serve others and our obligation to be good stewards of the gift of life

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university or college. Equivalent experience can be substituted for educational requirements.
  • Must be a Certified Tissue Banking Specialist (CTBS).
  • A minimum of 6 years' experience in a management position with proven leadership and supervisory skills
  • At least 8 years of relevant work experience understanding tissue donation business systems
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or applicable medical or religious exemption will be required as a condition of employment upon offer.

LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and travel accident insurance. Employees have the option of enrolling in the following supplemental or voluntary plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage and pet insurance. Employees enrolled in our 403(b) program will receive an employer match of up to 7% after one year, employees are auto enrolled at 3% and may change their enrollment at any time. LifeCenter encourages all employees to find balance and well-being and provides all employees access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and provides a quarterly Wellness Reimbursement. Employees enjoy paid holidays throughout the calendar year and earn 119 hours of PTO annually (to start) as well as Health Time Off hours that is earned 1 hour per 30 worked, paid living donor leave, two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service, and three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service is complete. A comprehensive review of benefits can be found at https://lcnw.org/about/employment-opportunities/.
SALARY RANGE
$132,800 - $199,200
The salary range for this role is provided above. Where a candidate's compensation falls within this range is based on several bona fide factors such as experience, tenure, and other specialized knowledge. LifeCenter Northwest is committed to providing its employees equitable and competitive compensation.
LifeCenter Northwest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply