Clinical Director Jobs in California
Clinical Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand across hospital systems, behavioral health networks, community health centers, and outpatient specialty groups at every level from program-level director to system-wide clinical executive. The largest concentrations of openings are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where major employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and UCLA Health consistently hire clinical directors. The most in-demand specialties include behavioral health, home health and hospice, and population health management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 163+ Clinical Director jobs
Job Function Summary:
Involves strategic planning, organization, and general management for population health, delivery system reform / innovation and accountable care. Assures proactive response to local, state and national initiatives and supports the development of a highly reliable care delivery system. Works with medical staff, department chairs, and medical center leadership in developing and implementing delivery system reforms.
Custom Scope:
The Assistant Clinical Director (ACD) is a highly visible and influential leadership role within the Office of Population Health (OPH) at UCSF Health. As a key member of a dynamic and mission-driven leadership team, this individual brings a strong leadership presence, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence in advancing innovative models of care.
This role provides comprehensive operational oversight for the following disciplines: Nursing Supervisors/Managers, Registered Nurses, Advance Nurse Specialists, other Nursing positions, along with other disciplines across a diverse and growing portfolio of programs, with a focus on Complex Care Management, Transitions, and other Care Coordination Programs for both Adults and Pediatrics. In addition, the ACD shares accountability for OPH Community Events and provides joint leadership for the OPH Pharmacy Program (e.g., Vaccines for Children and community-based vaccine initiatives). The portfolio may continue to expand in alignment with OPH and UCSF Health strategic priorities.
The ACD delivers strategic, operational, and administrative leadership across multiple population health initiatives. This leader is responsible for translating vision into execution—developing actionable plans, optimizing performance, and achieving measurable outcomes that advance equitable, high-quality care.
Core areas of accountability include financial stewardship, workforce leadership, regulatory compliance, and the design and implementation of standardized, scalable processes. The ACD fosters a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement while building strong partnerships across clinical, administrative, and community stakeholders to support UCSF Health’s mission and improve outcomes for diverse populations.
Reporting to the Vice President of Population Health, the ACD plays a critical role in shaping and advancing UCSF Health’s population health strategy. This individual collaborates closely with senior leaders—including the Chief Population Health Officer, Medical Directors, and key internal and external partners—to drive program innovation, operational excellence, quality and safety, and strategic growth.
This is an on-site leadership position requiring a five-day-per-week presence, with flexibility to work across UCSF Health locations (East and West Bay).
Required qualifications:
- Requires five or more years of managerial or leadership experience in a hospital, clinic, or care management setting.
- Proven ability to plan, organize, assign, and delegate work, and effectively. Should have prior experience in the nursing leadership in a ambulatory, inpatient, public health or care.
- Ability to motivate, influence and persuade others. Proven conflict resolution skills. Ability to maintain a climate of teamwork, collaboration and trust.
- Ability to work effectively with senior management on operational and performance issues (e.g. developing goals, policies, strategies, programs and systems to improve operational results).
- Strong skills in written, verbal, and interpersonal communications.
- Ability to deal with sensitive and / or confidential issues, exercising discretion and tact.
- Strong clinical practice management skills and experience.
- Ability to effectively work with multiple professions and with medical care providers in particularly.
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of budget development and management.
- Knowledge of health care delivery as well as principles, concepts, best practices, policies and processes, central to Population Health and Accountable Care operations.
- Knowledge of provider and hospital billing practices and/or ICD-10 coding.
- Proficient in all software applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and database applications.
- Analytical and critical thinking ability to analyze complex problems and formulate solutions.
- Master’s Degree.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Registered Nurse in the State of CA.
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
- Current AHA Basic Life Support.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
Job Function Summary:
Involves strategic planning, organization, and general management for population health, delivery system reform / innovation and accountable care. Assures proactive response to local, state and national initiatives and supports the development of a highly reliable care delivery system. Works with medical staff, department chairs, and medical center leadership in developing and implementing delivery system reforms.
Custom Scope:
The Assistant Clinical Director (ACD) is a highly visible and influential leadership role within the Office of Population Health (OPH) at UCSF Health. As a key member of a dynamic and mission-driven leadership team, this individual brings a strong leadership presence, sound judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence in advancing innovative models of care.
This role provides comprehensive operational oversight for the following disciplines: Nursing Supervisors/Managers, Registered Nurses, Advance Nurse Specialists, other Nursing positions, along with other disciplines across a diverse and growing portfolio of programs, with a focus on Complex Care Management, Transitions, and other Care Coordination Programs for both Adults and Pediatrics. In addition, the ACD shares accountability for OPH Community Events and provides joint leadership for the OPH Pharmacy Program (e.g., Vaccines for Children and community-based vaccine initiatives). The portfolio may continue to expand in alignment with OPH and UCSF Health strategic priorities.
