Job description
The Director, Diagnostic Imaging / Imaging Services provides strategic and operational leadership for all diagnostic imaging services across the organization, with a particular focus on echocardiography and ultrasound services. This remote leadership role oversees planning, development, coordination, quality assurance, and evaluation of imaging services. The Director ensures clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with the organization’s strategic goals, while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and quality patient care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic direction for all diagnostic imaging services across multiple clients nationwide, with particular emphasis on echocardiography service excellence.
- Oversee daily operations and performance of both virtual and on-site imaging departments, ensuring optimal resource utilization, timely patient throughput, and high-quality outcomes.
- Establish, monitor, and refine key performance indicators (KPIs), QA dashboards, clinical quality metrics, and national benchmarks to drive continuous performance improvement and service excellence.
- Develop and lead a robust, standardized Quality Assurance (QA) program for echocardiography that includes regular case reviews, inter-reader variability tracking, peer review protocols, and collaboration with interpreting cardiologists.
- Collaborate with sonographers and cardiologists to assess image quality, reporting accuracy, and adherence to protocol; lead monthly educational QA sessions focused on study improvement and standardization.
- Lead, coach, and manage a diverse team of imaging managers, sonographers, technologists, and administrative personnel in a virtual environment.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with referring physicians, client representatives, IT, clinical operations, and QA teams to streamline workflows and elevate service delivery.
- Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements including Joint Commission, ACR, IAC (for echo-specific accreditation), and HIPAA.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets, analyze financial and operational performance, and drive cost-effective strategies without compromising quality.
- Spearhead innovation and digital transformation initiatives, including implementation of AI-assisted diagnostics and remote imaging interpretation.
- Manage vendor partnerships, negotiate service agreements, and ensure timely acquisition and maintenance of imaging equipment and PACS solutions.
- Implement and uphold a staff code of conduct and safety protocols, ensuring a culture of accountability and professionalism.
- Design and implement a comprehensive sonographer retention program, including:
- Regular engagement and feedback cycles
- Workload and satisfaction assessments
- Career development and continuing education opportunities
- Formalized recognition and improvement plans based on measurable outcomes
- Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to executive leadership on imaging strategy, QA trends, and echocardiography best practices.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree, required; preferred in Radiologic Sciences, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years experience as a Cardiac Sonographer
Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in diagnostic imaging services, including 3+ years in a director-level role.
Experience with quality assurance programs and multi-site or remote operations.
Proven track record in operational excellence, budget management, and clinical quality improvement.
Licenses/Certifications:
Graduate from a formal Cardiovascular Program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Registered Cardiac Sonographer, credentials RDCS or RCS preferred.
Certification in Healthcare Management (e.g., CMPE, CPHQ) is a plus.
Skills and Competencies:
Ability to lead cultural and procedural change related to quality improvements and new technology adoption.
Ability to work across specialties and departments to promote cohesive patient care pathways.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage remote teams effectively.
Strong knowledge of imaging modalities, PACS/RIS systems, and regulatory standards.
Analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Ability to lead change, drive innovation, and foster collaboration across disciplines.
Work Environment and Conditions:
- Remote position; occasional travel may be required to attend leadership meetings or site visits.
- Requires a dedicated, secure home office environment with reliable internet connectivity.
- Flexible hours may be required to support operations across time zones.
