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Unit Director Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

Provide direct patient care and coordinates nursing activities to facilitate safe, quality patient care at the unit/department level. Acts as a role model and change agent by initiating and accepting ...

Provide direct patient care and coordinates nursing activities to facilitate safe, quality patient care at the unit/department level. Acts as a role model and change agent by initiating and accepting ...

Provide direct patient care and coordinates nursing activities to facilitate safe, quality patient care at the unit/department level. Acts as a role model and change agent by initiating and accepting ...

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Unit Director information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$21.6K

$73.2K

$141K

How much do unit director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for unit director in Waukee, IA is $73,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a unit director?

Unit Directors are professionals responsible for overseeing the operations and management of a specific department, unit, or division within an organization. They ensure that their unit meets its goals, manages staff effectively, and operates within budgetary and organizational guidelines. Unit Directors also develop and implement policies, coordinate with other departments, and report to higher-level management. Their role is critical in maintaining the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the services provided by their unit.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a unit director?

To thrive as a Unit Director, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and relevant experience in the specific field, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with budgeting software, project management tools, and organizational systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills help you lead diverse teams and drive unit performance. These competencies ensure effective oversight, operational efficiency, and achievement of organizational goals.

What are the primary challenges a unit director faces when managing multidisciplinary teams?

Unit Directors often oversee teams with diverse professional backgrounds, such as nurses, administrative staff, and allied health professionals. One of the main challenges is ensuring clear communication and collaboration across these varied roles to maintain high standards of care and operational efficiency. Balancing administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting and staffing, with hands-on leadership and staff development can also be demanding. Successful Unit Directors frequently rely on strong interpersonal skills and adaptability to foster a positive, cohesive team environment.

What is the difference between Unit Director vs Program Coordinator?

AspectUnit DirectorProgram Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; management experience preferredBachelor's degree typically required; experience in program support beneficial
Work EnvironmentLeads teams within organizations like healthcare, education, or social servicesSupports program implementation, often in similar settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare, education, government agenciesNonprofits, educational institutions, community programs

The main difference is that a Unit Director oversees entire units or departments, managing staff and operations, while a Program Coordinator supports specific programs within those units, focusing on coordination and logistics. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility.

What job categories do people searching Unit Director jobs in Waukee, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Unit Director jobs in Waukee, IA are:

What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Unit Director jobs?

Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Unit Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Unit Director job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,151 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Nurse Manager- MedSurg

Des Moines, IA • On-site


Trinityhealth
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

573rd of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Employment Type:Full timeShift:Day ShiftDescription:

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Provide direct patient care and coordinates nursing activities to facilitate safe, quality patient care at the unit/department level. Acts as a role model and change agent by initiating and accepting changes for improved patient care and cost reductions. Maintains active communication and collaborates with physicians, staff and other managers to meet specialty, departmental and organizational goals. Under the direction of the Director, may assist with other management responsibilities including budget management, planning, increased throughput and patient care management.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to abide by and promote the mission and core values of the Spirit of Mercy.

CORPORATE POLICY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to comply with Mercy's mission, values, standards of conduct, policies, procedures and related practices.

HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE: Security Access: High "Incumbent has access to restricted or confidential patient information and must comply with the terms of the Mercy Medical Center Security Policies as it applies to their job role."

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

With other managers, participates in the development, implementation and periodical reviews of all policies and procedures that guide and support the assigned services. These include, but are not limited to The Joint Commission requirements, federal and state regulations, regulatory standards, etc.

Provides support to staff to ensure patients of a positive care experience. Assists with the resolution of patient/family complaints. Escalates issues appropriately to the director or administrative representative.

Participates in developing and maintaining departmental staffing plan for all areas supervised, detailing appropriate employee classifications and qualifications consistent with the department's operational plan, projected volumes, patient/acuity and other relevant indicators. Collaborates on a daily basis with other managers to ensure adequate staffing for all areas.

Supervises assigned staff. Provides and/or coordinates necessary education, orientation and support to the team.

Provides input in the development of annual operating and capital budgets, monitors and analyzes performance and productivity and implements necessary corrective plans. Utilizes

budget information in management decision-making.

Provides front-line leadership as a resource, mentor, and role model in delivering patient care using a team approach

Coordinates equipment and supply needs to ensure availability as necessary.

Attends department meetings, management meetings and others as assigned. Conducts regular staff meetings/huddles.

Monitors safety compliance and contributes to fostering a culture of safety at the unit level.

Forms effective work team through communication, team-building skills, coaching and counseling techniques, mentoring, delegation, decisiveness and integrity.

Supports and participates in departmental performance improvement and quality activities.

May assist with additional management duties as assigned by the unit/department director, including, but not limited to: Interviewing and hiring of personnel, scheduling of staff, utilization of special pay practices, timekeeping, and maintaining personnel records.

Provide staff performance feedback including annual reviews and discipline as needed.

Maintains high level clinical competence to assess patient needs, plan patient care, implement appropriate interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of patient care delivered to defined patient population.

Provides orientation/education for staff, students and other hospitals and community organizations as needed. Understands employee competency documentation requirements.

Performs other responsibilities as requested.

MIMIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Possession of a current or compact state license as a registered nurse issued/defined by the State of Iowa.

Bachelor degree in Nursing, or actively in pursuit of Bachelor's degree in Nursing (accepted into a Program and/or currently enrolled). Expected to take at least six credits per year at Unit Director's discretion for exception.

Minimum of two (2) years of RN perioperative experience required.

Management experience preferred.

Certified Nurse, Operating Room (CNOR) or alternative certification preferred.

Basic Life Support certified within six (6) weeks of hire. The acceptable credentialing body is the American Heart Association.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or obtained within six (6) months of hire per department requirements.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified or obtained within six (6) months of hire per department requirements.

Proof of completion of Mandatory reporter abuse training specific to population served with three (3) months of hire.

Ability to read, write and speak English language.

Demonstrated leadership skills, knowledge of surgeon needs, procedures and equipment required.

Strong interpersonal skills with staff, management and physicians required.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.


Trinity Health logo

About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US


What Trinity Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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