Senior Director, Programs

Summary

Join a leading mental health organization in California as a Senior Director, Programs – Government Contracts & Treatment Partnerships. This remote role offers a competitive salary ($190,000-$230,000) and a generous benefits package. You will lead the development and expansion of a new business line focused on contracting with private treatment centers. Responsibilities include strategic partnership development, contract negotiation, compliance management, and relationship building with government and private sector partners. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in program management, government contracting, and behavioral health services.

Requirements

• Requires a MPA or MBA and seven (7) years of qualifying program management & developing experience or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in behavioral health services or government contracting
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential functions satisfactorily
• Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures; resolves a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate effectively for program needs
• Advanced knowledge of the government contracting processes and regulations, particularly in California; federal, state and local laws concerning mental health, health and other human service programs and applicable regulations
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for driving impact and executing strategic initiatives
• Intellectual curiosity with a strong desire to understand and optimize contract terms
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Project management skills, including proficiency with PMO management software,project tracking, leadership, collaboration, and patience
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under tight deadlines
• Demonstrate dependable performance and responsibility for the coordination, follow up and completion of comprehensive projects
• Demonstrate the ability to coach and motivate others
• Problem solving, analytical and conflict resolution skills
• Perform duties requiring extreme accuracy and attention to detail
• Has a strong desire to succeed in the face of adversity and demonstrates the willingness to push through challenges associated with changes and new business development
• Must be willing to travel, when necessary
• Valid driver’s license, in state of residence
• Demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Adobe, Google office suite, and other modern connectivity applications (Zoom, Slack, Asana) for daily internal communication
• Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and respond appropriately through written or verbal form; demonstrate tactfulness when communicating, including internal communication with staff members of all levels; ability to communicate with a variety of audiences effectively
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all measure units using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply common sense and follow through to daily tasks; demonstrate the ability to work with little or no supervision; demonstrate excellent analytical skills; demonstrate the ability to efficiently conduct research and ask appropriate probing questions to complete necessary tasks

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to establish and grow partnerships with private treatment centers and residential facilities across California
• Identify new opportunities for government contracts and align program strategy with organizational growth goals; Identify and engage with potential county programs in need of treatment slots, ensuring alignment with available resources
• Lead the drafting, negotiations, and management of contracts with counties and treatment facilities
• Manage compliance strategies across multiple contracts, proactively addressing regulatory or legal issues as they arise
• Review and interpret complex contracts to ensure all terms are understood and adhered to, proactively addressing any potential issues
• Establish fiscal accountability processes, including budget management, project workflows, and strategic communications
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with treatment facility administrators, county representatives, and other stakeholders
• Serve as the senior primary point of contact for all contract-related inquiries and issues, facilitating communication between all parties involved
• Develop and oversee procedures for tracking bed/slot availability across partnered facilities; implement systems to monitor and report on the utilization of contracted beds/slots, ensuring efficient allocation of resources
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), stakeholders, and clinicians to resolve issues and improve contract terms
• Coach and develop team members, fostering a high-performance culture and supporting professional growth
• Triage and address problems as they arise, employing strategic negotiation to achieve favorable outcomes for all parties
• Work closely with senior leadership to define program goals and objectives, aligning them with the overall mission of the organization
• Provide insights and recommendations for continuous improvement of the business line, driving innovation and growth
• Create and utilize data and metrics to assess program performance, make recommendations, and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and present program and project updates to CalMHSA Board of Directors, state and federal partners and funders, and community stakeholders
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with treatment facilities, residential care models, and the needs of individuals requiring Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder and Eating Disorder treatment
• Proven track record in leading negotiations for contracts with government and private sector companies
• JD is a plus

Benefits

• 10% company-sponsored retirement account (401a) 100% vested – additional compensation/retirement
• Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, Life Insurance, Wellness Program, FSA
• Generous PTO plan
• Remote work