APPLICATION

In order for your application to be considered, please apply at www.brchs.com/executivesearch.

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position. Blue Ridge Health reserves the right to modify job duties or requirements based on organizational needs. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITY:  The Chief Executive Officer will work closely with the Board of Directors to support the driving mission of the organization; To improve Health, inspire Hope, and advance Healing through access to Compassionate, Affordable, and Quality Care. This role serves as managing director of organizational operations and as the main link between the different divisions within the company.

Who You Are:

You are a visionary leader who balances strategic acumen with a deep commitment to people and community. Your leadership is defined by an unwavering passion for excellence in healthcare, combined with the ability to inspire, empathize, and unite diverse teams.

What You Demonstrate:

• Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: You foster an inclusive culture where patients, staff, and partners feel valued, heard, and Your leadership is grounded in active listening, trust- building, and cultural humility.
• Collaborative & Inclusive Leadership: You excel at building strong, cohesive teams by fostering open communication and mutual respect. Your ability to connect with individuals from varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds, especially within at-risk populations, underscores your commitment to diversity and inclusion. You build and nurture strong relationships with community stakeholders, including patients, local organizations, government agencies, and healthcare partners, to advance the mission and ensure equitable access to care.
• Strategic Vision & Agility: You are a forward-thinking, results-driven leader who navigates complex challenges with decisiveness and resilience. You set clear, actionable goals.
• Effective Communication: You are a skilled communicator who can translate complex healthcare and operational strategies into clear compelling narratives. You engage and inspire board members, staff, funders, and community partners with confidence and authenticity.
• Resilience & Continuous Improvement: You thrive in dynamic environments, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Your proactive approach to process improvement, operational efficiency, and quality assurance reinforces your commitment to delivering compassionate, efficient, and timely healthcare.
• Commitment to Diverse Communities, Quality, and Whole-Person Care: You are deeply committed to serving diverse communities through integrated, whole-person care. Your passion for advancing healthy lifestyles is evident in your efforts to break down barriers to care, ensuring that every individual receives culturally sensitive, comprehensive, and preventive health services. In essence, you are not just an operational leader, you are a transformative force who unites strategy with heart, ensuring that the organization not only meets its goals but also uplifts the communities it serves.

As CEO, you will be responsible for working with the Board of Directors to set the strategic direction, overseeing clinical and administrative operations, and ensuring the financial sustainability of Blue Ridge Health (BRH). Your leadership will directly impact the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of healthcare services provided to the community.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership and Organization Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team.
• Empower and support the senior leadership team by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and autonomy needed to drive organizational success.
• Establish and oversee the execution of yearly, measurable goals and timelines for BRH objectives, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic vision and approval by the Board of Directors.
• Ensure that clinical and administrative services are delivered efficiently, compassionately, and in alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Stay informed of federal, state, and local regulations affecting migrant and community health programs and ensure timely reporting to the Board of Directors of BRH activities.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to oversee clinical activities, ensuring alignment with quality assurance and productivity programs.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the organization, representing BRH in policy discussions, public forums, at the national, state, regional, and local community levels.

Financial Stewardship & Operational Management

• Oversee the development and implementation of the annual budget, ensuring financial stability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Identify and secure diverse funding sources (grants, philanthropic support, value-based care models) to expand services and enhance financial resilience.
• Submit annual grant proposals and provide all required reports to funding sources (i.e. UDS reports).
• Strengthen the relationships with funding sources and engage elected and appointed officials in supporting the BRH mission, vision and values.
• Ensure that incentive structures and operational systems support high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining competitive financial viability.
• Lead growth initiatives, including expanding clinic facilities, new provider recruitment, launching new service lines, and increasing community outreach efforts.
• Work with the Chief Human Resources Officer to promote and implement staff development programs.

