Executive Director

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Market Operations Director

Department/Location: Onsite in Federal Way, WA

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position is onsite, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm at the Federal Way, WA Guidelight Facility. The Executive Director will oversee the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for both adult and adolescent programming.

*Must have an active independent Washington therapy license.

Role Summary:

The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership, drive operational excellence, and cultivate a collaborative culture. This role holds overall accountability for the clinic's success in achieving business objectives. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring high-quality care, regulatory compliance, and sound financial management, while also driving program growth through creative business development and community outreach. The ideal candidate excels at building relationships, fostering program expansion, and promoting an inclusive, culturally competent environment. They will create a welcoming atmosphere within the PHP/IOP programs and represent Guidelight Health to clients, families, staff, and the broader community.

On a day-to-day basis, the Executive Director oversees clinic operations, manages the site's P&L, evaluates staff performance, provides ongoing clinical training, and actively engages in community outreach and growth initiatives. Candidates should demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong affinity for creative strategies that increase census, balancing operational leadership with proactive engagement in the community. They may also participate in conferences to stay current on state and federal regulations and behavioral health trends.

Role Responsibilities:

• Trusted Advisor
  • Build and maintain trust-based relationships with referral partners, providing consultative, solutions-oriented guidance.
  • Support providers in making the best care decisions, even when recommending alternatives outside of Guidelight.
  • Drive referral growth through credibility, clinical expertise, and consistent follow-up.
• Ambassador & Community Engagement
  • Represent Guidelight in the local behavioral health ecosystem, enhancing brand awareness and credibility.
  • Partner with Outreach to expand referral networks and community presence.
  • Participate in conferences, coalitions, local events, and professional networks.
  • Advocate authentically for clients and the organization.
• Clinical Quality Champion
  • Oversee PHP/IOP programming, including day-to-day operations, clinical programming, and KPIs.
  • Model and enforce clinical excellence, ethical practice, and evidence-based care (DBT, CBT, ACT, MI).
  • Conduct chart audits, review treatment plans, and ensure curriculum fidelity and consistent treatment approaches.
  • Use client feedback and outcomes data to drive continuous improvement and high-quality care.
• Operational & Financial Leadership
  • Own clinic-level P&L and KPIs, ensuring financial health and operational efficiency.
  • Manage staffing, schedules, and productivity to align with demand and program needs.
  • Ensure compliance with state licensure regulations, payer requirements, and accrediting bodies (CARF).
  • Implement process improvements to enhance both clinical and operational performance.
• Market Strategist & Growth Leadership
  • Use local market insight, payer knowledge, and competitive intelligence to guide programming and growth initiatives.
  • Partner with outreach and business development teams to expand census and optimize referral sources.
  • Identify and implement new service opportunities or program expansions aligned with market demand.
• People Developer & Team Leadership
  • Build, lead, and maintain a high-performing team of up to 25–30 staff members.
  • Provide supervision for licensed and pre-licensed clinicians, including coaching, mentoring, and career development. '
  • Conduct evaluations, regular administrative meetings, and oversee orientation and ongoing training.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and psychologically safe team culture.
  • Recognize and celebrate individual and team contributions to maintain morale and engagement.
• Systems & Technology Competence
  • Utilize EHR systems (Kipu preferred) and other technology platforms to improve clinical and operational efficiency.
  • Serve as a resource for system-related training, documentation support, and reporting.
  • Maintain accurate supervisory notes and program documentation.
• Safety & Client Care
  • Ensure safety of staff and clients through monitoring and implementation of appropriate protocols and trainings.
  • Coordinate with external providers, agencies, and community partners to ensure optimal client care.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field from an accredited institution, with a minimum of 5+ years of work experience post-Master's.
• Active licensure in Social Work (LICSW, LCSW), Counseling (LMHC, LPC), or Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT).
• 5-7 years of clinical experience in higher levels of care, with 2+ years in a management role.
• Proven leadership experience in mental health settings serving adolescents and adults.
• Knowledge of evidence-based modalities (DBT, CBT, ACT, MI) and appreciation for group therapy.
• Strong business acumen with experience collaborating on financial operations and clinic growth initiatives.
• Skilled in technology and software systems (including EHRs and Microsoft Office).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage staff, clients, and community partners effectively.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of clients in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years post-independent licensure.
• Experience in IOP/PHP, inpatient, residential, or emergency room settings.
• Brings an established professional network and experience partnering with outreach or business development teams.

*Please do not contact our public clinical admissions line regarding this or any other job posting. For recruiting-related inquiries, please contact the Talent team at Talent@guidelighthealth.com

Guidelight is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are passionate about fostering an environment where everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or background, feels valued and included.

We want to be a place where every employee has a voice and feels truly welcome, appreciated, free to be themselves, and empowered and enabled to do their best work. Our differences make us unique, and we actively support these differences and work to create communities of respect throughout our company. www.guidelighthealth.com