The Director of Infection Prevention provides strategic and operational leadership for the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program across the health system. This role is responsible for reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), ensuring compliance with surveillance practices, regulatory and accreditation standards, and embedding evidence-based infection prevention practices across all care settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and ancillary services.

The Director serves as the organization’s subject-matter expert for infection prevention and partners closely with clinical leaders, quality, nursing, medical staff, and executive leadership to support patient and workforce safety

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, direct, and continuously improve a comprehensive, system-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Establish annual goals, metrics, and strategic priorities aligned with organizational quality and safety objectives.
• Develops, recommends, and encourages performance improvement activities which are consistent with DCH Operational goals and the changing healthcare environment.
• Provide expert guidance to executive leadership on infection prevention risks, trends, and mitigation strategies 

Surveillance, Data & Reporting

• Oversee infection surveillance activities in accordance with CDC/NHSN definitions and reporting requirements.
• Analyze infection trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and present infection prevention data to leadership committees, medical staff, and governing bodies. 

Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain infection prevention policies, procedures, and guidelines consistent with CDC, CMS, OSHA, and Joint Commission standards.
• Ensure readiness for regulatory surveys and accreditation reviews; serve as a key participant during surveys.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely organizational compliance.

 Outbreak Response & Preparedness

• Lead investigations and response efforts related to suspected or confirmed infection outbreaks.
• Coordinate with local and state public health authorities as required.
• Support emergency preparedness and emerging infectious disease planning. 

Education & Consultation

• Develops and provide education and ongoing training to clinical and non-clinical staff on infection prevention practices.
• Serve as a consultant to departments regarding construction, equipment, workflows, and practice changes impacting infection risk.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop infection prevention staff; provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Collaborate with Quality, Nursing, Facilities, Environmental Services, Employee Health, and Medical Staff leadership.
• Participate in multidisciplinary committees related to quality, safety, and patient outcomes.
• Manages departmental budget
• Interviews, selects, hires, and retains employees
• Ensures orientation and training for employees

Director Standards:

• Manages performance, including other management positions
• Promotes, demotes, or transfers employees to meet organizational needs
• Executes employee accountability process up to and including termination
• Manages departmental productivity standards
• Provides strategic leadership for department(s)
• Performs long range planning and overall direction setting at the departmental level
• Responsible for department organizational structure and alignment to meet forecasted business needs
• Responsible for development, implementation and interpretation of system policies within a major organizational/functional area or the development and review of system policies within a recognized discipline
• Performs compliance requirements
• Approves payroll and is responsible for accurate payment of employees
• Assures meeting/exceeding of DCH mission, vision, and departmental goals

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Mission, Vision, and Values including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak and comprehend English.
• Current Alabama RN License
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
• Master’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, Healthcare Administration or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in infection prevention, epidemiology or healthcare quality.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in a community hospital or multi-site health system environment preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication style; able to deconstruct complex issues into understandable components.
• BSN and Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required.
• Strong working knowledge of CDC, NHSN, CMS, OSHA and Joint Commission standards.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate findings into operational improvements.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence clinicians and leaders at all levels.
• Proven ability to lead change, manage completing priorities, and work collaboratively across departments.
• High level of integrity, accountability and professional judgement.

WORK CONTEXT

• Infection Preventionists are available seven days a week as well as holidays, and therefore required to carry a pager/phone on a weekend rotation and holidays as scheduled. Will come to the hospital any time their presence is needed. 

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Able to lift at least 20lbs.
• Able to tolerate prolonged periods of sitting, or standing and/or walking.
• Able to reach reasonable distances to handle equipment.
• Good manual and finger dexterity.
• Good communication skills.
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.