Director of Operations & Associate Chief Nurse Executive; ACNE

Responsibilities

The Associate Chief Nurse Executive (ACNE) reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM and operates under the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, complying with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Associate Chief Nurse Executive (ACNE) is the leader responsible for leading strategic, budgetary and operational initiatives and serves as the subject matter expert on issues related to nursing practice and patient care within Northwestern Medicine’s Academic Medical Center (AMC). This position leads across multiple cross‑functional departments, collaborating with directors, clinical department leadership, physicians, nursing leadership, and other care team leaders, as well as administrative departments within the organization.

At the direction of the Chief Nurse Executive, the ACNE coordinates and implements unified and innovative models of clinical care, monitors, and improves clinical quality outcomes across an assigned portfolio. The role demonstrates leadership, provides guidance to the leadership team, and integrates operational and clinical management functions. The ACNE works with executive leadership on system‑wide initiatives and clinical integration to deliver a consistent patient care experience.

• Under the direction of the Chief Nurse Executive, the Associate Chief Nurse Executive, in collaboration with Nursing, Leadership, Directors, Medical Staff, and Managers, meets operational, financial, and strategic goals for units/areas or programs assigned.
• Leads teams to outcomes that support the advancement of NM, Nursing’s Strategic Roadmap, and professional nursing practice.
• Develops and implements unified and innovative models of nursing care.
• Develops and monitors strategies to advance interprofessional quality outcomes and promotes excellence in nursing practice through application of Magnet standards in all aspects of patient care.
• Establishes annual and long‑term program or service goals, strategies, and plans (including business plans) consistent with entity goals and strategies.
• Ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and standards of practice consistent with organizational philosophy, quality standards, and goals.
• Sponsors, participates in, and leads process improvement initiatives.
• Provides leadership to ensure that processes spanning units, services, and other departments and disciplines are measured and improved collaboratively.
• Targets improvements by reducing process variation, eliminating redundancy, and/or implementing new technology.
• Is accountable for developing, implementing, and evaluating staff/human‑resource information and processes to support clinical nursing practice and care delivery, including utilization of current practice guidelines and standards.
• Recommends department goals to NM executive leaders and communicates agreed‑upon goals and context to teams.
• Maintains awareness of current and emerging trends and issues within areas of accountability, ensuring alignment with regulatory and accreditation standards, and proactively communicates and educates staff on relevant requirements, changes, advancements, opportunities, and future directions.

• Active Illinois RN License:
  Must currently hold licensure as a professional nurse in the State of Illinois.
• Nursing Specialty Certification:
  Certification in an appropriate nursing specialty is required.
• Educational Background:
  Master’s degree in nursing or a related field is required. If the master’s degree is not in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required.
• Experience:
  
  A minimum of 8‑10 years of combined healthcare management and clinical experience.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and quality improvement skills.

• Current or previous Academic Medicine experience strongly preferred.
• Financial forecasting, such as capital, clinical productivity, and operating budget planning.
• Performance improvement experience, specifically within Nursing/Clinical Quality or Operations.
• DNP/PhD.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.