Role Overview for Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, mission-driven behavioral healthcare organization in Raleigh, North Carolina, in their search for a transformative and visionary Chief Clinical Officer (CCO). This is a pivotal executive leadership position for an individual passionate about driving clinical excellence, fostering innovation, and making a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of the community. Our client is a leading provider of comprehensive behavioral health services, offering a full continuum of care that includes inpatient, outpatient, crisis intervention, and community-based programs for diverse populations.
The Chief Clinical Officer will serve as the senior clinical executive, responsible for the overall strategic direction, clinical integrity, and operational performance of all patient care services. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CCO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, shaping the organization’s future by ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centered care. This role demands a dynamic leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on clinical oversight, inspire a large team of dedicated professionals, and navigate the complex and evolving landscape of behavioral healthcare. You will be the champion of our clinical philosophy, ensuring that all programs are grounded in evidence-based practices, data-driven decision-making, and a deep commitment to positive patient outcomes.
The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience from a senior clinical leadership role within a complex healthcare system. They will possess a profound understanding of clinical operations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and program development. This executive will foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth, ensuring that our clinical staff are supported, empowered, and equipped to provide the highest standard of care. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for behavioral health and a proven track record of clinical and operational success, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity to lead and innovate in one of the nation’s most vibrant and growing cities.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health – Raleigh, NC
Strategic Clinical Leadership
Develop, implement, and evaluate the organization’s long-term clinical vision and strategic plan in alignment with the overall organizational mission. Provide expert clinical guidance to the CEO and Board of Directors on industry trends, policy changes, and opportunities for innovation and growth. Represent the organization as a clinical thought leader at local, state, and national levels.
Clinical Program Oversight and Development
Direct and oversee the entire continuum of clinical care services, including but not limited to, adult and adolescent inpatient services, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), crisis stabilization units, and community-based outreach. Champion the development and implementation of new clinical programs and service lines that address unmet community needs and expand the organization’s reach.
Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management
Establish and maintain the highest standards of clinical quality and patient safety. Lead the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, utilizing data analytics to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), patient outcomes, and satisfaction. Ensure all clinical services are in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as accreditation standards from bodies such as The Joint Commission and CARF. Oversee the organization’s clinical risk management program to mitigate potential liabilities.
Clinical Staff Leadership and Development
Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for the clinical leadership team, including Directors of Nursing, Clinical Directors, and Program Managers. Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing culture that attracts and retains top clinical talent. Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive clinical training programs, ensuring staff competency in evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities.
Operational and Financial Management
Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and other executive leaders to develop and manage annual budgets for all clinical departments. Ensure clinical services are delivered in a fiscally responsible and efficient manner without compromising quality of care. Analyze clinical and operational data to identify opportunities for process improvement, enhanced efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Integration and Collaboration
Promote and facilitate effective collaboration between clinical departments and with administrative and support functions. Champion the integration of behavioral health with physical health, working with community partners and healthcare systems to develop integrated care models that treat the whole person. Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including payers, government agencies, academic institutions, and other community providers.
Requirements for the Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health – Raleigh, NC
Required Qualifications:
Education
A Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant clinical field, such as Social Work (MSW), Psychology (PhD/PsyD), Counseling (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT), or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a psychiatric focus.
Licensure
Must possess an active, unrestricted clinical license to practice in the state of North Carolina (or be license-eligible with the ability to obtain licensure within a specified timeframe). Acceptable licenses include LCSW, PhD, PsyD, LPC, LMFT, or APRN.
Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of post-licensure clinical experience in the behavioral health field. This must include at least seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in a complex behavioral health setting (e.g., hospital, large community mental health center, integrated health system), with demonstrated success in roles such as Clinical Director, Vice President of Clinical Services, or a similar executive-level position.
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire large, multidisciplinary clinical teams. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program development, and operational execution. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of state and federal regulations governing behavioral healthcare, as well as accreditation standards from The Joint Commission, CARF, or other relevant bodies.
Clinical Expertise
Strong foundation in a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities and a deep understanding of best practices for treating mental health and substance use disorders across the lifespan.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience as a Chief Clinical Officer or in a C-suite role within a similarly sized or larger organization.
- Direct experience overseeing both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services.
- Proven success in developing and scaling telehealth and digital health programs.
- Experience working within a value-based care or managed care environment.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource management for clinical departments.
- An established reputation as a thought leader in the behavioral health field, demonstrated through publications, public speaking, or academic appointments.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a comprehensive and competitive executive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. The package includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience, coupled with a significant annual executive performance bonus potential.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options for you and your dependents. A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives are also provided.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan with a substantial employer match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A substantial paid time off (PTO) package, including vacation, sick leave, and numerous paid holidays, to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated annual allowance for continuing education, professional memberships, and attendance at national conferences to support your ongoing growth as a leader in the field.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the vibrant Raleigh, NC area.
Insurance and Security
Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this executive search. To express your interest in this exceptional leadership opportunity, please submit a confidential resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and vision for the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive leadership team and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Healthcare Executive Search practice area page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
