Executive Director

Executive Director

Thrive Now Recovery Centers – Iowa City, IA
Relocation Assistance Available

Join a team that’s changing lives.

At Thrive Now Recovery Centers, part of Ascension Recovery Services (ARS), we are building high-quality, person-centered behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment programs designed to meet people where they are and help them move forward with dignity and hope. We are seeking an experienced, values-driven Executive Director to lead our Iowa City facility through its next phase of growth and operational excellence.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in complexity, builds strong teams, and understands how to balance mission, compliance, and performance.

Why This Role Matters

• Lead with Purpose: Your leadership directly impacts client outcomes, staff engagement, and community trust.
• Build & Scale: Shape culture, strengthen operations, and continuously improve program performance.
• Autonomy with Support: Partner closely with ARS leadership while owning day-to-day execution.
• Stability Growth: Competitive compensation, benefits, and long-term advancement opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Provide overall leadership and direction for clinical, operational, and administrative teams.
• Recruit, onboard, coach, and retain high-performing staff and leaders.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and trauma-informed workplace culture.
• Oversee performance management, corrective action, and professional development.

Operations & Program Oversight

• Direct day-to-day facility operations to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Implement and enforce policies, procedures, and workflows aligned with ARS standards.
• Partner with clinical leadership to ensure evidence-based, individualized care delivery.
• Manage staffing plans, scheduling, and operational budgets.

Compliance, Quality & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with state licensing, Joint Commission standards, and all applicable regulations.
• Oversee incident reporting, investigations, corrective action plans, and grievance resolution.
• Promote documentation integrity and strong survey readiness practices.
• Uphold patient rights, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

Community & Strategic Engagement

• Represent Thrive Now within the local community, referral networks, and professional organizations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, payors, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with ARS leadership on strategic planning, growth initiatives, and performance goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, SUD treatment, healthcare, or human services.
• Strong working knowledge of residential and/or outpatient treatment operations.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and accreditation standards (Joint Commission preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive results.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).

Work Environment & Expectations

• On-site leadership role within a 24/7 treatment environment.
• Occasional evenings, weekends, and on-call availability as needed.
• Ability to move throughout the facility and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Travel may be required for meetings or training.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations

Ascension Recovery Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.