Executive Director

Executive Director – Outpatient Substance Use & Behavioral Health Program

Location: Columbus, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, with flexibility as needed

About the Organization

We are a licensed outpatient treatment organization currently serving individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. Our program provides evidence-based, compassionate care designed to help clients rebuild their lives and achieve long-term recovery.

We are now expanding into comprehensive behavioral health and mental health services — and seeking an Executive Director with the vision, drive, and expertise to take us to the next level.

This is a unique opportunity for a builder, not just a manager — someone who thrives on growth, innovation, and results.

Role Overview

The Executive Director will serve as the chief leader responsible for the overall direction, operation, and growth of the organization. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, compliance-savvy, and passionate about scaling quality behavioral health and substance use programs quickly and effectively.

The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the organization, ensuring that all operations align with our mission and goals. This role requires a dynamic leader who can manage resources effectively, foster relationships with stakeholders, and drive business development initiatives. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, implementing process improvements, and leading a senior leadership team to achieve organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all organizational, clinical, and administrative operations with a focus on performance and impact.
• Oversee compliance with all relevant regulatory agencies (OMHAS, Medicaid, CARF, etc.).
• Develop and implement strategies for expansion into additional service lines and geographic regions.
• Recruit, train, and inspire a strong leadership and clinical team.
• Oversee budgeting, revenue cycle management, and business development.
• Establish partnerships with community agencies, healthcare networks, and referral sources.
• Build a results-driven culture focused on quality, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
• Represent the organization to stakeholders, funders, and regulators.
• Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the organization's vision and mission.
• Lead and manage senior leadership teams to ensure effective execution of organizational strategies.
• Oversee business development efforts to identify new opportunities and partnerships that enhance organizational growth.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with stakeholders, ensuring favorable terms that benefit the organization.
• Manage project management processes to ensure the timely completion of initiatives within budget constraints.
• Implement process improvement strategies to enhance operational efficiency across all departments.
• Monitor organizational performance metrics and adjust strategies as necessary to meet goals.
• Foster a positive organizational culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and accountability among staff.

Qualifications

• Master'sorganization's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or related field required.
• Active clinical license strongly preferred (LISW, LICDC, LPCC, LMHC, or equivalent).
• 5–10 years of leadership experience in substance use treatment, behavioral health, or healthcare management.
• Proven record of growing or transforming programs — not just maintaining.
• Deep understanding of Medicaid, managed care, and outpatient operations.
• Strong operational, financial, and leadership skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset — decisive, creative, and solutions-oriented.
• Proven experience in management roles, demonstrating strong leadership capabilities.
• Extensive background in strategic planning and execution within a similar industry.
• Experience in senior leadership positions with a focus on negotiation and business development.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of successful initiative implementation.
• Demonstrated ability in process improvement and operations management to drive efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively. We are looking for an Executive Director who is passionate about making a difference and is ready to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and success.

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing multi-site or multi-program operations.
• Successful history with audits, licensing, and accreditation.
• Background in business development, expansion, and strategic partnerships.

Compensation

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Potential for future growth opportunities tied to organizational success.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We're looking for a hands-on leader who:

• Has the energy and vision to build fast — without sacrificing quality.
• Can take full ownership, make things happen, and solve problems head-on.
• Understands the balance between clinical excellence and business growth.
• Sees challenges as opportunities and is driven by results.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and short cover letter describing your leadership experience in behavioral health and your vision for scaling a successful, high-impact organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Columbus, OH 43215 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Columbus, OH 43215: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• MH and sud : 3 years (Required)
• ED: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Columbus, OH 43215 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Columbus, OH 43215: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person