Director of Risk Management & Compliance

Independent Community Hospital | Southern California
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

We are partnering with an independent, not-for-profit community hospital to recruit a Director of Risk Management & Compliance. This role represents a unique opportunity to build, shape, and lead an enterprise-level risk and compliance function at a hospital where leadership, visibility, and judgment truly matter.

This is not a policy-only or remote role. The organization is seeking a hands-on, on-site leader who will serve as a trusted executive voice—particularly when the stakes are high.

Why This Role Is Different

• CEO-facing leadership role with real influence and accountability
  • Opportunity to build infrastructure, not inherit a finished system
  • Stand-alone hospital environment—no system bureaucracy or corporate layers
  • High visibility across executive leadership, physicians, and clinical teams
  • Meaningful impact on patient safety, regulatory readiness, and organizational stability

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and integrate Risk Management and Compliance across the organization
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation, Title 22, CDPH, and The Joint Commission
  • Serve as the primary on-site leader during surveys, regulatory reviews, and serious events
  • Lead response to sentinel events and support patient and family communications
  • Oversee policy and procedure governance and documentation
  • Build a culture of safety, accountability, and proactive reporting
  • Reduce reliance on external legal counsel by managing issues internally when appropriate
  • Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team

What We’re Looking For

Experience:
• 8+ years of progressive experience in hospital-based Risk Management and/or Compliance
• Demonstrated experience handling real-world events—not just audits or policies
• Community or independent hospital experience strongly preferred
• System experience acceptable if paired with hands-on, on-site leadership

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree required (Healthcare Administration, Business, or related field)
• MBA preferred; Juris Doctor a strong plus
• RN background helpful but not required

Certifications:
• CHC and/or CPHRM preferred (or ability to obtain within 12 months)

Work Model & Location

• On-site leadership role
  • Limited flexibility may be considered
  • Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance
  • Must be able to respond on-site to urgent events as needed

Who Thrives in This Role

This role is ideal for a leader who values ownership over escalation, enjoys being present and visible, wants to build something meaningful, and views risk and compliance as essential to patient care—not just regulation.

Interested?

This search is being conducted confidentially. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply or inquire to learn more.