Chief Nursing Officer - Behavioral Health

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) – Behavioral Health Location: Tucson, Arizona Compensation: $130,000 – $160,000 + Bonus Eligibility + Relocation Assistance An exciting and highly visible opportunity is available for an experienced Behavioral Health nursing leader to step into a Chief Nursing Officer role with a rapidly expanding national behavioral health organization. This position offers the unique opportunity to play a key role in launching and shaping a new inpatient behavioral health facility, making a lasting impact from day one. This organization operates a broad network of treatment centers nationwide, delivering comprehensive care across multiple levels for patients with behavioral health and substance use disorders. The CNO will be instrumental in building a strong clinical foundation, driving quality outcomes, and establishing a culture of excellence. Position Overview The Chief Nursing Officer will provide executive-level leadership for all nursing operations within the facility. This individual will set the vision for nursing practice, ensuring the delivery of safe, patient-centered, and high-quality care while building and mentoring a high-performing nursing team. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in a startup environment and is energized by building programs, teams, and processes from the ground up. Key Responsibilities Establish and lead the overall vision and strategy for nursing services Build, develop, and lead the nursing team, including recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing performance management Ensure delivery of safe, efficient, and patient-centered care across all levels of the organization Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to meet the comprehensive needs of the patient population Develop and implement policies, procedures, and clinical protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and quality outcomes Oversee staffing models, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources based on patient acuity and census Drive a culture of accountability, patient safety, and service excellence Monitor and improve clinical quality, operational performance, and financial outcomes within the nursing department Lead budgeting, forecasting, and departmental financial management Evaluate nursing operations and implement continuous improvement strategies Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall facility strategy and growth Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Nursing required; Master's degree strongly preferred Active RN license Minimum 6 years of RN experience required; 10+ years preferred At least 3 years of progressive nursing leadership experience required Minimum 2 years of inpatient behavioral health nursing experience required Prior leadership experience in a psychiatric hospital setting strongly preferred Previous CNO or Director of Nursing experience highly preferred Ideal Candidate Proven behavioral health leader with strong inpatient experience Demonstrated success in building and leading nursing teams Experience in a startup or new facility environment strongly preferred Operationally strong with the ability to balance clinical excellence and financial performance Collaborative, visible leader who can inspire teams and drive results This is a rare opportunity to take on a foundational leadership role and help shape the future of a growing behavioral health program while advancing your executive career. #J-18808-Ljbffr Midland-Marvel