Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is seeking a Nonprofit Medical Program Manager (Registered Nurse) to lead and oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of its medical programs in San Diego. Based out of our offices in Carlsbad, CA, this role focuses on program operations, team coordination, and patient experience across Surgery Weekends and related services.

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is dedicated to transforming the lives of children with physical deformities through the gift of reconstructive surgery and related medical care—provided at no cost to patients in need.

The Medical Program Manager serves as a key leader within the organization, ensuring programs run efficiently, partnerships are strengthened, and patients receive high-quality, compassionate medical care. This individual works closely with staff, volunteers, and medical partners to support the successful delivery of services and the continued growth of the program.

Unlike traditional nursing roles, this position is not centered on shift-based bedside care. Instead, it offers the opportunity to apply clinical expertise in a leadership capacity—overseeing programs, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and shaping the systems that make life-changing medical care possible. The role includes meaningful, hands-on involvement during Surgery Weekends, while maintaining a consistent and sustainable structure.

Job Description

Leads the Medical Program team and oversees delivery of services in San Diego. Provides ad hoc support to other operating areas as assigned by the Chief Medical Programs Officer (CMPO).

General

Plans and oversees activities, personnel, and operations for Surgery Weekends, Unbranded Services, and Dental Clinics. Participates on the management team and contributes to organizational strategy.

Responsibilities

Represent Fresh Start Surgical Gifts to recruit volunteers, facilities, and patients.
Develop and maintain Medical Program policies and procedures with CMPO and program managers.
Analyze program performance and plan for growth to enhance the experience of volunteers, staff, patients, families, visitors, and donors.
Support efficient patient scheduling (consultations, evaluations, diagnostics, surgery, laser treatments, speech therapy, dental).
Coordinate volunteer staffing for Surgery Weekends with the Director of Volunteer Services.
Implement, train, and review safety plans; ensure alignment with partner hospital policies and training.
Maintain training incident logs; collaborate with CMPO to design and implement an automated incident reporting system.
Lead outreach and presentations to strengthen partnerships with hospitals and providers.
Coordinate Surgery Weekends with the Medical Operations Manager, including patient care and follow-up.
Oversee post-operative medication and supply scheduling with the overnight nurse before each event.
Ensure pre-op instructions are provided; oversee updates to post-op appointments, orders, and documentation.
Recommend CMPO review of immigration visas, lodging exceptions, and other patient provisions with the Director of Volunteer Services.
Establish automated audit reports and monthly remediation plans to ensure chart quality.
Keep skills checklists and training documents current for all staff involved in direct care and unbranded services.
Serve as the FS compliance and communication liaison with Operative Charge Nurses; provide expert support in PACU and Pre-Op (partner hospital staff deliver nursing care).
Create and maintain documentation to quantify value of donated services and supplies (GIK).
Oversee case manager screening for prospective patients in accordance with telephone protocol.
Prepare weekly prospect reports for CMPO growth meetings.
Prepare monthly performance reports highlighting improvements, opportunities, and key wins; propose goals for the next period.
Collaborate with Program Managers across sites to align and standardize processes.
Uphold state regulations and OSHA/HIPAA standards.
Provide staff support and facilitate Medical Program Committee meetings.
Coordinate Joint Oversight Committee meetings with CMPO for quarterly sessions with partner hospitals.
Support colleagues as needed; maintain patient and employee confidentiality and instill these values in volunteers.
Demonstrate courtesy, positivity, and cooperation with volunteers, staff, and medical center personnel.
Uphold Fresh Start’s philosophy and mission in daily activities.
Draft annual reviews of the Medical Department in San Diego; CMPO consolidates company-wide updates.

Relationships

Reports to the Chief Medical Programs Officer. Attends Medical Program Committee meetings. Partners with the Medical Operations Manager (who supervises MAs and ancillary personnel). Directly supervises RN staff within the Medical Program.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Current Registered Nursing (RN) license
Current CPR certification
Current PALS certification
Commitment to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice updates

Essential Skills and Experience

Demonstrated leadership with results through others.
Ability to plan 1–2 years ahead.
Strong management and prioritization across multiple initiatives.
Clear verbal and written communication.
Effectiveness working with Board members, volunteers, and cross-functional staff.
Results-oriented; able to work independently.
Budget literacy; monitor spend and escalate variances to CMPO.
Problem analysis and resolution at strategic and operational levels.
Employee training and development.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Spanish language skills a plus; comfortable using translation tools.
Proficiency with EHR and Microsoft Office; training available to enhance skills.
High-performance team builder and collaborator.
Commitment to the organization’s vision and mission.

Salary Range: $95K-100k

This employment description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties in accordance with the Board’s mission, policies, and directives. The description may be reviewed and revised periodically and is not a written or implied contract.

The duties listed above are intended only as representation of the essential functions of this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change at the sole discretion of the employer. Nothing in this document alters an employee’s at-will employment status.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, including braids, locks, and twists), ethnicity, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, caste, sex (including childbirth, breast feeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age (40 and over), protected medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, disability (mental and physical), reproductive health decision-making, medical leave or other types of protected leave (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This policy extends to all aspects of our employment practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, discipline, termination, promotions, transfers, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Leadership: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

RN License (Required)
PALS Certification (Required)

Ability to Commute:

Carlsbad, CA 92011 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts jobs

Nonprofit Medical Program Manager (Registered Nurse) – Program Leadership Role