Associate Director / Assistant Executive Director

Summary:

The Associate Director supports the Executive Director in overseeing program operations, growth initiatives, and performance outcomes across assigned services. This role partners with leadership to enhance program development, support staff training and onboarding, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive census and referral growth.

The Associate Director collaborates across clinical, operational, and business development teams to strengthen referral relationships, support quality initiatives, and ensure programs meet organizational goals and performance standards.

Shift: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partner with Executive Directors and leadership teams to support program operations, development, and expansion across assigned services.
• Assist with recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of clinical and program staff.
• Support training and professional development initiatives for program staff.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure compliance with regulatory, licensing, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF).
• Assist in monitoring program performance, quality metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Support audits, reporting processes, and quality improvement initiatives across programs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with referral sources, including schools, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Attend community events, meetings, and networking opportunities to support program visibility and growth.
• Partner with admissions and operations teams to support census growth and program utilization.
• Assist in developing and implementing marketing strategies and materials to support program services.
• Maintain and utilize CRM systems to track referral activity and support business development efforts.
• Prepare reports and presentations related to program performance, growth initiatives, and service outcomes.
• Provide support to programs to identify and resolve operational challenges and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to understand program needs and support service delivery.
• Participate in leadership meetings, supervision calls, and organizational initiatives as required.
• Must exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality with regard to all company information
• Completion of all required trainings as designated by the company and accreditation/licensing entities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May provide oversight, guidance, and support to program staff and assist with supervision-related activities as delegated by the Executive Director. Supports hiring, onboarding, and staff development efforts but may not have direct supervisory authority depending on program structure.

Required Qualifications Education, Licensure, & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health, Social Work, Business, Marketing, or related field required
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder, or mental health services preferred
• Experience in program operations, community relations, admissions, or business development preferred
• Experience in a clinical role (e.g., Counselor, Assessor) or direct client care preferred

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Knowledge of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment systems and levels of care
• Understanding of referral sources, funding streams, and managed care processes
• Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF)
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support program growth initiatives
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Effective communication and collaboration across teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle objects. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional and clinical environment with moderate noise levels. The role requires travel between program locations and attendance at community events. Employees may be exposed to behavioral health environments and client-related situations.