Regional Director of Surgery

Deaconess Illinois | Full-Time | On-Site

Annual Salary Range: $132,392–$198,598

About the Role

Deaconess Illinois is seeking an experienced and collaborative Regional IL Director of Surgery to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for surgical services. Reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), this role is responsible for promoting high-quality, evidence-based patient care while supporting the development of nursing leaders and clinical teams across the region.

The Regional Director of Surgery drives operational performance, quality and patient safety initiatives, workforce engagement, regulatory compliance, and fiscal accountability. This leader works collaboratively with physicians, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes, strengthen organizational performance, and advance the mission and goals of Deaconess.

The ideal candidate brings strong clinical knowledge, proven leadership capabilities, sound business judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement in surgical services.

What You'll Do

Clinical and Operational Leadership

• Communicate and support the organization's mission, vision, values, strategic priorities, and performance expectations.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to nursing leaders and clinical teams in achieving departmental goals.

• Establish performance objectives, productivity metrics, and operational priorities.

• Promote effective decision-making, problem-solving, resource management, and collaboration across departments.

• Support organizational change and guide teams through evolving operational and clinical priorities.

• Maintain accountability for the quality and effectiveness of assigned areas of responsibility.

Quality, Patient Safety, and Regulatory Compliance

• Promote a culture of patient safety, quality improvement, and evidence-based clinical practice.

• Ensure departmental practices align with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.

• Translate organizational initiatives into actionable departmental goals and measurable outcomes.

• Monitor performance indicators, evaluate trends, and implement improvement plans as needed.

• Identify potential risks and coordinate solutions to address operational and clinical concerns.

• Support the development and implementation of processes that strengthen quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Patient, Physician, and Staff Experience

• Identify opportunities to improve patient satisfaction, physician relationships, employee engagement, and overall service delivery.

• Use feedback, surveys, rounding, and performance data to identify improvement opportunities.

• Address concerns and service issues promptly, ensuring appropriate follow-up and resolution.

• Build collaborative relationships across departments to strengthen communication, teamwork, and continuity of care.

Workforce Development and Engagement

• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, hiring, orientation, staff development, performance management, and competency assessment.

• Develop and support nursing leaders and clinical staff in achieving professional and departmental goals.

• Promote a positive, respectful, and healthy work environment.

• Encourage staff participation in professional development, committees, and improvement initiatives.

• Communicate decisions, operational changes, and expectations clearly and consistently.

• Apply organizational and human resources policies fairly and consistently.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and manage operating budgets and capital expenditure plans in support of strategic priorities.

• Monitor financial performance and ensure responsible use of staffing, equipment, supplies, and other resources.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, manage expenses, and enhance operational performance without compromising patient care.

• Ensure purchasing, requisitions, invoices, and other financial processes are completed accurately and timely.

What You'll Need

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing — Required

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — Preferred

• Master's degree in nursing or a related field — Preferred

Experience

• Minimum of five years of relevant clinical experience in a clinical unit — Required

• Minimum of three years of leadership experience — Preferred

Licensure and Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois — Required

• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification — Required

• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification — Required

• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification — Required

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians, nursing leaders, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to interpret data and use performance metrics to guide decisions.

• Demonstrated problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and change-management abilities.

• Knowledge of budgeting, resource allocation, productivity, and operational performance.

• Ability to prioritize competing demands, exercise sound judgment, and work independently.

• Proficiency with computer systems, data collection, reporting, and analysis.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• On-site position; not eligible for remote work.

• Requires heavy physical work, including occasionally exerting 50–100 pounds of force, frequently exerting 25–50 pounds, and constantly exerting 10–20 pounds to move objects.

• Personal vehicle use for company business is required 25% or more of the time to perform essential job functions.

Join Deaconess Illinois

At Deaconess Illinois, leaders have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care, team development, and the future of healthcare across our region. If you are a clinically experienced nursing leader who is passionate about operational excellence, collaboration, and delivering exceptional patient care, we encourage you to apply.