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Clinical Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

We have a full -time salaried position available for a Clinical Director at our West Des Moines clinic location. "UCS Healthcare values me as an employee." "I'm given the latitude to do my job." "UCS ...

Clinical Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

We have a full -time salaried position available for a Clinical Director at our West Des Moines clinic location. "UCS Healthcare values me as an employee." "I'm given the latitude to do my job." "UCS ...

Clinical Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Clinical Director UCS Healthcare - West Des Moines, Iowa, United States About this position We have a full-time salaried position available for a Clinical Director at our West Des Moines clinic ...

Clinical Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

The Clinical Director oversees the daily clinical operations and flow of services, supports compliance and quality improvement initiatives, provides direct clinical care, and supervises clinical ...

Clinical Director

Ankeny, IA

$75K - $102K/yr

Clinical Director FLSA Status: Exempt Reports to: Executive Vice President POSITION Description: The Clinical Director is a licensed clinician responsible for providing direct client care while ...

Clinical Director

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

The Clinical Director oversees the daily clinical operations and flow of services, supports compliance and quality improvement initiatives, provides direct clinical care, and supervises clinical ...

Clinical Director

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Clinical Director FLSA Status: Exempt Reports to: Executive Vice President POSITION Description: The Clinical Director is a licensed clinician responsible for providing direct client care while ...

Clinical Director

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

POSITION Description The Clinical Director is a licensed clinician responsible for providing direct client care while leading and managing the clinical team at Holistic Healing and Counseling LLC ...

Clinical Director

Atlantic, IA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Direct Hire About the Opportunity Our client is seeking a licensed and experienced Clinical Supervisor to provide leadership, guidance, and oversight for therapists and clinical staff within their ...

The Associate Market Clinical Director will directly supervise, performance manage and train Clinical Directors within in his/her assigned market. The incumbent in this role is accountable for center ...

Carelinks ABA is looking for an experienced, people-focused Area Clinical Director (ACD) to lead and support our growing clinical team in the Des Moines and Western Iowa areas. This is a leadership ...

Carelinks ABA is looking for an experienced, people-focused Area Clinical Director (ACD) to lead and support our growing clinical team in the Des Moines and Western Iowa areas. This is a leadership ...

Carelinks ABA is looking for an experienced, people-focused Area Clinical Director (ACD) to lead and support our growing clinical team in the Des Moines and Western Iowa areas. This is a leadership ...

Carelinks ABA is looking for an experienced, people-focused Area Clinical Director (ACD) to lead and support our growing clinical team in the Des Moines and Western Iowa areas. This is a leadership ...

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Showing results 1-20

Clinical Director information

See Iowa salary details

$48.4K

$94K

$156.9K

How much do clinical director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical director in Iowa is $94,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $102,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical director?

A clinical director manages medical care facilities. Job duties include all operational aspects of a health clinic, community health organization, or medical research facility, from employee supervision to the development of programs. These responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, implementing the business plan, hiring and evaluating personnel, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Although a clinical director doesn’t typically interact directly with patients, they oversee the quality of patient care.

What does a clinical director do?

A Clinical Director oversees the clinical operations of a healthcare facility or program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. They manage clinical staff, develop policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Clinical Directors also play a key role in budgeting, staff training, and implementing best practices to improve patient outcomes. Their leadership helps maintain a safe, effective, and patient-centered environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Director, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership abilities, and typically a graduate degree in a health-related field along with relevant licensure. Familiarity with healthcare management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and compliance standards such as HIPAA is crucial. Excellent communication, strategic decision-making, and conflict resolution skills help you lead multidisciplinary teams and foster a positive clinical environment. These skills ensure high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, and effective organizational leadership.

What are some common challenges clinical directors face in balancing administrative duties with patient care responsibilities?

Clinical Directors often juggle significant administrative responsibilities—such as policy implementation, staff management, and regulatory compliance—alongside ensuring high-quality patient care. Striking the right balance can be challenging, as both areas demand attention and expertise. Time management, effective delegation, and strong communication skills are essential to navigate these demands successfully. Many Clinical Directors find it helpful to build a reliable leadership team and establish clear protocols to maintain quality care while meeting organizational goals.

What is the difference between Clinical Director vs Clinical Supervisor?

AspectClinical Director
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in a clinical field, along with licensure and extensive experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple clinical teams or departments within healthcare or mental health organizations
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, policy development, staff management, and ensuring compliance with regulations

In contrast, a Clinical Supervisor primarily focuses on overseeing the clinical work of practitioners, providing mentorship, and ensuring quality of care at the individual or team level. While both roles require clinical credentials and experience, the Clinical Director has broader organizational responsibilities, whereas the Clinical Supervisor concentrates on direct clinical oversight.

