COO - Behavioural Health & Substance Use Treatment #0209

We are partnering with a distinguished behavioral health and substance use treatment provider that is committed to expanding mental health service accessibility across New Mexico. They are looking for a dynamic Director of Operations to champion operational excellence throughout their expanding network of clinical and non-clinical services.

As Director of Operations, you will lead the day-to-day management of diverse service offerings, including mobile crisis response teams, intensive outpatient programs, outpatient services, housing programs, and drop-in centers. Working in close partnership with the CEO, you will align business strategy with clinical outcomes, oversee compliance and budget management, and create the operational foundation necessary to support the organization's ambitious expansion goals.

This position offers a rare chance to create lasting change in communities with limited resources while enjoying the flexibility to develop innovative programs and shape regulatory and policy landscapes at the state level. The organization has earned recognition from the State of New Mexico for their exceptional program development and long-term sustainability, and you will be instrumental in advancing this reputation.

We are seeking a candidate who combines clinical knowledge with operational acumen and can flourish in a dynamic, growth-focused setting. You will have oversight responsibility for roughly 75% of staff through multiple management levels, maintaining high-quality service delivery while spearheading expansion into additional counties and service regions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain community partnerships and stakeholder engagement
• Oversee budgets, manage costs, and maintain financial health
• Manage daily operations across clinical and non-clinical service areas
• Provide clinical and administrative oversight to interns and therapists
• Champion evidence-based practices and performance enhancement initiatives
• Ensure adherence to regulatory compliance and quality benchmarks across programs
• Recruit, train, and assess both clinical and administrative personnel
• Create strategic operational frameworks that support the organizational mission
• Plan and assess new program initiatives and service area growth
• Manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations
• Lead cultural transformation efforts and organizational change initiatives

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Ability to obtain or current New Mexico clinical licensure (LPCC or LCSW)
• Master's degree from an accredited program in Counseling, Social Work, or related discipline
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities across all organizational levels
• Entrepreneurial mindset with capacity to thrive in dynamic, fast-changing environments
• Understanding of compliance standards and regulatory frameworks (HCA, BHSD, CMS)
• Verified clinical background in Crisis services, Substance Use, and Mental Health
• Proven capability to provide administrative and clinical supervision
• Evidence of successful complex project management and organizational transformation
• Competency in budget oversight and financial management
• Documented leadership and management experience with multiple programs and teams
• Advanced strategic thinking and decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Compassionate approach to team members combined with direct, professional communication
• Background in non-profit and for-profit organizational settings
• Experience delivering services in rural healthcare environments
• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Fluency in Spanish
• Familiarity with Electronic Health Records systems and Google Drive

Benefits

• Relocation support available for qualified candidates
• Generous PTO package (negotiable based on background)
• Comprehensive dental, vision, and health insurance coverage
• Opportunities for professional growth and career progression
• Paid holiday schedule
• Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000 (based on qualifications and experience)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.