Professional Development & External Relations

• Maintain active professional affiliations and pursue ongoing professional development to stay informed of emerging trends in healthcare administration.
• Engage in relevant in-service training and continuing education to ensure operational excellence at Blue Ridge Health.
• Strengthen community engagement by raising awareness and garnering support for the BRH mission and initiatives.
• Monitor local and national healthcare trends, integrating best practices to enhance the BRH effectiveness and impact.
• Lead, coordinate, and actively participate in standing and ad hoc committees to advance organizational priorities.
• Work with community agencies to secure resources that support care continuity and ensure health center staff have access to continuing education programs.

Board Engagement & Governance

• Provide the Board with regular updates on quality management, operational performance, and emerging trends impacting BRH.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, providing timely and transparent updates on organizational performance, financial health, and key initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Board to define strategic priorities, ensure strong governance practices, and align decision-making with the organization’s mission.
• Attend all board meetings and provide critical insight on healthcare trends, policy changes, and operational challenges that may impact BRH.

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE

 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Health, Business Administration, Public Health, Public Policy, Medicine, or a related field is required.
• At least five years of executive-level management experience in healthcare, public health, or a nonprofit healthcare setting.
• 10+ years of progressive management experience in an ambulatory healthcare setting.
• Experience managing a federally funded healthcare center (FQHC) or other nonprofit healthcare facility.
• Experience in financial management, strategic planning, and sustainable budgeting in a healthcare setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Medicine, Public Health, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of healthcare policies, regulations, and compliance requirements, including HIPAA, FQHC, OSHA, OIG, HRSA, CLIA, NCQA.
• Certifications or experience in quality management and compliance.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience, including securing grants, donor engagement, and financial growth strategies.
• Knowledge of Western North Carolina or similar rural healthcare environments, with experience addressing unique healthcare challenges.

Leadership & Industry Expertise

• Demonstrated ability to develop and successfully implement business and strategic plans.
• Experience interpreting financial statements, developing sustainable budgets, and identifying growth opportunities that align with an organization's mission.
• Strong understanding of healthcare operations, risk management, patient flow, and facilities management.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, drive continuous improvement, and foster an inclusive and mission-driven culture.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• General Movement: Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the clinic, including exam rooms, front office, hallways, and waiting areas.
• Manual Dexterity & Vision: Requires fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and visual acuity for computer work and data entry.
• Lifting & Physical Activity:
  • Light to moderate lifting required, up to 50 lbs.
  • Assistance required for lifting over 50 lbs.
  • Some bending, stooping, and extended periods of standing are necessary.
• Technology & Equipment Use: Requires regular use of office and clinical equipment, including computers and diagnostic tools.
• Sensory & Communication Requirements: Ability to hear, speak, and respond effectively to patients, staff, and environmental cues.
• Work Environment: Moderate noise level typical of an office and clinical setting.
• Attendance & Reliability: Regular, predictable attendance is required as dictated by business needs.

COMPENSATION

At Blue Ridge Health, we value work-life balance and invest in our team’s well-being through a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Salary range: $180,000-$250,000
• Health & Wellness: Competitive benefits plan including medical, dental, and vision.
• Financial Security:
  • 403(b) retirement account with company matching
  • Company sponsored life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Supplemental accident insurance available for additional coverage
• Paid Time Off & Holidays:
  • Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) and nine paid holidays per year
• Employee Assistance Program: Comprehensive support for employees and their household members, including confidential counseling, family planning resources, legal consultations, access to My Life Expert, and more.

APPLICATION

In order for your application to be considered, please apply at www.brchs.com/executivesearch.

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position. Blue Ridge Health reserves the right to modify job duties or requirements based on organizational needs. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

At Blue Ridge Health our mission is to improve Health, inspire Hope, and advance Healing through access to Compassionate, Affordable, and Quality Care. We are seeking individuals with a passion for creating an exceptional patient and client care experience to join our team! We are a nonprofit system of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that works closely with communities to meet the ever-changing medical and behavioral healthcare needs of individuals throughout WNC.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.