Manager, Organ Utilization

Description and Qualifications

The Manager, Organ Utilization (OUM) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Organ Utilization Coordinator Team (OUCT), directing key aspects of abdominal organ allocation, logistics, and utilization for transplantation and research. This role is accountable for delivering measurable results maximizing transplant rates, reducing organ loss, and ensuring compliance with OPTN/UNOS, CMS, and AOPO standards. Leveraging extensive expertise in organ donation and allocation, the OUM designs and implements data-driven utilization strategies, optimizes workflows, and fosters strong relationships with transplant programs and recovery partners.

The OUM drives team performance, promotes a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and leads initiatives to improve efficiency and strengthen collaboration across the organization and with external stakeholders.

• Lead and engage daily with the Organ Utilization Coordinator (OUC) team in donor case operations, developing and implementing advanced strategic allocation strategies to maximize abdominal organ utilization.
• Serve as a resource for abdominal organ evaluation in medically complex donor cases, supporting OUCs in applying clinical judgment and allocation best practices.
• Design, implement, and monitor initiatives to improve allocation efficiency, streamline workflows, and increase transplant rates while minimizing organ loss.
• Foster collaboration with internal departments, transplant programs, and recovery partners to enhance placement outcomes and strengthen operational partnerships.
• Ensure full compliance with OPTN/UNOS, CMS, AOPO, and Life Center Northwest policies, incorporating quality assurance measures and performance metrics to monitor results and identify areas for improvement.
• Partner with the Organ Utilization Program Manager (OUPM) on OUCT staffing, onboarding, competency development, and ongoing education and training.
• Coordinate monthly clinical on-call schedules, adjusting assignments in response to case activity or operational needs.
• Collaborate with the Director, Organ Utilization, to manage departmental budgets and identify cost-management opportunities without compromising quality.
• Work closely with Organ Utilization Leadership, Surgical Recovery Leadership, Organ Preservation Leadership, and Quality and Regulatory Affairs to mitigate risk and maintain compliant, high-quality processes.
• Monitor donor case workflows, review allocation strategies, and ensure documentation aligns with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Direct allocation and logistical coordination to ensure timely case execution, optimal organ placement, and efficient use of resources.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of decision frameworks for medically complex donors, working closely with transplant centers to maximize acceptance rates.
• Facilitate case-based debriefs and targeted education to enhance internal clinical knowledge and allocation practices.

• Provide leadership and direction to the Organ Utilization Coordinator Team (OUCT), fostering a collaborative, high-performance, and accountable work culture.
• Develop and execute management strategies to ensure team efficiency, goal alignment, and adhere to organizational priorities.
• Coach and mentor team members through constructive feedback, skill development, and professional growth opportunities.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, set clear expectations, and create individualized development plans to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead effective team meetings, communicating departmental goals, updates, and performance metrics to maintain alignment and transparency. Collaborate with leadership to align team objectives with broader organizational strategies and initiatives.
• Recognize and reward team achievements, fostering motivation and engagement.
• Partner to oversee new hire onboarding, training, and competency development, ensuring proficiency in allocation processes, regulatory compliance, and best practices. Lead ongoing training and development initiatives for the OUCT and other clinical staff, ensuring mastery of core competencies and operational standards.
• Promote a positive, inclusive work environment by addressing and resolving conflicts constructively, recognizing achievements, and fostering team engagement.
• Implement data-driven strategies to optimize workload distribution, improve cross-functional coordination, and enhance staff satisfaction.

• Maintain clinical proficiency and participate in on-call schedule as directed by the Director, Organ Utilization, available for consultation outside of regular working hours as needed.
• Function independently as an Organ Utilization Coordinator, managing abdominal organ allocation processes and ensuring adherence to regulatory policies and organizational standards. Analyze clinical data, donor information, and allocation…