Director, Infection Prevention

Job Requirements

Job Summary

Provides strategic and operational leadership for infection prevention and control programs across inpatient, ambulatory, physician practice, and other care settings within the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Downtown and Midtown campuses. Directs the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of infection prevention and control programs designed to reduce healthcare-associated infections and promote a culture of safety. Collaborates with the Medical Director of Infection Prevention, hospital leadership, clinical teams, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements. Leads infection prevention surveillance, outbreak response, regulatory readiness, and performance improvement initiatives while supporting organizational quality, safety, and patient outcome goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the infection prevention and control program across the Downtown and Midtown campuses.
• Lead and develop Infection Prevention staff through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with the Medical Director of Infection Prevention, clinical leaders, and operational stakeholders to establish strategic priorities and annual performance goals.
• Monitor healthcare-associated infection surveillance data, identify trends and risks, and develop targeted improvement strategies to reduce preventable harm.
• Direct investigations of suspected or confirmed outbreaks and coordinate mitigation efforts using established epidemiologic principles and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards and reporting requirements established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, The Joint Commission, Maryland Department of Health, and other regulatory agencies.
• Provide organizational leadership regarding environmental cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, water management, construction and renovation risk assessments, and other infection prevention practices.
• Partner with operational, nursing, physician, APP, facilities, environmental services, ambulatory, physician practice, and post-acute care leaders to integrate infection prevention principles into clinical and operational workflows across the continuum of care.
• Develop and oversee infection prevention education programs for staff, providers, learners, and leaders to promote evidence-based practices and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze performance metrics and benchmark data to support organizational goals, regulatory readiness, public reporting requirements, and strategic decision-making.
• Represent Infection Prevention on organizational committees, workgroups, and external collaborative initiatives.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Education & Experience - Required

• Master's degree in Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC)
• Current licensure in the state of Maryland is required for Registered Nurses or Medical Technologists
• A minimum of six years of experience in infection prevention and control
• Two years of leadership experience with direct responsibility for personnel, program management, or operational oversight

Education & Experience - Preferred

• Healthcare administrator or registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, or other allied health-related professional
• Experience leading infection prevention programs within a large academic medical center

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of infection control and aseptic techniques, the principles of epidemiology, microbiology and immunology, and the use of invasive instruments used for patient care is required.
• Expert knowledge of CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance definitions, reporting requirements, and benchmarking methodologies.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and accreditation standards and reporting requirements related to infection prevention and control (ex. TJC, Maryland Department of Health).
• Ability to analyze complex clinical and operational data and translate findings into actionable improvement strategies
• Strong leadership, team development, and change management skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence organizational decision-making
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities within a complex healthcare environment.
• Proficiency with electronic surveillance systems, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with physicians, nurses, executives, regulatory agencies, and external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement