Behavioral Health Program Director

Altarum is a leader in advancing and improving the nation’s behavioral health system.  We work on behalf of SAMHSA to lead the 998 Technical Assistance and Training Center. We work on behalf of the Bureau of Justice Affairs leading peer recovery supports work for carceral populations.  Additionally, we work directly with states to roll out new, innovative programs.  Our Behavioral Health team is growing and we are seeking a new leader to help take us to the next level. 

Altarum is seeking a Behavioral Health Program Director to support the Behavioral Health Program in our Population Health Division. Program Directors serve a set of functions essential to Altarum’s long term organizational success and achieving its impact on advancing health and healthcare.  Responsibilities include overseeing projects and client relationships including leading account management of select clients. Program directors have operational oversight, supervision, and mentorship, and financial oversight. They develop relationships with funders and partners and set and execute strategy that builds the Practice Areas’ capabilities and offerings.

The Behavioral Health Program Director is expected to lead proposals and business development efforts, and support staff career development and growth. The Behavioral Health Program Director will work closely with the Senior Director of Community Health Practice Area to accomplish the program’s operational, fiscal, business development, and staff development goals. 

• Supervise the operating activities of the program or a select portfolio of projects. 
• Coordinate planning and initiation of multiple diverse projects at various levels of completion. 
• Work with project leaders and other program staff to ensure that all project plans are accurate, up-to-date and reflect the most efficient use of available resources.  
• Support project leaders in ensuring project goals and objectives are accomplished in accordance with priorities, time, and funding limitations.  
• Maintain a culture of open communication and risk mitigation across program portfolio.  
• Proactively monitor performance across program portfolio to ensure broad client satisfaction. 
• Seek to maximize project margins and minimize the risk of cost overruns or project funds going unspent.  
• Counsel and mentor staff on organization and Practice Area level policies and preferred operational practices.  
• Support the building of effective teams within the program by demonstrating accountability and working across Practice Areas and Divisions.   
• Proactively assess financial progress, vulnerabilities, and risks to projects. Identify weaknesses and support development of contingency plans.  
• Lead subcontractor oversight activities across the program portfolio.  
• Contribute to and support roll-out of preferred operational practices across program staff. 
• Participate in strategic planning and visioning sessions and lead ad hoc strategic efforts.  
• Prepare and generate various reports including metrics and other Practice Area measures (such as KPIs or key performance indicators).  

• Lead and contribute to projects within the Practice Area and Program (i.e. Project Director, subject matter expert, facilitator) 
• Develop, maintain,and encourage productive relationships with clients.  

• Support Senior Community Health Director in developing Practice Area FY (Fiscal Year) budgets and reviewing performance vs budget.  
• Manage Practice Area activities to meet or exceed quarterly top line, net revenue, gross margin objectives. 
• Manage Practice Area activities to meet or exceed quarterly indirect spending and contribution margin objectives.  
• Closely monitor and forecast financial performance and to proactively take steps to mitigate risks, alter indirect spending and right-size teams when necessary.  
• Embrace fiduciary responsibilities and model behaviors that demonstrate the professional pursuit of Altarum’s long-term financial health.

• Aggressively pursue business development that is aligned with and advances Altarum’s mission. 
• Support attainment of yearly sales goals for the Community Health Practice Area. 
• Actively pursue and build robust relationships with existing clients, potential funders, and partner organizations.  
• Identify and leverage existing relationships found among staff in the program and the leadership of Practice Areas for business development pursuits.   
• Lead and/or support proposal efforts, teaming, and strategic pricing.  

• Supervise program staff, maximize productivity and identify and address performance concerns in a timely manner.  
• Mentor and provide constructive feedback and guidance.  
• Discuss and document professional development goals and progress.  
• Address performance issuesand discuss areas for growth. 
• Identify projectsand opportunities and structure taskingto provide growth and professional development. 
• Coach on problem solving to address issues as needed. 
• Objectively identify top performers and work to provide new opportunities to support retention. 
• Pursue interesting work to attract top talent and retain high-performing staff.  
• Recruit and retain mission-oriented staff to further develop a culture of purpose across Division activities. Work with the Community Health Practice Area program directors and managers to coordinate project staffing to maximize opportunities for full staff utilization and career development.   
• Identify internal and external candidates to strengthen Altarum leadership pipeline.  

• Master’s degree, with 7+ years of relevant work experience in health and health care, management of federal and state contracts, and leadership.    
• Assertive and persuasive communication (written, verbal, and listening) and ability to communicate technical concepts, and ideas succinctly to partners, funders and senior level executives.    
• Experience with government contracting and leading teams to respond to RFP/RFI/RFQfor Federal, State and Philanthropic opportunities.    
• Proven ability to work effectively across internal and external organizations. 
• Expertise in Behavioral Health 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.  
• Ability to travel on ad hoc basis for internal and external meetings.     
• People management and leadership skills to mentor staff for personal development and encourage team-oriented collaboration.   
• Strong financial acumen and negotiation skills.  

• At this time we will only accept candidates who are presently eligible to work in the United States and will not require sponsorship.
• Our organization requires that all work, for the duration of your employment, must be completed in the continental U.S. unless required by contract.
• If you are local to our offices in Arlington, Silver Spring, Novi, or Portland this role will be hybrid (in office on Wednesdays - collaboration days).
• Must be able to work during eastern time unless approved by your manager.
• Employees working remotely must have a dedicated, ergonomically appropriate workspace free from distractions with a mobile device that allows for productive and efficient conduct of business.

Altarum is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of individuals with fewer financial resources and populations disenfranchised by the health care system.  We work primarily on behalf of federal and state governments to design and implement solutions that achieve measurable results.  We combine our expertise in public health and health care delivery with technology development and implementation, practice transformation, training and technical assistance, quality improvement, data analytics, and applied research and evaluation. Our innovative solutions and proven processes lead to better value and health for all.  

In addition to the meaningful and challenging work, Altarum offers an outstanding benefits program that includes paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 401k (3% employer contribution plus opportunity for gainsharing), a flexible work environment, and much more. We invite you to explore exciting and rewarding career opportunities with us.   

Altarum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits 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.