Executive Director

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Executive Director to lead a brand new residential Medicaid substance abuse treatment center. This individual will oversee all aspects of facility operations, compliance, team leadership, and patient experience while helping build a strong culture focused on compassionate, high-quality care.

The ideal candidate will have prior leadership experience within behavioral health or substance abuse treatment settings and possess a strong understanding of state regulations, Medicaid operations, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards. This role requires a hands-on leader who can effectively manage teams, support operational growth, and ensure exceptional patient care outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in launching and shaping a new treatment program dedicated to serving individuals struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of the residential treatment facility
• Lead site development, operational workflows, and program implementation
• Ensure smooth coordination between clinical, medical, admissions, case management, and support departments
• Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, and best practices
• Monitor census, staffing, patient satisfaction, and facility performance metrics
• Assist with strategic planning, growth initiatives, and program development

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with all state regulations, Medicaid requirements, and licensing standards
• Maintain readiness for audits, inspections, and accreditation reviews
• Support Joint Commission and/or CARF compliance initiatives
• Monitor documentation standards, operational compliance, and risk management practices
• Collaborate with leadership to implement corrective action plans when necessary

Team Leadership & Culture

• Hire, train, mentor, and supervise department leaders and staff
• Foster a positive, accountable, and patient-centered workplace culture
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance evaluations, and staff development initiatives
• Promote collaboration across departments to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes
• Support employee engagement, retention, and professional growth

Patient Care & Experience

• Ensure high-quality patient care and exceptional patient experience throughout the treatment process
• Promote a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment for clients and staff
• Collaborate with clinical leadership to improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction
• Address patient concerns and operational issues promptly and professionally
• Champion a culture of compassion, dignity, and respect

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Assist with budgeting, staffing plans, and operational forecasting
• Monitor operational expenses and resource allocation
• Ensure accurate reporting and operational documentation
• Partner with senior leadership on business goals and performance improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 3+ years of leadership experience within behavioral health or substance abuse treatment
• Prior experience overseeing residential treatment operations strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of Medicaid operations and compliance
• Experience with state licensing regulations and accreditation standards
• Knowledge of Joint Commission and/or CARF requirements preferred
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced healthcare environment
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with facility start-ups or new program openings is highly preferred

Preferred Experience

• Residential substance abuse treatment
• Dual-diagnosis treatment environments
• Medicaid-funded behavioral health programs
• Staff development and team building
• Operational growth and program expansion
• Quality assurance and compliance oversight