Associate or Professor - Medical Director of Heart Transplant

• University of Colorado Anschutz
• Department: Pediatric Cardiology
• Job Title: Associate Professor - Medical Director of Heart Transplant
• Position #: 00798995 – Requisition #:40831

Job Summary

The Medical Director (MD) for the Heart Transplant Program provides strategic, clinical, operational, and administrative leadership for the pediatric heart transplant program.

Working in partnership with hospital, physician, nursing, and administrative leadership, the MD is accountable for the delivery of high-quality, safe, compliant, and cost-effective transplant care across the continuum of care.

The role oversees program growth, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, clinical operations, education, research, and community engagement while advancing the organization's goals related to patient experience, access, innovation, and clinical excellence.

The MD serves as the physician leader for the program, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting faculty and staff development, ensuring compliance with CMS, UNOS, and other regulatory requirements, and promoting outstanding outcomes for patients and families.

Key Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provides medical, operational, and strategic leadership for the Heart Transplant Program.
• Oversees transplant patient selection, listing, clinical management, and program operations.
• Leads development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Directs quality, patient safety, performance improvement, and outcome monitoring initiatives.
• Collaborates with physicians, nursing, administrative, and ancillary leaders to ensure high-quality, efficient care delivery.
• Supports program growth through strategic planning, business development, community outreach, and referral management.
• Participates in budgeting, resource planning, workforce development, recruitment, and performance management.
• Oversees education, training, mentoring, and research activities supporting the program's academic mission.
• Represents the program with regulatory agencies, professional organizations, referring providers, and community partners.

Work Location: Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us

As the largest pediatric heart program in the region, we have performed more than 700 heart surgeries and about 1,000 heart catheterization every year since 2020.

Our highly specialized pediatric heart surgeons and interventional cardiologists take on the most complex congenital heart defects (CHDs) and childhood heart conditions and achieve some of the best results in the nation.

The Society of Thoracic Surgery requires a hospital to perform at least 250 heart surgeries per year to be considered a high-volume center. By far exceeding this, we gain more experience, which leads to better outcomes. The Heart Institute has 100 plus faculty members and continues to grow annually.

Why Work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
• There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Associate Professor

Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (MD/DO), or equivalent.

Board Certified in Pediatrics

At least 5 years of experience in Heart Failure Transplant.

Meet UNOS physician requirements

Professor

Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (MD/DO), or equivalent.

Board Certified in Pediatrics

• 7 or more years of experience in Heart Failure Transplant.
• Advanced training in Heart Failure and Heart Transplant
• Prior experience with program development, teaching or research.
• Meet UNOS physician requirements

Condition of Employment

Must successfully pass a drug test through Children’s Hospital Colorado

• Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check

*For questions regarding Children’s Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children’s Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children’s Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of heart transplantation, pediatric healthcare delivery, quality improvement, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, operational management, and financial stewardship skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and foster collaboration across clinical and administrative departments.
• Skilled in communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and change management.
• Ability to analyze data, evaluate outcomes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care, safety, education, research, and organizational excellence.

How to Apply

• For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
• 1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
• 2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
• 3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
• Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at cu.edu.
• Questions should be directed to: Nicole Aviles, Nicole.Aviles@childrenscolorado.org

Screening of Applications Begins

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled but for best consideration, please apply by December 15, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range

• The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
• Associate Professor: $315,000 to $360,000
• Professor: $408,000 to $460,000

The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Perks & Benefits: cu.edu

Total Compensation Calculator: cu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases.

If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively.

In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.