The ACD delivers strategic, operational, and administrative leadership across multiple population health initiatives. This leader is responsible for translating vision into execution—developing actionable plans, optimizing performance, and achieving measurable outcomes that advance equitable, high-quality care.
Core areas of accountability include financial stewardship, workforce leadership, regulatory compliance, and the design and implementation of standardized, scalable processes. The ACD fosters a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement while building strong partnerships across clinical, administrative, and community stakeholders to support UCSF Health’s mission and improve outcomes for diverse populations.
Reporting to the Vice President of Population Health, the ACD plays a critical role in shaping and advancing UCSF Health’s population health strategy. This individual collaborates closely with senior leaders—including the Chief Population Health Officer, Medical Directors, and key internal and external partners—to drive program innovation, operational excellence, quality and safety, and strategic growth.
This is an on-site leadership position requiring a five-day-per-week presence, with flexibility to work across UCSF Health locations (East and West Bay).
Required qualifications:
- Requires five or more years of managerial or leadership experience in a hospital, clinic, or care management setting.
- Proven ability to plan, organize, assign, and delegate work, and effectively. Should have prior experience in the nursing leadership in a ambulatory, inpatient, public health or care.
- Ability to motivate, influence and persuade others. Proven conflict resolution skills. Ability to maintain a climate of teamwork, collaboration and trust.
- Ability to work effectively with senior management on operational and performance issues (e.g. developing goals, policies, strategies, programs and systems to improve operational results).
- Strong skills in written, verbal, and interpersonal communications.
- Ability to deal with sensitive and / or confidential issues, exercising discretion and tact.
- Strong clinical practice management skills and experience.
- Ability to effectively work with multiple professions and with medical care providers in particularly.
Preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of budget development and management.
- Knowledge of health care delivery as well as principles, concepts, best practices, policies and processes, central to Population Health and Accountable Care operations.
- Knowledge of provider and hospital billing practices and/or ICD-10 coding.
- Proficient in all software applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and database applications.
- Analytical and critical thinking ability to analyze complex problems and formulate solutions.
- Master’s Degree.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Registered Nurse in the State of CA.
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
- Current AHA Basic Life Support.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
See All 163+ Clinical Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Director JobsClinical Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Revolution Medicines39
- AbbVie12
- Exelixis7
- Neurocrine Biosciences7
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals6
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals114
- Healthcare & Medical Services24
- Science & Research15
- Education14
- Medical Devices7
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical director jobs across California.
- Active California clinical license relevant to the candidate's discipline (e.g. RN, LCSW, MFT)
- Master's degree or higher in a clinical, health administration, or public health field
- Minimum five years of direct clinical practice experience in a relevant specialty
- At least two years of supervisory or management experience leading clinical staff
- Demonstrated knowledge of California Department of Public Health and DHCS regulations
- Experience with Joint Commission accreditation, quality improvement, or compliance programs
Clinical Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical director in California?
Most clinical directors in California hold an active state-issued license in their clinical discipline, such as a Registered Nurse license through the California Board of Registered Nursing, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, or a Marriage and Family Therapist license from the same board. Employers typically expect a master's degree or higher, several years of direct clinical practice, and prior supervisory responsibility before considering candidates for a director-level role.
Which companies hire clinical directors in California?
Employers hiring clinical directors in California right now include Revolution Medicines, AbbVie, and Exelixis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large integrated health systems, regional behavioral health organizations, and federally qualified health centers generate the most consistent director-level demand across the state.
Which California cities have the most clinical director jobs?
Redwood City, San Diego, and San Francisco have the most clinical director openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its concentration of large hospital systems and county health programs, San Francisco reflects the dense network of academic medical centers and health-tech-adjacent care organizations in the Bay Area, and San Diego's strong military health, biotech, and community health presence creates consistent director-level demand outside the two largest metros.
Are there remote clinical director jobs in California?
Yes, but they are limited. Most clinical director roles require on-site oversight of staff, patients, or facilities, which restricts full remote work. About 12% of clinical director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and the positions most likely to offer flexibility are those focused on utilization management, telehealth program leadership, or population health strategy rather than direct facility or team supervision.
How can I get hired as a clinical director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a charge nurse, clinical supervisor, or program coordinator role first, then building toward director-level responsibility. Large California employers such as Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health run formal leadership development programs and internal promotion tracks that advance high-performing clinical staff into management. Pursuing a California clinical license in your discipline, completing a master's program, and taking on quality improvement or compliance projects while in a frontline role strengthens a director candidacy considerably.
Where can I find and apply to clinical director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your discipline, experience level, and preferred location, and apply directly to the listings that fit.
See All 163+ Clinical Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Director Jobs