Chief Executive Officer, NIH Clinical Center

Chief Executive Officer, Clinical Center

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s premier biomedical research institution, is seeking applications from exceptional candidates for the exciting position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Clinical Center (CC).

The NIH Clinical Center is the nation's largest hospital devoted exclusively to clinical research. An extraordinarily large number of major advances have resulted from research conducted at the NIH Clinical Center. There, clinician-investigators translate scientific observations and laboratory discoveries into new approaches to diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. The CEO will exercise their authority in this context, ensuring that the highest standards of quality and ethical behavior are maintained while advancing the unique potential of the NIH Clinical Center to advance care and cure of the most complex diseases.

Approximately 1,500 clinical research studies are in progress at the Clinical Center. Half of these are studies of the pathogenesis of disease, including rare diseases, many of which are not studied elsewhere. Over 400,000 volunteers have participated in clinical research studies at the Clinical Center since the hospital opened in 1953. Each year, the Clinical Center sees approximately 10,000 new research participants.

The CEO will be responsible for ensuring that research at the Clinical Center is conducted in a manner consistent with the highest standards of quality and ethical behavior. The incumbent will be responsible for developing all hospital operations policies, including those related to patient care, safety, and quality improvement. The CEO also will be responsible for analyzing operations to identify efficiencies and develop plans to resolve any operational problems or issues. The CEO will ensure that the Clinical Center meets or exceeds all accreditation and licensure standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations, Medicare, Medicaid, state licensure, regulatory agencies, and similar organizations. The incumbent will be responsible for the Clinical Center meeting or exceeding all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The CEO will oversee and will be responsible for the approval of specifications for all hospital construction and facility renovation and upgrading activities.

The CEO will represent the Clinical Center in a variety of settings, internally to NIH and externally to the many stakeholders, including patients, the Clinical Center Hospital Board, members of the Executive and Legislative Branches, and officials of academic, research, and other institutes and organizations, as well as professional and advocacy groups.

In collaboration with the Clinical Center Governing Board (CCGB), Institute and Center Directors, and other NIH leadership, the CEO will develop the short-term and long-term strategic plan for the operation of the Hospital and implementation of its services and will be expected to update that plan on regular intervals.

The incumbent must build and leverage opportunities through cross-functional collaborative relationships within the NIH Clinical Center and with other Institutes and Centers to achieve shared goals. To carry out its mission, the Clinical Center has a staff of approximately 1,900 employees. The annual budget request of the Clinical Center will be developed by the CEO in collaboration with the CCGB and the NIH Institute and Center Directors. The annual budget (estimated at $699.5M in FY25) is subject to approval by the NIH Director.

Additional Specific Responsibilities Include :

• Ensures adherence to the highest ethical standards for healthcare
• Provides the vision to achieve operational and clinical excellence
• Stays current with general trade and industry conditions and their potential impact on the policies and operations of the Clinical Center
• Leads an outstanding senior leadership team for the Clinical Center
• Ensures disaster and emergency preparedness activities are appropriately planned, exercised, and documented
• Reviews and approves all Clinical Center financial reports, budgets, managed care contracts and major expenditures; directs, establishes, reviews, and adjusts charges for services
• Carries out the activities developed in strategic plans for modernization, efficiency, or financial stewardship
• Creates and supports an environment of accountability and collaboration across the many contributors to the Clinical Center activities
• Analyzes operating results of the Clinical Center and its principal components relative to established objectives and ensures that appropriate steps are taken to correct unsatisfactory conditions

For more information on the Clinical Center, please visit : https : / / www.cc.nih.gov /

Who Can Apply

U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Qualifications Required

The NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic organization. Applicants should have an advanced degree in a field related to the mission of the NIH; preferred degrees include an M.D., Ph.D., R.N., and / or a master’s degree such as Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Medical Management (MMM). In addition, they will possess extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the implementation of clinical research or equivalent experience in a field of health science plus senior-level executive experience and knowledge in one or more areas related to healthcare administration and / or medical management. Applicants must possess strong interpersonal skills; a deep appreciation of the importance of clinical research; have expert stature in their discipline as demonstrated through their employment history, publications and / or other contributions to their field; and have evidence of managerial, administrative, mentoring, and strategic thinking ability.

Applicants must have significant experience involving patient care and direct knowledge of managed healthcare systems, medical quality assurance, quality improvement, and risk management. Applicants must have demonstrated ability in designing, implementing, and evaluating the results of new programs, developing plans to resolve operational problems and issues, and managing financial and human resources, also have experience serving as a spokesperson; addressing legislators, the press, scientific organizations, and advocacy and community groups. Applicants should be known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as individuals of outstanding scientific and / or hospital administration competence. A minimum of 10 years professional experience in an area involving direct patient care is desirable.

The CEO should have a demonstrable track record of working with a workforce at multiple levels of training and experience and leading by example.

Applicants should also possess :

This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.

This position is a Testing Designated Position, which requires the incumbent to submit to random testing of urine and illegal drugs or substances.

Benefits

The CEO, CC will be appointed at a salary commensurate with the selectee’s qualifications and experience and NIH salary guidelines. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). A recruitment or relocation incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, and without discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

Standards of Conduct / Financial Disclosure

NIH inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described on the NIH Ethics Program website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the selectee to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Foreign Education

Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on Foreign Education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Additional Information

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission : HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

Reasonable Accommodation

NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae, bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae), and a photocopy of their doctoral degree. In addition, applicants are asked to prepare a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses their vision for the Clinical Center, their qualifications and interest in the position, and include a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which they have been involved.

Email your complete application package to Ms. Mariela Light at SeniorRe5@od.nih.gov by the closing date noted below. Questions may also be directed to Ms. Light by calling 301-496-9788.

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11 : 59 P.M. ET ON OCTOBER 14,2025, 2025

DHHS, NIH, and the Clinical Center ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Last Updated : September 16, 2025

Job Details

Agency Contact

Mariela Light

Agency Contact E-Mail SeniorRe5@od.nih.gov

Agency Contact Phone Number 301-496-9788

#J-18808-Ljbffr