Executive Director

Set to open in mid-summer 2026, this is a key leadership opportunity to build, lead, and scale a multi-level treatment program offering ASAM 3.5, 3.7, and outpatient services, with a planned capacity of 120-156 beds.

In partnership with Ascension Recovery Services (ARS), this role is designed for a hands-on operational leader-someone who can translate strategy into execution while building a high-performing, mission-driven organization from the ground up.

General Description

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the on-site operational leader responsible for the overall performance, compliance, and culture of the facility.

The ED is accountable for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while ensuring regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and financial performance. This role oversees all aspects of facility operations, including clinical collaboration, staffing, census growth, and administrative functions, while partnering with ARS shared services to support scalable and efficient operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational discipline, team development, and the ability to build and scale systems in a startup or growth environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of detox, residential, and outpatient programming
• Execute startup, ramp-up, and census growth plans aligned with staffing models and operational targets
• Maintain 24/7 accountability for facility operations, including staffing coverage and incident response
• Partner with shared services (HR, Admissions, Billing, Compliance) to ensure seamless operations

Clinical & Program Oversight

• Collaborate with Clinical Director and Medical Director to ensure high-quality, evidence-based care
• Ensure adherence to ASAM levels of care, Joint Commission standards, and state licensure requirements
• Monitor patient outcomes, length of stay, and program effectiveness
• Support a culture of trauma-informed, patient-centered care

People Leadership & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing interdisciplinary team
• Set clear expectations aligned with company core values and performance standards
• Drive accountability through structured supervision, performance management, and coaching
• Partner with HR to recruit, onboard, and retain top talent

Financial Performance

• Own facility financial performance, including labor management and expense control
• Monitor census, payer mix, and revenue cycle performance
• Align staffing and scheduling with census and budget targets
• Partner with finance on forecasting and variance management

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation standards (Joint Commission readiness)
• Oversee incident reporting, investigations, and corrective action planning
• Maintain audit-ready documentation, personnel files, and training compliance
• Partner with compliance leadership on mock surveys and readiness plans

Growth & Community Engagement

• Support business development efforts to drive admissions and referral relationships
• Represent the organization in the community and with key stakeholders
• Partner with admissions and business development teams to optimize conversion and patient experience

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, Behavioral Health, or related field
• 5+ years of leadership experience in behavioral health, SUD treatment, or healthcare operations
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams in a residential or inpatient setting
• Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance and licensing requirements
• Strong operational and financial management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree (MBA, MHA, or related field)
• Experience opening or scaling a new facility
• Joint Commission survey experience
• Experience in detox/residential and outpatient programming
• Familiarity with ASAM criteria and Medicaid/commercial payor environments

Key Competencies

• Operational Excellence & Execution
• Leadership & Team Development
• Accountability & Ownership
• Financial Acumen
• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise
• Strategic Thinking with Hands-On Execution
• Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Crisis Management & Decision-Making

Work Conditions

• Primarily on-site in a healthcare treatment environment
• May require evenings, weekends, and on-call availability
• Exposure to emotionally sensitive situations and individuals in recovery
• Fast-paced, startup-oriented environment requiring flexibility and adaptability