Director of Compliance, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Center of Excellence

Position Summary

The Director of Compliance, CQI, and Center of Excellence provides strategic leadership to ensure that Kenneth Young Center (KYC) delivers the highest standards of regulatory compliance, risk management, and quality of care. In addition, this role leads KYC’s Center of Excellence division, serving as a hub for innovation, training, and knowledge-sharing across programs.

This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements (including Illinois DHS, Medicaid/Medicare, HIPAA, and Joint Commission standards) while embedding a culture of continuous improvement, clinical excellence, and accountability. The Director works closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors to safeguard integrity, promote staff development, and strengthen KYC’s reputation as a trusted community mental health provider.

Commitment to Kenneth Young Center’s 5 Pillars

• Teamwork – Foster collaboration and shared accountability across programs, departments, and the CoE.
• Everyone is a Leader – Empower staff at every level to engage in compliance, quality, and innovation.
• Trust – Build transparency and integrity in compliance oversight and communication.
• Mission First – Ensure compliance, CQI, and CoE priorities are aligned with client-centered outcomes.
• Change is the Engine – Champion continuous learning, innovation, and organizational transformation.
  
  

Key Responsibilities Compliance & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and oversee the organization-wide compliance program, ensuring adherence to regulations.
• Serve as Corporate Compliance Officer and Privacy Official or des-ignee, safeguarding confidentiality, security, and ethical practice.
• Prepare for and lead regulatory surveys, site visits, and audits; oversee corrective action planning.
• Monitor risk exposure and advise leadership and the Board on compliance issues and emerging trends.
  
  

Aligned with Pillars: Trust, Mission First.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

• Lead the development and implementation of the CQI framework across all programs and services.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics to improve client outcomes, operational effectiveness, and readiness.
• Facilitate accreditation readiness (Joint Commission, CARF, or other as applicable).
• Partner with clinical and program leaders to embed a culture of accountability and evidence-based practice.
  
  

Aligned with Pillars: Mission First, Change is the Engine.

Center of Excellence Leadership

• Direct the CoE division as the agency’s hub for innovation, standardization, and knowledge-sharing.
• Build and maintain structures that eliminate silos, improve efficiency, and promote organizational learning.
• Develop training and professional development programs to advance excellence and leadership growth.
• Champion initiatives that drive innovation, integration, and improved service delivery for clients.
• Act as a visible leader in advancing KYC’s reputation as a regional thought leader in community mental health.
  
  

Aligned with Pillars: Teamwork, Everyone is a Leader, Change is the Engine.

Training & Education

• Design and deliver compliance, CQI, and CoE-related training to staff and leadership.
• Provide ongoing coaching and educational support to ensure staff understand requirements and best practices.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, growth mindset, and excellence in service delivery.
  
  

Aligned with Pillars: Everyone is a Leader, Change is the Engine.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise compliance, CQI, and CoE staff as assigned.
• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team to integrate compliance, CQI, and CoE priorities into strategy.
• Support the Board of Directors’ Compliance & Quality Committee with reports and recommendations.
• Represent KYC externally in compliance, quality, and innovation forums.
  
  

Aligned with Pillars: Teamwork, Trust.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, or related field required.
• 7 years of progressive leadership in compliance, CQI, or program oversight within behavioral health, healthcare, or human services.
• In-depth knowledge of Illinois DHS, Medicaid/Medicare, HIPAA, and Joint Commission standards.
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives and/or centers of excellence preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire innovation, build collaboration, and lead system-wide transformation.
  
  

Core Competencies

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Aligns compliance, CQI, and CoE priorities with KYC’s mission and values (Mission First).
• Innovation Driver: Builds structures and initiatives that position KYC as a thought leader (Change is the Engine).
• Strategic Thinker: Anticipates regulatory and clinical trends and prepares KYC for the future.
• Integrity & Ethics: Models transparency, accountability, and confidentiality (Trust).
• Collaborator: Partners effectively with staff, leaders, and external stakeholders (Teamwork).
• Empowering Leader: Creates pathways for staff development and shared accountability (Everyone is a Leader).