Director of Laboratory

Director of Laboratory Services

Facility: Community-based acute care hospital
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Region: Southeast Iowa
Relocation: Available for qualified candidates

The Director of Laboratory Services provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for a hospital-based clinical laboratory and affiliated reference services. This role is responsible for setting the vision, culture, and performance standards of the laboratory while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and high-quality service delivery across the organization.

This is a newly created leadership role designed to support growth, stability, and long-term laboratory performance.

• Establish the overall strategy, vision, and culture of the laboratory

• Lead and develop a high-performing laboratory leadership and staff team

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and cost management to meet organizational goals

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory and accrediting bodies

• Drive growth and sustainability of laboratory and reference services through client engagement, retention, and service optimization

• Partner with hospital leadership and clinical departments to align laboratory services with organizational priorities

• Lead recruitment, retention, employee relations, and workforce planning to maintain a positive, high-quality work environment

• Ensure exceptional customer service and seamless coordination of laboratory operations across departments

• Manage change initiatives, process improvement efforts, and performance metrics

• Perform additional leadership duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or a related scientific discipline

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or management experience in a hospital or reference laboratory setting

• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and personnel management

• Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment

• Master’s degree (MBA, MS, or MA)

• 8+ years of laboratory leadership experience

• Prior experience at the Director level

• Deep working knowledge of laboratory regulatory standards and accreditation requirements

• Familiarity with applicable laws and guidelines including CLIA, HIPAA, CAP, CMS, OIG, FMLA, and ADA

• Strong financial acumen and strategic planning capabilities

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Proven change management and project leadership skills

• Advanced communication skills across verbal, written, and electronic formats

• High level of comfort with laboratory information systems and emerging technologies

• Highly competitive base salary
  , dependent on experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

  • , dental, and vision insurance

    Life insurance and retirement plan options

  • Paid time off

  • Additional employee benefits consistent with a full-service healthcare organization

Southeastern Iowa offers a welcoming, affordable cost of living with a strong sense of community. The region provides a relaxed pace of life, short commutes, and access to outdoor recreation, while still being within reasonable driving distance of larger Midwest cities. It’s an excellent environment for healthcare leaders seeking balance, stability, and meaningful impact.