Director, Licensing - 137694

UC San Diego Health is the region's only academic health system and a nationally ranked leader in patient care, research, and education. Our network includes three major hospitals as well as specialty centers, offering advanced services in cardiovascular, cancer, transplant, and maternity care. Recognized by Vizient as a top 10 academic health system for seven consecutive years, and ranked #1 in San Diego and #5 in California by U.S. News & World Report, we consistently earn national honors across multiple specialties. Join us and be part of an innovative, collaborative, mission-driven team where your work makes a meaningful impact!

The Director of Licensing for UC San Diego Health will lead systemwide licensing and space-readiness efforts for all licensed and unlicensed healthcare facilities, including inpatient hospitals and outpatient clinics. This strategic leadership role ensures that every healthcare environment meets the highest standards for safety, compliance, and operational readiness.

As the organization's subject matter expert in California Department of Public Health (CDPH) licensing, facility occupancy, and physical environment requirements, you will guide projects from design through activation. You'll collaborate with clinical, operational, facilities, and executive teams to ensure alignment with state and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead all licensing and occupancy-readiness activities across UC San Diego Health facilities.
* Ensure compliance with the following:
- CDPH Licensing & Certification
- California Building Code (Title 24)
- Title 22
- CMS Conditions of Participation
- The Joint Commission (TJC) physical environment standards
- UC San Diego Health policies and procedures
* Manage and coordinate CDPH licensing processes for the following:
- Initial licensure
- Changes in service or scope
- Change of Ownership (CHOW)
- Relocations, expansions, and reclassifications
- Program Flexes
* Conduct internal readiness assessments and provide formal occupancy clearance.
* Oversee final fit-up and activation to ensure safe patient care and clinical operations.
* Serve as primary liaison to CDPH and other regulatory agencies, including inspections, documentation, and compliance responses.
* Monitor, interpret, and communicate changes in applicable regulations and codes.
* Deliver training and educational sessions on CDPH survey readiness and physical space compliance.
* Track and report licensing status, risks, timelines, and inspections.
* Direct regulatory compliance activities and establish annual goals.
* Lead organization-wide initiatives to improve compliance processes.
* Recommend systems and methodologies for ongoing compliance.
* Collaborate with legal, operations, and risk management teams on strategic regulatory issues.
* Research and recommend database tracking systems, procedures, and policies.
* Develop and integrate annual goals and initiatives with regulatory processes.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in healthcare regulatory compliance, including direct responsibility for CDPH Licensing & Certification.

• Proven success managing CDPH applications across a large, multi-site health system.

• Expert knowledge of Regulatory compliance methods and tools; California Building Code (Title 24), Title 22; CMS Conditions of Participation; TJC physical environment standards

• Advanced project management skills with ability to lead complex initiatives.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all organizational levels.

• Ability to produce high-quality documentation and educational materials.

• Experience in healthcare design, construction planning, and activation.

• Highly-developed ability to collaborate effectively with senior staff and management across departments, serving as an expert resource, and to provide guidance and direction on optimal strategies and policies.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field of study

• Professional certification (e.g., CHFM, CHC)

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Mandated Child Abuse Reporter (CANRA)

• May require valid driver's license and enrollment in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.