Chief Executive Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Hickory Behavioral at Cambridge

Department : Operations

Direct Report To : VP of Field Operations

Job Type: Full-Time

At Hickory Recovery Network, we are committed to transforming lives through compassionate, evidence-based treatment for individuals facing addiction, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Our leaders play a critical role in ensuring exceptional patient care, operational excellence, and a culture centered on recovery, integrity, and innovation.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our Hickory Behavioral – Cambridge facility. This CEO will oversee all aspects of facility operations while driving strategic growth, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and exceptional client experience.

As the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll have the unique opportunity to influence the lives of clients, employees, and the communities we serve. If you’re a visionary healthcare leader with a passion for operational excellence and behavioral health, we encourage you to apply and help drive the future of Hickory Recovery Network

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership and operational success of the facility. This includes directing day-to-day operations, leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring outstanding client care, maintaining regulatory compliance, achieving financial objectives, and fostering relationships throughout the community.

The ideal candidate is an experienced behavioral healthcare executive with a proven ability to lead teams, improve operational performance, and cultivate a culture of excellence.

Executive Leadership & Operations

• Provide Strategic leadership for all day-to-day facility operations.
• Create and foster a culture that reflects Hickory Recovery Network’s mission, vision, and values
• Lead and support both clinical and non-clinical departments to ensure operational excellence and outstanding client outcomes.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization

Clinical & Departmental Oversight

Provide executive oversight for departments including but not limited to:

• Nursing
• Admissions
• Clinical Services
• Quality Improvement
• Finance
• Regulatory Affairs
• Ancillary Support Services

Responsibilities Include:

• Ensuring departments operate efficiently and collaboratively
• Supporting leaders in achieving departmental goals
• Monitoring performance metrics and implementing process improvements
• Driving exceptional client care and service delivery

Strategic Growth & Community Engagement

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that support long-term organizational growth
• Lead census-building efforts and identify opportunities to increase client access to care
• Expand outpatient and ambulatory service offerings to meet community needs
• Build and maintain strong relationships with:
  • Healthcare providers
  • Community organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Industry partners
  • Referral sources

Financial & Operational Performance

• Achieve annual financial goals and operating budgets
• Monitor, revenue, expenses, and operational performance
• Implement cost-control strategies while maintaining quality client care
• Oversee staffing, purchased services, supply management, and operational efficiencies
• Submit timely month-end financial and operational reports
• Participate in corporate strategic planning initiatives

Quality, Compliance, & Regulatory oversight

• Ensure compliance with all Joint Commission, CMS, state, and federal regulations
• Monitor quality metrics and implement initiatives that improve client outcomes
• Maintain accreditation standards and support regulatory readiness
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous quality improvement.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Master’s Degree preferred

Experience

• Current experience as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in a behavioral health setting or
• Executive leadership experience directing a large acute care facility with a significant behavioral health or psychiatric service line
• Strong understanding of behavioral health operations, clinical services, and healthcare administration
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex healthcare organizations.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Exceptional leadership and executive decision-making skills
• Strong financial and operational management experience
• Knowledge of behavioral health management practices and clinical operations
• Thorough understanding of Joint Commission, CMS, and regulatory requirements
• Strategic planning and organizational development expertise
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism
• Strong customer service and client-centered leadership philosophy
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation
• Completion of CPR and CPI within the first 30 days of employment
• Schedule flexibility, including evenings and weekends as business needs require.

At Hickory Recovery Network, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of behavioral healthcare while leading a dedicated team committed to changing lives every day.

Our Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time off & Holiday Pay
• Mental Health Days
• Leadership Development and Career Growth
• Opportunity to Make a Meaningful Community Impact