Strategic Account Manager (SAM)
Acadia Healthcare is hiring a Strategic Account Manager (SAM) to join our growing team! We are improving the lives we touch. We need passionate, talented people working together who share our desire to create a world-class organization that sets the standard of excellence in the treatment of specialty behavioral health and addiction disorders. Acadia Healthcare is headquartered in Franklin, TN and is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the nation. Our organization values input from employees and foster collaboration to create a team-oriented service delivery system.
This position will be remote with 60% travel, including regional and national travel.
Purpose Statement
The Strategic Account Manager (SAM) part of the Treatment Placement Specialists (TPS) team is responsible for cultivating, managing, and expanding high-value relationships with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), union organizations, employer networks, and behavioral health professionals. This position is designed for a business development professional with the capacity to operate with structure, professionalism, and proactive communication while driving measurable growth across Acadia's behavioral health portfolio.
The SAM serves as a trusted liaison between clinical professionals, patients, families, and corporate partnersguiding individuals toward appropriate levels of care across Acadia's national network of programs. This position requires both strategic acumen and the ability to execute tactically, ensuring that referral pathways and corporate partnerships function efficiently, ethically, and collaboratively.
Essential Functions
- Strategic Relationship Management Develop, strengthen, and sustain long-term partnerships with EAPs, unions, and employer groups, ensuring consistent engagement, alignment of services, and measurable outcomes.
- Patient and Family Guidance Collaborate directly with providers, families, and patients to identify appropriate treatment options across the national network, ensuring timely coordination and informed decision-making.
- Clinical and Insurance Knowledge Apply working knowledge of behavioral health conditions, levels of care, and insurance processes (including authorizations, verification, and utilization management) to support appropriate placements.
- Business Development Execution Formulate and implement structured outreach strategies that expand referral generation, increase access to care, and strengthen Acadia's visibility in the employer and behavioral health markets.
- Administrative Collaboration Partner with Human Resources and EAP departments to address employee behavioral health needs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health), streamline referral logistics, and deliver seamless support from initial contact through admission.
- Communication and Coordination Maintain proactive, polished, and solution-oriented communication with referral partners, corporate stakeholders, and internal teams.
- Account Structure and Protocol Operate within a clearly defined framework of planning, reporting, and follow-up, ensuring consistency, accountability, and excellence in all activities.
- Cross-Functional Alignment Collaborate with corporate marketing, facility leadership, and regional teams to align outreach strategies and communication plans.
- Market Representation Represent Acadia Healthcare at conferences, professional associations, and industry events to expand organizational awareness and reputation.
- Professional Conduct Model integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions while maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Other functions include performing other duties as assigned.
Standard Expectations
Uphold confidentiality and compliance standards in all activities.Maintain clear, timely, and effective communication with all partners and colleagues.Demonstrate structure, follow-through, and proactive planning.Exhibit consistent reliability and accountability in managing assigned accountsEducation / Experience / Skill Requirements
Bachelor's degree is preferred or equivalent work experience.Minimum 5 years of experience in behavioral health business development, EAP or union partnerships, or healthcare account management.Proven ability to build, maintain, and expand complex professional relationships across multiple organizational levels.Demonstrated understanding of behavioral health levels of care, treatment modalities, and insurance navigation.Strong business acumen and consultative selling skills.Excellent written and verbal communication abilities with executive-level presence.Highly organized, disciplined, and capable of managing multiple priorities.CRM proficiency and data-driven approach to relationship management.Physical Requirements & Travel
Ability to travel up to 60% of the time, including regional and national travel.Must be able to transport personal luggage, marketing materials, and work equipment.Supervisory Requirements
This position is an Individual Contributor.
While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal, and local laws.