Director Chief Administrative Officer Behavioral Health

Director/CAO Behavioral Health Services

Location: Evansville, IN (Deaconess Cross Pointe) Employment Type: Full-Time

Our Mission: To advance the health and wellbeing of our community with a compassionate and caring spirit.

About the Role

Deaconess Health System is seeking a visionary Director/Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Behavioral Health Services to lead Deaconess Cross Pointe and oversee system-wide behavioral health operations. This executive role will shape and implement strategic, operational, and clinical initiatives that enhance patient care, professional collaboration, and organizational growth. This leader will be accountable for service line strategy, compliance, staff development, and performance metrics across all markets within the health system.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy:

  • Develop and execute strategic plans for behavioral health services across the health system.

  • Foster collaboration with clinical, administrative, and executive stakeholders to promote care quality, safety, financial stewardship, and innovation.

  • Lead Center of Excellence, Steering Team, and Growth and Development meetings.

• Operations & Compliance:

  • Direct the daily operations of Deaconess Cross Pointe.

  • Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, laws, and internal policies.

  • Implement responsible budgeting, accounting, and internal controls.

• Human Capital Management:

  • Lead recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of both clinical and administrative teams.

  • Ensure competency assessments, performance evaluations, and employee engagement.

  • Guide conflict resolution, problem-solving, and team-based decision making.

• Performance Improvement:

  • Monitor key performance indicators across clinical, financial, and patient experience domains.

  • Implement and track progress on quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in nursing, social work, healthcare administration, or related field required.

  • Master's degree (MBA or MHA) strongly preferred.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in behavioral health, hospital management, or healthcare administration required.

  • Experience managing multi-site or system-level behavioral health programs is preferred.

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Deep understanding of clinical, financial, and regulatory issues in behavioral health.

  • Proficient in data analysis, budget management, and operational efficiency.

  • Skilled in written/verbal communication, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, and public speaking.

  • Computer literate with experience using data systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.

Why Join Deaconess?

As a leading health system in the Midwest, Deaconess Health System offers competitive compensation, full benefits, and the opportunity to lead behavioral health innovation in a values-driven organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.