1

Clinical Program Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Clinical Program Development information

See Tennessee salary details

$28.4K

$78K

$136.9K

How much do clinical program development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical program development in Tennessee is $77,981.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,900.00 and $85,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is clinical program development?

Clinical program development involves designing, implementing, and evaluating healthcare programs that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Professionals in this field collaborate with medical staff, administrators, and stakeholders to identify needs, develop protocols, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Their work often includes project management, data analysis, and ongoing quality improvement. The goal is to create effective clinical services that meet both patient and organizational objectives.

What is the difference between Clinical Program Development vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical Program DevelopmentClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in health sciences, public health, or related fields; certifications like CCRP or RAC are commonRequires a bachelor's degree in health, nursing, or related fields; certifications like CCRP or CCRC are often preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks in healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions focusing on program planning and implementationWorks in clinical trial sites, hospitals, or research centers managing participant coordination and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare providers, biotech firms, and research organizations to develop and oversee clinical programsUsed by research sites, hospitals, and academic institutions to manage clinical trial activities

While both roles involve clinical research, Clinical Program Development focuses on designing and managing entire clinical programs, whereas Clinical Research Coordinators handle the day-to-day operations of clinical trials. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the clinical research industry.

What are some common challenges faced when developing new clinical programs, and how can someone in this role address them?

Developing new clinical programs often involves navigating regulatory requirements, securing stakeholder buy-in, and aligning multidisciplinary teams. A key challenge is ensuring that program design meets both patient needs and organizational goals while staying compliant with healthcare standards. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, effective communication, and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities. Collaborating closely with clinicians, administrators, and external partners is essential to anticipate barriers and implement solutions that support sustainable program growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in clinical program development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Clinical Program Development, you need expertise in healthcare management, program evaluation, and clinical best practices, often supported by a degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Familiarity with data analytics tools, electronic medical records systems, and quality improvement methodologies is typically required. Strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning skills help professionals excel in designing and implementing effective clinical programs. These competencies ensure the creation of programs that enhance patient outcomes, improve operational efficiency, and comply with regulatory standards.

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Program Development jobs in Tennessee?

For Clinical Program Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Program Development jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Program Development jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Clinical Program Development jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Clinical Program Development job openings:

Senior Director, Clinical Services

Acadia Healthcare

Franklin, TN • On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Acadia Healthcare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 190 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

701st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
About This Role
The Senior Director, Clinical Services is responsible for leading the implementation, operationalization, and continuous improvement of clinical programs across acute and specialty facilities. This role partners closely with the facility clinical leaders, operations leaders, informatics, quality, and analytics teams to advance evidence-based care, measurement-based care initiatives, and clinical excellence throughout the organization.
The Senior Director translates enterprise clinical strategy into actionable programs, supports facility adoption of standardized clinical models, monitors program fidelity and outcomes, and drives continuous quality improvement. The role serves as a subject matter expert for clinical program development, training, and regulatory compliance while providing leadership and consultation to Directors of Clinical Services and other facility-based clinical leaders.
Our Mission
Acadia Healthcare's purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation.
Compensation & Benefits
We value your expertise and dedication-and we invest in your success.
  • Competitive Base Salary commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and recognized holidays
  • Company-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental wellness resources
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within Acadia's nationwide network

Responsibilities
What you'll do...
  • Travel required approximately 50-70%.
  • Complies with organizational policies, procedures, and performance improvement initiatives.
  • Maintains confidentiality and promotes ethical clinical practices.
  • Communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develops productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
  • Supports a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and clinical excellence.
  • Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Clinical Program Development and Implementation
  • Lead the implementation and ongoing refinement of standardized clinical programming across acute and specialty facilities.
  • Support the development and execution of measurement-based care initiatives to improve patient outcomes and clinical effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with facility clinical leadership teams to operationalize evidence-based treatment models and best practices.
  • Assist facilities in developing new clinical programs and service lines, including support for de novo facilities and program expansions.
  • Evaluate clinical programming effectiveness and recommend enhancements based on outcomes, data trends, and industry best practices.
  • Monitor program fidelity and support corrective action planning when opportunities for improvement are identified.

