System Director Nursing Research

Company: CommonSpirit Health
Location: Phoenix
Posted on: January 12, 2026

Job Description:

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 138 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. Our Mission As CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all. To learn more about a calling that defines and unites, please click here for more information about our mission, vision, and values. Essential Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: • Develops and implements a strategic vision for nursing research that aligns with the overall goals and priorities of the healthcare system. Develops a model for fostering nursing research and evidence-based practice.In collaboration with the System Director for EBP and IS, develops, implements, and evaluates nursing research and EBP programs focused upon the investigation of health care issues which influence the provision of health care and policy development, and promotes CommonSpirit’s mission. • Establishes research priorities based on current trends, clinical priorities, and organizational objectives. • Works collaboratively with the System Director of Professional Practice and the System Director for EBP and IS to ensure the integrated research strategies and application of evidence into clinical practice to improve outcomes. • Serves as liaison and research expert to the Magnet work-group and/or Magnet Program Directors to support the growth and development of new knowledge within the Magnet accreditation programs. • Works collaboratively with the CommonSpirit Research Institute to ensure research knowledge, integrity, regulation and human subjects protection are developed, promoted, and adhered to within CommonSpirit nursing. • Remains abreast of advances in the areas of nursing and healthcare research and anticipates their translation into nursing practice Research Program Management: • Oversees the development and implementation of research protocols, methodologies, and projects. • Serves as a consultant for staff submitting EBP and research proposals to the Institutional Review Board. • Conducts research, including best models and strategies for translating research into practice settings to improve healthcare quality and outcomes for Nursing. • Ensures research activities are compliant with ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and system policies. • Collaborates with nursing leaders to ensure organizations are meeting Magnet Standards for Nursing Research. Collaboration and Networking: • Creates and promotes a “culture of inquiry” through mentorship of individuals and groups, assisting and guiding design of projects and infrastructure, and forming national research and EBP committees. • Fosters relationships with academic institutions, research organizations, and other healthcare systems to promote collaborative research opportunities. Partner with nurse researchers, nurse scientists, and clinicians to identify research opportunities and foster a collaborative research environment. • Engages with nursing staff, leadership, and other stakeholders to identify research needs and promote participation. • Facilitates interdisciplinary research initiatives and promotes integration of research findings into clinical practice. Funding and Grant Management: • Identifies and pursues funding opportunities for nursing research, including grants and partnerships internal and external to CommonSpirit. • Manages nursing research budgets and ensures efficient use of resources. • Collaborates and builds relationships with external research partners, including Academic/University partners, association partners, and industry partners. • Data Analysis and Reporting: Oversees data collection, analysis, and interpretation of research data to ensure the accuracy and relevance of findings. • Prepares and presents research findings to internal and external audiences, including through peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Education and Mentorship: • Develops and implements education programs to enhance research skills and knowledge among nursing staff. • Mentors and supports junior researchers and research staff in their professional development. Quality Improvement: • Utilizes research findings to drive evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives across the healthcare system. • Monitors and evaluates the impact of research on patient outcomes and clinical practices, and promotes the integration of evidence into clinical settings. Job Requirements Required Education and Experience • PhD in Nursing required • Minimum seven (7) years related clinical nursing experience and five (5) years leadership experience. • Minimum two (2) years research and funding experience inclusive of conducting and teaching research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and scientific presentations. Required Licensure and Certifications • Current and valid license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a state within which CommonSpirit Health operates. • Extensive understanding of nursing science, a strong track record of a successful research program, and the ability to foster a collaborative environment that drives excellence in nursing research. • Possesses knowledge of research design; Strong analytical skills and experience with research methodologies; Working knowledge of statistical software. • Demonstrated success in leading and managing large-scale research projects. • Proven track record of successful grant acquisition and funding • Knowledge of healthcare regulations, ethical standards, and compliance requirements. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse teams, and lead teams across multiple levels of the organization. • Familiarity with health care documentation systems, grant writing, publishing, and presenting Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training • Extensive understanding of nursing science, a strong track record of a successful research program, and the ability to foster a collaborative environment that drives excellence in nursing research. • Possesses knowledge of research design; Strong analytical skills and experience with research methodologies; Working knowledge of statistical software. • Demonstrated success in leading and managing large-scale research projects. • Proven track record of successful grant acquisition and funding • Knowledge of healthcare regulations, ethical standards, and compliance requirements. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse teams, and lead teams across multiple levels of the organization. • Familiarity with health care documentation systems, grant writing, publishing, and presenting. Where Youll Work Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.

Keywords: CommonSpirit Health, Phoenix , System Director Nursing Research, Science, Research & Development , Phoenix, Arizona