JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Laboratory & Pathology supports the overall leadership, operational management, and strategic direction of laboratory and pathology services. This role partners closely with the Laboratory Director/Medical Director to ensure high-quality, compliant, and efficient diagnostic services across all laboratory disciplines. The Assistant Director is responsible for day-to-day operations, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives to support patient care and organizational goals.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential Functions
• Leadership & Operations

• Assist in the oversight of all laboratory and pathology service lines, including clinical lab, anatomic pathology, histology, and specialty testing areas
• Support daily operations to ensure optimal workflow, turnaround times, and service delivery
• Act as a liaison between laboratory leadership, physicians, hospital departments, and external partners
• Serve as acting Director in their absence

• Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements (e.g., CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission)
• Support quality assurance and quality control programs, including proficiency testing and corrective action plans
• Participate in audits, inspections, and accreditation processes
• Promote a culture of patient safety and continuous quality improvement

• Staff Management & Development

• Assist in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of laboratory staff
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management for supervisors and team members
• Support workforce planning, scheduling, and productivity management
• Facilitate ongoing education and competency assessments

• Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Support budget development, expense monitoring, and cost-containment initiatives
• Assist with capital equipment planning, vendor selection, and contract management
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics

• Strategic Initiatives & Process Improvement

• Partner with leadership to implement strategic goals and service line growth initiatives
• Lead or support process improvement efforts (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma methodologies)
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, instrumentation, and workflows
• Enhance laboratory informatics and data utilization

• Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with pathologists, clinicians, nursing leadership, and administration
• Support interdisciplinary committees and organizational initiatives
• Ensure effective communication across shifts, departments, and stakeholders

Required for All Jobs
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Utilize all organizational resources effectively and efficiently.
• Where applicable, refer to the competency validation documents for population(s) served.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related field (required)
• Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related discipline (preferred)
• One year of relevant education may be substituted for one year of required work experience or one year of relevant professional-level work experience may be substituted for one year of required education.
• 7+ years of experience in progressive laboratory experience (Required)
• 2+ years in a supervisory or leadership role within a clinical laboratory or pathology setting required
• State/District-specific Clinical Laboratory Supervisor's license required
• Applicable certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or American Medical Technologist (AMT) required

Qualifications Continued
• Experience with regulatory and accreditation standards (CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission)
• Navigate rapidly changing situations, from evolving patient needs to technological advancements, by remaining flexible, continuously learning, embracing new challenges, and quickly recovering from setbacks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an emphasis on confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.
• Makes recommendations on issues affecting a department or functional area.
• Strong attention to detail and self-directed to consistently ensure data integrity and accuracy.
• Uphold ethical principles by maintaining confidentiality, ensuring informed consent, and making decisions that prioritize the well-being of both patients and staff.
• Authority to direct and support employees' daily work activities; has authority to undertake or recommend the following employment actions: hiring, termination, corrective action, and performance reviews.
• Work seamlessly within diverse teams, bringing together professionals from various disciplines to provide patient-centered care and achieve collective goals.
• Identifies control objectives for designated function and implement cost effective controls designed to meet those objectives.
• Makes independent decisions related to products, services, implementing new programs, and supporting technical/operational processes of a Network or business unit.
• Addresses problems that are varied, complex and often non-recurring, requiring staff input and innovative, creative, and diagnostic techniques to resolve issues.
• Applies advanced understanding of discipline/ specialization/ business process and a broad business perspective in Pathology & Laboratory.
• Drives improvement in existing business processes and assist in the identification and implementation of new processes.
• Provides input for financial plans/budgets, people resources, and strategy related matters.
• Advanced proficiency and experience using Microsoft Office Package (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).