How much do clinical directors make in the US?

Clinical directors in the US typically earn an average salary ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications in healthcare or mental health fields and oversee clinical staff and operations.

Is a clinical director a high position?

A clinical director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing clinical operations, staff, and patient care standards within a healthcare organization. It is generally considered a high-level position that requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and often relevant certifications or advanced degrees. The role typically involves strategic planning and decision-making authority.

What degree do I need to be a clinical director?

A clinical director typically needs a master's degree in a healthcare-related field such as psychology, social work, counseling, or healthcare administration. Many roles also require relevant clinical licensure and several years of experience in a healthcare setting. Advanced degrees like a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) may be preferred for certain specialties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Clinical jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Director jobs in Iowa?

For Clinical Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Clinical Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Clinical Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,043 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Clinical Director

UCS Healthcare

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development, implementation, and management of counseling programs and treatment modalities based on evidence-based practices.

  • Oversee day-to-day behavioral health operations, ensuring compliance with licensure, accreditation standards, and regulatory guidelines.

  • Manage change in integrated health care delivery systems and ensure clinical policies and procedures support high-quality service delivery.


Job description

We have a full-time salaried position available for a Clinical Director at our West Des Moines clinic location. 

“UCS Healthcare values me as an employee.”  “I’m given the latitude to do my job.”  “UCS Healthcare is making a difference in our community.”  “My supervisor is caring and understanding and is rooting for my success!”

These are just a few quotes from a recent employee survey. Many employers promise competitive salaries and benefits, but more than that is required to provide a fulfilling career. What will? How about an organizational culture of mutual respect? Or maybe a career that is not ‘corporate,’ where profits come before people?

As an integrated healthcare non-profit, we put people first. We pay for a vast majority of your health insurance premium as part of our robust benefits package. We provide real opportunities for advancement and growth while doing work that makes a difference in our communities. We are inclusive and firmly believe that bringing your authentic self to work improves teams and helps our clients thrive.

If you're seeking a workplace that aligns with your values, where your contributions are appreciated, and where you can make a tangible impact, consider joining our team. Rather than waiting for others to catch up with UCS Healthcare, apply with us. Our team members tell us that they are grateful they did. Join us in our mission to create hope for healing and lifelong well-being.


We have a commitment to supporting working parents through our family-friendly policies and practices. We’re seeking to create a workplace that supports employees at work and in life. These practices reflect our belief that when people feel supported as whole individuals, they do their best work and thrive. 

Reports To:  Chief Executive Officer  

  

Job Summary:  

The Clinical Director creates, implements, and manages counseling programs that cater to individuals with behavioral health needs, including mental health, substance use, and problem gambling disorders. The Clinical Director is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the department, overseeing clinical operations, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. The Clinical Director is a member of the leadership team and works with other leaders to provide strategic leadership, interdepartmental collaboration, and operational management to UCS Healthcare.

As part of UCS Healthcare, the Clinical Director will comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as UCS policies and procedures, including patient confidentiality, HIPAA/42CFR part 2, and CARF requirements. They will embody UCS Healthcare's core values, work effectively within a team, provide or support patient-centered services, and strive to deliver the highest level of care.


Essential Functions (65%): 

  • Lead the development, implementation, and management of treatment counseling programs and treatment modalities based on evidence-based practices that align with accreditation standards and government regulations. Work collaboratively with the executive leadership team and other department heads to align clinical operations with organizational strategies and goals.
  • Direct the development and application of clinical policies and procedures to support consistent and high-quality service delivery. Implement and monitor continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance care delivery and optimize patient outcomes. 
  • Oversee day-to-day behavioral health operations, ensuring compliance with licensure, accreditation standards, and all regulatory guidelines.
  • Manage change in integrated health care delivery systems, such as work restructuring, technological innovations, and shifts in the focus of care.
  • Ensure Clinical Supervisors effectively implement departmental policies and procedures, maintaining consistency across all clinical teams.
  • Direct, supervise, and evaluate supervision of clinical and direct-service personnel addressing: 
  • Clinical decision-making
  • Clinical documentation quality and timeliness 
  • Ethics and legal aspects of clinical practice and professional standards
  • Promoting continued professional growth and ensuring they deliver culturally competent care
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) functionality, efficiency, accuracy, and compliance