Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer
Saint Charles, MO
Full Time
The Chief Executive Officer has full responsibility for the management and operation of the hospital. The role encompasses strategic planning, operational execution, financial management, patient care quality, staff development, regulatory compliance, and continuous performance improvement.
The CEO is accountable for translating organizational objectives into measurable results while maintaining a safe, compliant, patient-centered behavioral health environment.
Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities
A. Strategic Planning & Governance

• Collaborate with the governing body to develop annual operating budgets, capital budgets, and strategic business plans.
• Ensure medical staff participation in strategic and operational planning in coordination with the Medical Director.
• Lead the implementation and achievement of the hospital's strategic objectives.
• Prepare accurate governing board reports and participate in quarterly governance calls.
• Attend and chair meetings involving the governing body, medical staff, executive management, and other departments as appropriate.

B. Hospital Operations & Clinical Performance

• Direct day-to-day hospital operations and align departmental responsibilities with organizational goals.
• Ensure effective patient care outcomes and appropriate clinical operations.
• Establish clear accountability and performance expectations for department leaders.
• Coordinate resources and staffing to support patient care and operational requirements.
• Oversee performance improvement activities and resolve staff performance concerns.
• Ensure timely follow-up of patient safety incidents, system-level issues, and identified high-risk areas.

C. Financial Management & Business Development

• Oversee hospital financial performance, fiscal management, and budget execution.
• Drive census, EBITDA, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.
• Identify business development opportunities based on local market needs.
• Manage commercial payer contract negotiations, including rates, services, and contract compliance.
• Monitor contract performance and identify opportunities for additional revenue and growth.
• Evaluate technology and analytics solutions that improve operational and financial outcomes.

D. Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation

• Maintain hospital licensure, accreditation, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain continuous survey readiness through comprehensive audits and corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure adherence to organizational compliance policies and procedures.
• Coordinate compliance training and proactively address reported compliance issues.
• Ensure that medical staff and facility operations meet regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Promote a culture of accountability and continuous compliance improvement.

E. Talent Management & Leadership Development

• Evaluate the performance and competencies of individual leaders and the leadership team.
• Provide coaching, corrective action, and performance management where appropriate.
• Recruit psychiatrists, allied health professionals, and other qualified staff to expand hospital services.
• Promote staff participation in continuing education and facility-wide training.
• Develop a high-performing workforce with clear accountability and measurable outcomes.
• Support employee retention, leadership development, and succession planning.

F. Community Engagement & Continuum of Care

• Build relationships with government agencies, local businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
• Strengthen referral networks and community partnerships.
• Lead the development of outpatient services and community-based programs.
• Support marketing initiatives and improve understanding of local healthcare needs.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to expand access to behavioral healthcare.

G. Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement

• Ensure appropriate staffing, leadership support, and resources for QAPI activities.
• Oversee quality improvement plans and corrective actions.
• Monitor patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.
• Ensure prompt resolution of patient safety concerns.
• Support consistent adoption of applicable clinical standards and best practices.

H. Organizational Standards & Professional Conduct

• Follow organizational policies and procedures with integrity and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Stay informed about national healthcare initiatives through relevant professional associations, including NAPHS and applicable state hospital associations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Standard Expectations

• Comply with organizational policies, procedures, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, visitors, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain constructive working relationships.
• Promote mutual trust, respect, teamwork, and cooperation.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Demonstrate professional judgment and confidentiality in all aspects of hospital administration.

Education, Experience & Skill Requirements
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Marketing, a clinical discipline, or a related field.
• The source specifies a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a senior leadership or CEO role in behavioral health, acute care, and/or managed care, or successful completion of a CEO training program.
• Ability to lead licensure, accreditation, and compliance initiatives in a behavioral health facility.
• Strong understanding of hospital administration and clinical operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial management and business development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects within strict timelines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to handle confidential and proprietary information professionally.
• English proficiency sufficient to provide and receive instructions.

Education exception: Equivalent experience and/or licensure may be considered in place of a degree, subject to the required next-level review and approval.
Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or MHA.
• Senior executive leadership experience in a behavioral health or psychiatric hospital.
• Experience in hospital financial management and business development.
• Demonstrated success in accreditation, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.
• Experience developing community partnerships and referral networks.
• Experience recruiting and retaining clinical and medical professionals.
• Experience expanding hospital services or developing a continuum of care.

Required Skills & Certifications

The source identifies the following skills as required:

• Behavioral Health CEO / Hospital Leadership Experience
• JCAHO / Joint Commission Survey Experience
• Financial Management
• Talent Recruitment & Retention
• Marketing & Community Engagement
• Quality Experience in a Behavioral Health Hospital