Clinical Quality and Outcomes
  • Partner with Quality, Informatics, and Data Analytics teams to leverage clinical data for program enhancement and performance improvement.
  • Analyze clinical outcome measures and key performance indicators to identify trends and opportunities for intervention.
  • Facilitate initiatives designed to improve patient outcomes, engagement, and continuity of care.
  • Participate in clinical research, outcome measurement, and quality-improvement activities.
  • Support enterprise efforts related to value-based care and outcomes reporting.

Training, Education, and Clinical Leadership Support
  • Develop and deliver training programs related to measurement-based care, clinical programming, and evidence-based treatment approaches.
  • Provide consultation, coaching, and support to facility Directors of Clinical Services and other clinical leaders.
  • Establish standardized practices for clinical documentation, assessment, treatment planning, and program delivery.
  • Identify organizational training needs and develop clinical education strategies to support continuous professional development.
  • Support onboarding and leadership development of clinical directors and other clinical leaders.

Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation
  • Ensure clinical programs align with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and licensing requirements.
  • Collaborate with facility and corporate teams to support compliance with Joint Commission, CARF, and state regulatory standards.
  • Assist with clinical policy and procedure development, review, and updates.
  • Participate in readiness assessments, accreditation activities, and corrective action planning as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Operations, Medical, Quality, Compliance, Human Resources, and Business Development leaders.
  • Collaborate with Division leadership and facility CEOs to support clinical initiatives and strategic priorities.
  • Participate on enterprise workgroups and committees focused on clinical excellence, innovation, and patient outcomes.
  • Promote alignment between organizational goals and clinical operations across facilities.

External Relations and Thought Leadership
  • Represent the organization at professional meetings, conferences, and industry events as appropriate.
  • Support marketing and business development efforts by serving as a clinical subject matter expert.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging clinical practices, treatment innovations, and industry trends.
  • Foster relationships with external organizations, educational institutions, and professional associations.

Qualifications
What you'll bring
Minimum
  • EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
    • Master's degree, PhD, or PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral health discipline required.
    • Current unrestricted clinical licensure required.
    • Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive behavioral health clinical experience.
    • Minimum of 5 years of leadership, management, or supervisory experience within behavioral health settings.
    • Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating clinical programming preferred.
    • Knowledge of measurement-based care, evidence-based treatment models, and clinical outcomes management.
    • Experience utilizing electronic health records and clinical data systems.
    • Strong understanding of Joint Commission, CARF, and behavioral health regulatory requirements.
    • Demonstrated experience leading organizational change and quality improvement initiatives.
    • Strong analytical, project management, facilitation, and presentation skills.
    • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

    Preferred Qualifications
    • PhD or PsyD preferred.
    • Experience supporting multi-site healthcare or behavioral health organizations.
    • Research, clinical outcomes, or program evaluation experience preferred.
    • Experience supporting facility startups, service line expansion, or program innovation initiatives preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:
Required
  • Current, active clinical licensure in an applicable behavioral health discipline.

Preferred
  • Advanced certifications related to behavioral health, quality improvement, leadership, or specialty treatment modalities.
  • Demonstrated experience with evidence-based and measurement-based care frameworks.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:
This position is an Individual Contributor
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.
AHCORP
#LI-TB1

What Acadia Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Acadia Healthcare logo

About Acadia Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider in the healthcare and hospital industry, based in Franklin, Tennessee, United States. The company is recognised for its commitment to creating a behavioural health network that provides accessible, high-quality treatment options for individuals suffering from mental health issues, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD. Acadia Healthcare was founded in 2005, with the mission to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of specialty behavioural health and addiction disorders.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin, TN, US

Year founded

2005

Social media