Chief Executive Officer Behavioral Health Hospital

Springfield Missouri On-Site Leadership Relocation Available

Northwest Talent Solutions (NWTS) has been retained to recruit a Chief Executive Officer for a behavioral health hospital in Springfield Missouri. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced healthcare executive to lead hospital operations drive clinical excellence and expand access to behavioral health services within the community.

The CEO will serve as the executive leader responsible for the strategic operational financial and regulatory performance of the hospital working closely with the governing board medical staff and leadership team to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care and sustainable organizational growth.

About Northwest Talent Solutions

Northwest Talent Solutions specializes in executive and mission-critical leadership recruitment across healthcare and complex operating environments.

Our approach combines:

Executive search expertise with deep market intelligence
AI-enabled talent identification and workforce analytics
Targeted outreach to passive leadership candidates
A commitment to placing leaders who strengthen culture outcomes and long-term organizational performance

We partner with organizations that require high-impact leaders capable of delivering measurable results across quality financial performance regulatory compliance and team development.

Leadership Impact

The CEO will be responsible for driving performance across several critical areas:

Clinical Excellence

• Ensure outstanding patient care outcomes across behavioral health programs

• Maintain full regulatory and accreditation compliance including Joint Commission (JCAHO) standards

• Support implementation of evidence-based treatment programs

Operational Leadership

• Direct day-to-day hospital operations and departmental leadership

• Execute the hospitals strategic plan and operational goals

• Ensure coordination between clinical operational and administrative teams

Financial Performance

• Meet or exceed census growth and EBITDA targets

• Oversee hospital financial management and operational efficiency

• Lead payer contract negotiations and revenue growth initiatives

Talent & Culture

• Recruit develop and retain high-performing clinical and operational teams

• Foster a culture of accountability compassion and professional development

• Coach and develop senior leadership team members

Regulatory & Quality

• Maintain continuous survey readiness

• Ensure compliance with CMS Joint Commission and state regulations

• Support Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with referral sources providers and community stakeholders

• Represent the hospital within the regional healthcare ecosystem

• Expand continuum-of-care services including outpatient and community programs

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of the hospitals strategic business plan

• Oversee clinical operations patient safety initiatives and quality improvement programs

• Partner with the governing board and medical staff leadership

• Recruit psychiatrists and allied health professionals to expand service offerings

• Manage payer relationships and contract negotiations

• Develop and grow behavioral health service lines across the region

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration Business Administration Public Health Clinical Discipline or related field

• 35 years of CEO or senior executive leadership experience in a behavioral health hospital or healthcare organization

• Demonstrated success leading behavioral health hospital operations

• Experience managing licensure accreditation and regulatory compliance

• Strong financial and operational leadership capabilities

Preferred

• MBA or MHA

• Experience across acute behavioral health and residential treatment programs

• Behavioral health hospital startup turnaround or expansion experience

• Strong Joint Commission survey leadership experience

• Proven community engagement and referral network development

Leadership Profile

The ideal leader will demonstrate:

High emotional intelligence and strong culture-building skills
A visible hands-on leadership presence
Strategic thinking with strong operational execution
Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement
Commitment to compassionate patient-centered care

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $200000 $220000

• Performance bonus eligibility

• Full benefits package

• Relocation assistance

• Interview travel reimbursement

Location

Springfield Missouri

Springfield offers a strong healthcare community growing regional economy and excellent quality of life.

About This Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to lead a mission-driven behavioral health organization focused on expanding access to care strengthening clinical outcomes and improving the lives of patients and families across the community.

Apply

Qualified behavioral health executives are encouraged to apply or reach out confidentially to Northwest Talent Solutions.

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