Executive Director

Overview

Are you an experienced behavioral health leader ready to build something meaningful from the ground up? Embark Behavioral Health is opening a brand-new, state-of-the-art Adolescent Residential Treatment Center in Harrison, Michigan—and we are seeking a mission-driven Executive Director to lead this exciting launch.

This campus serves adolescents of all genders navigating complex emotional and behavioral challenges, including anxiety, depression, school avoidance, substance use, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Our model emphasizes family-style living, relational connection, and integrated therapeutic support to help youth and families achieve lasting transformation.

As our Executive Director, you will provide visionary and operational leadership supported by a strong Program Director, Clinical Director, and Administrative Team—all united in the mission of creating safe, compassionate, high-acuity residential care.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development: Lead the creation, execution, and continuous improvement of annual program goals, strategic initiatives, and performance metrics for a new residential treatment center.

• Financial & Operational Oversight: Develop and manage the annual budget; monitor financial performance; optimize operations—including admissions, scheduling, staffing models, and campus functions.
• Regulatory & Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations, Joint Commission standards, licensing requirements, audits, risk management protocols, and documentation expectations.
• Team Leadership, Training & Culture Building: Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams; cultivate a culture rooted in excellence, safety, compassion, accountability, and trauma-informed care.
• Quality, Safety & Risk Management: Ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for clients, families, and staff; identify and mitigate legal, ethical, and operational risks while upholding organizational standards.
• Relationship & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a visible ambassador of Embark—strengthening relationships with families, referral sources, community partners, regulatory agencies, and internal departments.
• Crisis & Emergency Response Leadership: Provide on-call leadership support and maintain an effective on-call rotation to ensure 24/7 coverage and rapid decision-making in high-acuity situations.
• Facility, Program Expansion & Operational Excellence: Oversee all campus facilities, environment-of-care improvements, and long-term infrastructure planning to support program growth and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Behavioral Health, Nursing, or related field
  • Bachelor’s degree considered with 10 years of executive leadership experience
• Minimum 3 years working with adolescents or young adults in behavioral health, acute, or residential treatment settings
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory and employee leadership experience
• Expertise in crisis intervention, high-acuity programming, and multidisciplinary coordination
• Strong operational, financial, and organizational management skills
• Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive situations with families, staff, and community partners
• Clear understanding of legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks in behavioral health
• Must pass background, driving, drug, and TB screenings
• Valid driver’s license in good standing

Benefits

• Access to professional growth using our cutting-edge strategies and trainings with our exceptional leaders.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance – Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
• Paid Parental Leave – Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
• Life & Disability Coverage – Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
• 401(k) with Company Match – Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
• PTO & Holidays – Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges.

Embark is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society.

Embark does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

Salary : $120,000 - $135,000