[Hiring] Risk Management Director @UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

Role Description

At MD Anderson Cancer Center, we are seeking a seasoned and strategic leader to serve as our Director of Risk Management, a critical role responsible for advancing a comprehensive, enterprise-wide risk management program that supports the institution’s mission and commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence.

• Provides executive-level oversight of risk management operations across a complex healthcare environment.
• Emphasizes patient care risk assessment, claims management, regulatory compliance, and proactive risk reduction strategies.
• Partners closely with clinical, administrative, and legal leadership to ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
• Leads a high-performing team responsible for identifying trends, mitigating risk, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in risk management.
• 7 years of management experience in a patient care risk management or quality improvement setting.
• CPHRM certification (required within 18 months of hire).
• RN license.

Requirements

• Responsible for managing and executing MD Anderson’s risk management program and activities throughout MD Anderson, Houston Area Locations, and off-site facilities.
• Creates, maintains, and updates Standard Operating Procedures relating to risk management functions.
• Ensures close collaboration with various departments to timely address and successfully resolve patient care matters.
• Works closely with institutional leadership to ensure the risk management program aligns with the institution’s strategies and goals.
• Identifies and coordinates opportunities for the risk management team to collaborate with department leaders regarding targeted risk reduction activities.
• Serves as a subject matter and content expert for risk management-related policies and procedures.
• Ensures risk management personnel are present on a variety of institutional committees and standing meetings.
• Promotes compliance with standards issued by federal and state governments and regulatory agencies.
• Identifies, organizes, and assesses accumulated risk management data for significant trends and educational opportunities.
• Develops, prepares, and provides educational programs for MD Anderson health care providers regarding risk management issues.
• Responsible for completion of claims and incident reports for Legal Services and various MD Anderson committees.
• Ensures sufficient resources are available for the risk management team to assist and guide health care providers.
• Directs the investigation and assessment of potentially adverse and compensable events.
• Develops, maintains, and archives all pre-litigation claims and related files.
• Responsible for maintaining processes regarding risk-related waivers, reimbursements, and settlements.
• Provides risk management support to MD Anderson representatives and attorneys as requested.
• Directs Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) compliance reporting.
• Provides direct supervision to employees, including orientation and training.
• Develops an on-call schedule for the Risk Management Section to provide 24-hour coverage.
• Develops and maintains written position descriptions and standards for positions in the Risk Management Section.
• Prepares and conducts employee conferences and performance appraisals.
• Provides sufficient cross-training to ensure continuous operation in the absence of co-workers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package.
• Fully covered medical benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Robust retirement program with employer contributions.
• Strong culture centered on collaboration, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Education

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s Degree.

Work Experience

• Required: 8 years of experience in risk management, quality improvement, nursing administration, or medicine.
• Required: 5 years of management experience in patient care risk management or related fields.
• Required: 10 years of risk management experience in a hospital setting, including at least 5 years managing a healthcare risk management team.
• Preferred: Direct clinical experience within a healthcare entity or hospital environment.
• Preferred: Prior experience in a large academic medical center.

Licenses and Certifications

• Required (upon hire): RN – Registered Nurse: Texas Professional Nursing license (RN) or other applicable clinical or healthcare professional licensure.
• Required within 18 months of hire: CPHRM – Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management.
• Preferred (upon hire): ARM – Certification in Risk Management.

Other Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment skills test as required by Human Resources.
• This position may require routine reviews and screening to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure.