Director, Practice Excellence

MISSION

Join us in shaping the future of emergency nursing! We are dedicated to our mission of advancing excellence and innovation through research, education, resources, advocacy, and collaboration. Our vision is a world where every emergency nurse is empowered and supported to deliver the highest quality patient care. If you're passionate about making a difference, growing professionally, and being part of a dynamic, supportive team, we invite you to join us in this exciting journey of care and progress.

ENA offers a flexible hybrid work schedule that allows employees the opportunity to work from the office two days a week and at home three days a week. We are headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Director, Practice Excellence provides strategic leadership and oversight for activities, projects, and programs that reflect ENA’s clinical expertise and commitment to advancing emergency nursing practice, healthy work environments, quality, safety, wellness, and injury prevention. This role leads the Practice Excellence department in the development of evidence-based practice resources, position statements, and initiatives aligned with established standards for safe and effective emergency care. Additionally, the Director contributes to organizational strategic planning in support of ENA’s mission and goals and oversees the ENA awards programs, which honor outstanding nurses and exemplary emergency departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides expert clinical leadership and strategic insights, including the development, design, and execution of strategic initiatives and projects to shape and guide ENA’s practice excellence, healthy work environment and quality and safety improvements.
2. Ensures the consistent application of Practice Excellence policies and procedures in the development and revision of clinical practice resources and position statements, aligning efforts with ENA’s strategic goals and organizational priorities.
3. Leads the client engagement strategy and execution, including partnering with business development, relationship management, and solution implementation, to enhance emergency department work environments and drive organizational impact - while providing guidance to a team of contracted Client Engagement Leads/Specialists and collaborating with internal leadership to support growth and long-term strategic goals.
4. Provides strategic direction and oversight to multiple ENA member volunteer groups within the Practice Excellence framework. Actively monitors emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in emergency nursing practice, quality and safety, ED leadership, workplace wellness, and injury prevention to inform and support committee work and member needs.
5. Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of nurse-sensitive, emergency department-specific clinical quality measures aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Collaborates with the research team to identify, study, and validate quality indicators, ensuring alignment with criteria for endorsement by the National Quality Forum or other relevant bodies.
6. Directs the periodic review and revision of key publications, including the Emergency Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics, ensuring they uphold current standards and reflect the latest evidence-based practices in emergency nursing, quality, and safety. 
7. Establishes, cultivates, and sustains strategic relationships with external organizations and global healthcare stakeholders, to advance initiatives in emergency nursing practice, quality, safety, leadership, healthy work environments, wellness, and injury prevention. 
8. Leads, coaches, and mentors team members by facilitating onboarding, supporting career growth, and identifying professional development opportunities to enhance staff performance and engagement.
9. Promotes a culture of empowerment and accountability by delegating responsibilities, setting clear expectations, and providing consistent, constructive feedback to support individual and team success.
10. Collaborates with Human Resources on key talent management processes including recruitment, onboarding, retention, professional development, and performance evaluation to ensure a high-performing and engaged team.
11. Demonstrates personal accountability and integrity by owning individual responsibilities, honoring commitments, and reflecting ENA’s values through actions and decision-making that positively impact the organization.
12. Performs additional related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) License
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Minimum of 10-15 years’ experience in clinical nursing practice with demonstrated skills and proven track record of success
• Minimum of 5-7 years demonstrated upper-level management experience, managing least 3 staff members in hierarchy

Desired:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher
• Project management experience
• Previous experience in a professional association, nonprofit, or healthcare-related organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Deep knowledge of emergency nursing practices and operations within emergency departments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, manage cross-functional collaboration, and drive innovation.
• Excellent relationship development and people management skills, with a high level of emotional intelligence and ability to relate at all levels of organizational structure.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, contributing to publications and providing guidance and revision to contracted parties writing on behalf of ENA.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize and multitask tasks by deadline
• Team oriented with ability to work independently
• Ability to exercise high level of discretion, creativity and independent judgment
• Ability to effectively manage organizational development and change by critical thinking, short and long-term planning, business and strategic planning skills
• Demonstrated influence with Executive Board Members and Leadership as well as appropriate leadership outside of ENA to support the progress toward our mission and/or specific strategic initiatives
• Ability to assimilate and role model the association’s collaborative culture
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Suite of Products, including virtual meeting management.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

This position is a salaried/exempt position. The targeted salary range is $135,000 - $160,000 annually. Compensation is determined based on a range of factors, including experience, education, certifications or specialized training, skill level and operational needs.

ENA offers a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that pairs compensation and benefits with meaningful work in a collaborative, engaging, and flexible work environment. Total rewards include a competitive salary, generous paid time off, quality health insurance at reasonable cost, professional development opportunities, and flexible hybrid work arrangements. Additional benefits include dental/vision insurance, employer paid life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts and 401(k) with immediate 100% vesting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment.  Requires ability to communicate verbally and in writing in an exchange of information; collect, compile and prepare work documents; set-up and maintain work files, participate in meetings. 

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Majority of work is performed in a general office environment. Moderate travel may be required.