Behavioral Health Acute Division Chief Operating Officer (San Antonio)

Who is Athra System?

Athra Systems/Crosstown Mental Health is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to offering a wide array of behavioral health services and solutions. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to our collective success.

Position Summary

The Division Chief Operating Officer serves as the senior operational executive for the Acute Behavioral Health Division. The COO is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting facility leadership, driving performance improvement initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and executing strategic initiatives across multiple states.

Working closely with physician leadership, hospital executives, nursing leadership, and business development teams, the COO will ensure operational consistency, financial performance, and sustainable growth throughout the division.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide executive oversight for operations across multiple behavioral health hospitals, emergency departments, crisis stabilization units, and acute psychiatric programs.
• Develop and implement standardized operational workflows and best practices across all facilities.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality, patient‑centered behavioral healthcare services.
• Drive operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor operational performance across the division.

Strategic Growth

• Lead operational planning and execution for new behavioral health service lines, including:
• Inpatient psychiatry
• Emergency psychiatry
• Crisis stabilization
• Medical detoxification
• Consultation‑liaison psychiatry
• Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs
• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate acquisition, partnership, and expansion opportunities.
• Support due diligence, implementation, and successful integration of new facilities and partnerships.

Financial Performance

• Develop and manage divisional operating budgets.
• Monitor productivity, staffing models, labor costs, and financial performance.
• Identify operational efficiencies and cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
• Collaborate with finance leadership to improve profitability and operational sustainability.

Operational Excellence

• Improve patient throughput, access to care, and operational workflows.
• Develop standardized operating procedures across all facilities.
• Optimize provider scheduling, staffing models, and resource allocation.
• Monitor census, capacity management, and patient flow initiatives.
• Lead performance improvement projects that enhance quality, efficiency, and patient experience.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop regional operational leaders, administrators, and support teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Promote employee engagement and retention throughout the division.

Executive Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Division Chief Medical Officer and executive leadership to align operational and clinical objectives.
• Work collaboratively with hospital CEOs, nursing leadership, medical directors, and physician teams.
• Participate in executive leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, and board presentations.
• Support contract implementation, service expansion, and organizational initiatives.

Business Development

• Assist with client development, hospital partnerships, and executive presentations.
• Represent the organization with healthcare systems, behavioral health organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Support proposal development and operational planning for new contracts.

Qualifications

• MHA or MBA in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of executive operations leadership within behavioral health, psychiatric hospitals, or acute healthcare settings.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi‑site healthcare operations.
• Strong understanding of behavioral health operations, hospital regulations, and accreditation requirements.
• Proven experience improving operational performance, financial outcomes, and organizational growth.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience with multi‑state healthcare organizations.

Travel

• Travel required to facilities throughout the division.
• Approximately 40% travel depending on organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a highly competitive executive compensation package including:

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance paid for by company
• Benefits effective on first day of employment
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and CME allowance
• Professional liability insurance
• Licensure and DEA reimbursement
• Leadership development opportunities
• Opportunity to shape and lead a rapidly expanding behavioral health division