Chief Executive Officer (Bellingham)

Description

Unity Care NW (UCNW) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and mission-centered Chief Executive Officer to lead a dynamic, multi-service community health organization dedicated to increasing the years of healthy life in the people and communities we serve.

TO APPLY

Does this position interest you? Please go to our website to learn more and apply - Unity Care NW - Job Opportunities. In addition to completing the application, please submit your resume and cover letter (2 pages or less) addressing the following:

1. Why are you interested in Unity Care NW and our mission?
2. Summarize your experience that makes you a good fit for this leadership role.
3. Describe a time you led a significant organizational improvement and the key results achieved.
4. If you are from out of the area, please describe your interest in relocating.

First consideration given to materials received by 3/16/26. Position open until filled.

WHO WE ARE

Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving Whatcom County, Washington since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services. Employing over 300 caring and compassionate employees, our vision is that everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest life. To learn more about our organization and the services we provide, please visit us at

WHAT WE VALUE

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

We strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. Our team of highly talented, values-driven, mission-oriented individuals is deeply committed to serving with compassion and excellence.

WHAT WE OFFER

Compensation:

• Salary, exempt
• Eligible for Sign-On/Relocation Bonus (subject to payback clause)
• New hires can expect to be placed within the standard range of $243,000 to $316,000 per year
• Based on performance, there is room to grow on our full wage scale of $243,000 to $389,000 per year

Benefits: Unity Care NW offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off of 160 hours accrued in Year 1 and gradually increasing to 248 hours per year over 10 years
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty, Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/AD&D insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonus, & Will preparation services

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO serves as the strategic leader of the organization. Plans, develops, and directs administration of programs which include primary medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, The Way Station, and enabling services to ensure UCNW goals and objectives are met. The CEO will guide long-term strategy, ensure financial strength and regulatory compliance, cultivate high-performing leadership teams, and champion innovation in community-based care delivery.

This leader will serve as the public face of UCNW—building trusted relationships with community partners, policymakers, funders, and healthcare collaborators at the local, state, and national levels. The ideal candidate brings deep healthcare leadership experience, strong financial and operational acumen, and a demonstrated commitment to community-centered care.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum 5 years of progressive senior management experience in a healthcare setting
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and organizational leadership
• Strong financial management and budget oversight experience
• Knowledge of healthcare regulatory compliance requirements
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a community health center setting (medical, dental, behavioral health integration), including clinical staff supervision
• Experience with HRSA Section 330 grants and other public funding streamsExperience launching or expanding healthcare programs or service lines
• Active involvement in healthcare policy, advocacy, or community health organizations

Other Requirements:

Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires all new employees to have up-to-date vaccines for influenza and strongly encourages up-to-date vaccines for COVID-19. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.

WHERE WE LIVE

Our community is consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. To learn more about Bellingham and Whatcom County, visit