Gateway is proud to be a recognized leader in addiction treatment for adults and adolescents in the Northeast Florida region. Since 1978, Gateway has been committed to providing compassionate services to those lost in the despair of addiction.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Behavioral Health Nonprofit Organization – Florida

Position Overview

The Board of Directors seeks an experienced, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead a complex behavioral health nonprofit organization, with a focus on substance abuse disorders. The organization serves vulnerable populations across Florida. The CEO will provide visionary leadership, operational excellence, and strategic oversight to ensure high-quality clinical services, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and meaningful community impact.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with deep experience in behavioral health systems, public-sector funding, nonprofit governance, and Florida’s regulatory environment. This leader will balance mission and margin, inspire a strong organizational culture, and serve as the primary ambassador to funders, policymakers, partners, and the community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Mission Leadership

• Lead the organization in advancing its mission, vision, and long-term strategic goals.
• Align clinical quality, community impact, and financial performance.
• Guide organizational growth, transformation, and innovation in response to evolving behavioral health needs.
• Define and measure organizational success beyond financial outcomes.

Financial & Operational Stewardship

• Oversee complex funding streams including Medicaid, DCF/Managing Entity contracts, grants, and philanthropy.
• Ensure sound budgeting, financial controls, transparency, and accountability to the Board.
• Develop strategies to diversify revenue and strengthen financial sustainability.
• Monitor key financial and operational performance indicators.
• Lead the organization through fiscal challenges, including funding reductions or system changes.

Clinical Oversight & Quality of Care

• Partner effectively with licensed clinical leadership to ensure evidence-based, ethical, and high-quality care.
• Promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and integrated mental health and substance use services.
• Evaluate program outcomes and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Address workforce challenges including recruitment, retention, and staff burnout.
• Ensure client safety and ethical practice across all programs.

Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Leadership

• Ensure compliance with Florida and federal behavioral health regulations (AHCA, DCF, Medicaid).
• Oversee audits, site visits, corrective action plans, and risk management.
• Maintain systems to monitor regulatory compliance across programs.
• Stay informed on regulatory changes impacting behavioral health services.

External Relations, Advocacy & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, community partners, managed care organizations, and government agencies.
• Engage with state and local policymakers and participate in behavioral health advocacy.
• Represent the organization publicly and with the media.
• Navigate politically sensitive issues while protecting organizational reputation.

Leadership, Culture & Talent Development

• Foster a culture of trust, accountability, transparency, and inclusion.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior leadership and future organizational leaders.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization.
• Effectively manage conflict and lead decisively during crises.

Board Relations & Governance

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to support effective governance and ethical oversight.
• Provide clear, timely, and transparent communication to the Board.
• Support Board engagement, strategic decision-making, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Navigate complex board dynamics with professionalism and integrity.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Senior executive leadership experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or human services.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex public funding streams (e.g., Medicaid, DCF/Managing Entities).
• Strong understanding of Florida’s behavioral health regulatory environment.
• Proven ability to lead organizations through change, growth, or financial challenge.
• Experience working closely with nonprofit boards.
• Strong financial acumen and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in healthcare administration, business, public administration, social work, or a related field.
• Experience leading multi-program or multi-site organizations.
• Established relationships within Florida’s behavioral health or public policy landscape.

Personal Attributes

• Mission-driven with a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
• Strategic, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent leader.
• Decisive yet inclusive decision-maker.
• Resilient and adaptable in complex, high-pressure environments.
• Ethical, transparent, and values-driven.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and leadership philosophy. Finalists will participate in a multi-stage interview process with the Board of Directors.

Gateway Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Gateway Community Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.