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Behavioral Health Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ascension at Home together with Compassus Position Summary The Home Health Executive Director oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the program and is a positive motivator for colleagues ...

New

Guidelight Health is a cutting-edge behavioral healthcare company dedicated to transforming lives ... The Executive Director will oversee the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive ...

Guidelight Health is a cutting-edge behavioral healthcare company dedicated to transforming lives ... The Executive Director will oversee the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive ...

Executive Director - Behavioral Health & Addiction Recovery Location: South Bend, Indiana Staffing Partner: Symbiotic Services Symbiotic Services is recruiting on behalf of a well-respected ...

Executive Director - Behavioral Health & Addiction Recovery Location: Miami, FL Staffing Partner: Symbiotic Services Symbiotic Services is recruiting on behalf of a well respected organization ...

Showing results 21-40

Behavioral Health Executive Director information

See salary details

$45.5K

$115.5K

$197K

How much do behavioral health executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health executive director in the United States is $115,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health executive director?

A Behavioral Health Executive Director is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the operations, administration, and strategic direction of behavioral health organizations, such as mental health clinics or substance abuse treatment centers. They manage staff, ensure compliance with regulations, develop programs, and often handle budgeting and fundraising. Their role is crucial in ensuring that quality mental health and behavioral health services are delivered effectively to the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health executive director?

A Behavioral Health Executive Director must have advanced knowledge in mental health services management, a relevant master's degree (such as in psychology, social work, or healthcare administration), and substantial leadership experience. Familiarity with electronic health record systems, regulatory compliance platforms, and certifications like Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) are often required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, strategic decision-making, and crisis management skills help them lead diverse teams and foster a positive organizational culture. These skills ensure effective delivery of behavioral health services, regulatory compliance, and organizational growth in a complex, high-stakes environment.

What are some common challenges faced by behavioral health executive directors in managing multidisciplinary teams?

Behavioral Health Executive Directors often oversee teams of clinicians, administrative staff, and support personnel, which can present challenges in aligning diverse professional perspectives and ensuring consistent communication. Balancing clinical quality with operational efficiency requires strong leadership and the ability to mediate between competing priorities, such as regulatory compliance, staff well-being, and patient care outcomes. Successful Executive Directors foster a collaborative culture, provide clear direction, and implement effective conflict resolution strategies to support team cohesion and organizational goals.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Executive Director vs Clinical Director?

AspectBehavioral Health Executive DirectorClinical Director
CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; leadership experienceMaster's or Doctorate in clinical psychology, social work, or counseling; clinical licensure
Work EnvironmentOversees entire organization or program, manages staff, budgets, and policiesDirects clinical services, supervises clinical staff, ensures treatment quality
Employer & IndustryBehavioral health agencies, nonprofits, healthcare organizationsHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities

The Behavioral Health Executive Director focuses on organizational leadership, strategic planning, and overall management, while the Clinical Director concentrates on clinical operations, treatment quality, and supervision of clinical staff. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Executive Director jobs?

Cities with the most Behavioral Health Executive Director job openings:

What states have the most Behavioral Health Executive Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Executive Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Executive Director jobs?

For Behavioral Health Executive Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Executive Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,519 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS)

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

County of Orange
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$281K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

CAREER DESCRIPTION Director of Behavioral Health Services (Director of Mental Health/Executive Manager) This recruitment is open to the public and will remain open on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately and submit a cover letter, resume and unofficial transcripts. OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is seeking a Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS), a key member of the HCA executive team to provide executive management oversight for BHS.

Working directly with the HCA Director, the BHS Director is responsible for all County mental health and substance use disorder related services for youth and adults, as well as establishing and maintaining standards for quality medical care and medical oversight of programs and services. The ideal candidate will have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional-level administrative/management experience with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the management of a large or complex behavioral health, public health, or human services organization, which included: Interpreting/enforcing relevant laws, rules and regulations Responsibility for program planning and development Personnel administration and business operations Budget/fiscal administration for multi-million dollar budgets and/or contracts Qualifying experience must also include full-scope responsibility for managing multiple subordinate supervisors Minimum Qualifications: A Master's degree in healthcare, hospital or public administration, behavioral science, nursing, or a closely related field is required. The Director of BHS must also meet certain standards (licensures) related to their training and experience as determined by the State Department of Health Care Services.

For detailed information regarding minimum qualifications, please click here. For specific details about the position and requirements, please click here to view the brochure. To Apply: Please click 'Apply' and upload copies of your resume (including professional license information), cover letter, and unofficial transcripts.

For questions, please contact executive recruiter Espie Martinez at esperanza.martinez@ceo.oc.gov or (714) 713-1397.