Clinical Director - BCBA

Ready to lead?

At Opal Autism Centers, we’re intentionally building a different kind of clinical leadership environment — one focused on ethical care, sustainable clinical practices, operational stability, and long-term leadership growth.

As an independently owned, center-based ABA organization, we are committed to creating an environment where Clinical Directors feel empowered to lead strong teams, maintain high clinical standards, and drive meaningful outcomes without sacrificing clinical integrity or personal well-being.

Our Clinical Directors serve as both clinical and operational leaders — helping shape center culture, mentor clinicians, support sustainable growth, and ensure children and families receive high-quality, compassionate care.

Position: Clinical Director

Location: TRIAD area of North Carolina

Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person | Center-Based

Base Salary: $90,000–$97,000 

Retention Bonus: $5,000

Annual Bonus Opportunity: Earn up to ~15% of salary 

Total Earning Potential: High-performing Clinical Directors may exceed $100,000 annually through a combination of competitive base salary, annual bonus opportunity, retention incentives, and ongoing investment in professional development and clinical support. 

Why BCBAs Choose Opal: 

✔ Independently owned organization — not private equity backed 

✔ No restrictive employment agreements or bonus repayment clauses 

✔ Center-based early intervention model (ages 2–6) 

✔ Dedicated operational, scheduling, billing, HR, recruiting, and administrative support

✔ Collaborative, clinician-led leadership culture

✔ Sustainable growth and operational stability

✔ Ethical, assent-based, trauma-informed care model

✔ Leadership autonomy with executive-level support

✔ Dedicated clinical quality and compliance leadership

✔ Flexibility and work-life balance built into operational practices

✔ Opportunity to directly influence clinical culture, mentorship, retention, and outcomes

✔ Dedicated clinical quality and compliance leadership focused on ethical care, evolving funder requirements, and sustainable clinical practices 

🌱 Our Care Model 

At Opal Autism Centers, we provide assent-based, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming care- prioritizing learner autonomy, emotional safety, and dignity through compassionate, non-coercive, and individualized ABA practices. 

What You’ll Do: 

As a Clinical Director at Opal Autism Centers, you will lead as a clinical expert in providing high-quality ABA services for children with autism and their families. This role combines clinical oversight, leadership development, operational collaboration, and strategic problem-solving to help ensure strong client outcomes, sustainable clinical practices, and a positive team culture.

You will oversee clinical operations, support compliance with ethical and best-practice standards, mentor BCBAs and RBTs, and help foster an environment centered on collaboration, accountability, and compassionate care. Clinical Directors maintain a manageable direct caseload while also supporting operational performance, team development, and long-term center success.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, or related field
• Current and active BCBA certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a BCBA working directly with individuals with autism
• Minimum of 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or people-management experience within ABA or a related healthcare setting
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Commitment to compassionate, family-centered, and ethical care

Preferred Qualifications:

• LBA licensure (if applicable by state)
• Experience leading center-based ABA operations
• Experience supporting clinician development and mentorship
• Experience with clinical quality oversight, audits, and documentation review
• Experience with workforce planning, scheduling collaboration, and retention strategies
• Familiarity with EMR systems and clinical documentation platforms

Benefits

Customized Transition Support: 

We understand that transitioning into a new BCBA role can involve financial, logistical, and career-planning considerations. Depending on experience, location, and organizational need, individualized employment packages may include relocation support, sign-on or retention incentives, assistance navigating previous employment-related financial obligations, and contingent offers for future BCBAs preparing to sit for their certification exam. 

We’ve intentionally built a compensation and support structure that prioritizes sustainability, growth, clinician well-being, and ethical clinical practice. 

Compensation & Growth: 

• Individualized employment packages 

• Competitive leadership compensation structure

• Annual performance bonus opportunities up to ~15% of salary

• Leadership growth pathways into regional roles

• Annual professional development, CEU stipend, and certification reimbursement opportunities 

• Referral bonuses up to $1,000 per referral — no cap! 

Work-Life Balance & Support: 

• Protected breaks and workplace accommodations, including: Lactation accommodations (PUMP Act compliant), ADA and religious accommodations 

• Flex days built into scheduling 

• 160 hours PTO annually (increases with tenure) 

• 9 paid holidays 

• Paid bereavement leave 
• Protected & Extended Leave Options: FMLA (12 weeks job-protected leave), Military leave (USERRA-protected), etc. 

• Full administrative and operational support teams 

• Sustainable caseload philosophy 

Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• 401(k) and additional investment options 

• Life and disability insurance 

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA) 

• Pet insurance 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Cell phone stipend (if applicable) 

• Travel reimbursement (if applicable) 

Professional Development: 

• Clinical tools & technology provided 

• Support for continued clinical and leadership growth through conferences, CEU platforms, webinars, and specialized trainings 

• $1,000 annual CEU stipend 

• Certification reimbursement opportunities 

• University tuition discounts through partnerships with: Ball State, Capella, Northeastern, Purdue Global and more! 

• Ongoing clinical, leadership, operational, and compliance-focused training opportunities

About Opal Autism Centers: 

At Opal, we are committed to delivering ethical, high-quality ABA services that prioritize dignity, compassion, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes for the children and families we serve. 

We are intentionally building an organization where clinicians and leaders can grow long-term without sacrificing quality care, clinical integrity, or personal well-being. As the ABA landscape continues to evolve, our leadership team remains proactive in adapting to changing clinical, ethical, state, and payor requirements to help create sustainable clinical practices that support and protect both our clients and clinicians. 

We believe strong leadership creates stronger outcomes — for children, families, and clinical teams alike.

Opal Autism Centers is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree to the above statement.