[Hiring] Divisional Vice President of Operations, Acute Services @Athra Systems

Role Description

The Divisional Vice President of Operations, Acute Services is responsible for divisional leadership, operational performance, provider coverage, financial accountability, and facility relationships across Athra's acute behavioral health service lines. Reporting to the VP of Clinical Integration, this position leads assigned operations teams and ensures reliable service delivery across inpatient psychiatric hospitals and other assigned acute behavioral health facilities. The role partners with clinical leadership, Human Resources, Credentialing, and Finance to resolve operational barriers, support providers, meet contractual expectations, and implement successful service transitions.

• Lead divisional operations across assigned inpatient psychiatric hospitals and other assigned acute behavioral health facilities, establishing clear priorities and accountability for operational leaders and staff.
• Lead facility partnership communications through regular check-ins and meetings with facility leadership; communicate service updates, address concerns promptly, and document agreed actions and follow-through.
• Oversee provider staffing, scheduling, weekend coverage, and call arrangements to meet contractual requirements and maintain continuity of care.
• Partner with physicians, advanced practice providers, and clinical leadership to define coverage needs, service expectations, and operational workflows.
• Ensure contingency plans address schedule changes, provider absences, emergency coverage, and planned time away; escalate unresolved coverage risks promptly.
• Oversee onboarding and service readiness with HR, Credentialing, and facility teams, including orientation, access, required training, and approved start dates.
• Hold divisional teams accountable for confirming facility access, technology access, documentation expectations, and required materials before providers begin services.
• Partner with Credentialing and clinical leadership to confirm required licensure, privileges, and approvals are complete before providers are assigned to services.
• Partner with medical directors, clinical leadership, and facility teams to coordinate provider workflows, service delivery, and continuity of care appropriate to each assigned facility type.
• Review staffing capacity, coverage utilization, provider productivity, and service gaps; implement divisional improvement plans and monitor results.
• Set recruiting priorities with HR and leadership; support provider selection, placement, retention, and workforce planning based on divisional needs.
• Coach and evaluate direct reports; develop and implement divisional training plans with HR and clinical leadership based on performance gaps and facility feedback; track completion and evaluate improvements in service delivery.
• Ensure accurate schedules, provider assignments, coverage records, and operational documentation; coordinate timely resolution of discrepancies with Finance and HR.
• Lead operational implementation of new contracts, facility transitions, service expansions, and changes in coverage models.
• Lead divisional meetings and facility partnership reviews; communicate staffing and coverage updates, operational changes, performance results, and action plans to facility partners and the VP of Clinical Integration.
• Partner with clinical and quality leaders on patient-safety concerns, incident follow-up, audits, and workflow improvements; clinical decisions remain with licensed clinical leadership.
• Monitor contractual service obligations, facility satisfaction, and applicable compliance expectations; coordinate corrective action when performance falls short.
• Partner with Finance on divisional budgets, staffing costs, financial performance, and operational metrics; identify sustainable improvements and report progress.
• Maintain confidentiality of provider, employee, facility, and patient information and ensure assigned teams follow applicable privacy requirements and company policies.
• Provide leadership for urgent after-hours operational issues, support escalation pathways, and ensure appropriate follow-up and communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive healthcare operations experience, including leadership of teams and responsibility for multiple facilities, accounts, or service lines.
• Experience leading physician and advanced practice provider services and managing relationships with facility leadership.
• Strong understanding of operations for the assigned facility type, provider coverage models, and relevant healthcare workflows.
• Experience managing budgets, staffing costs, performance metrics, operational transitions, and competing divisional priorities.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, resolve complex operational issues, and lead teams through change and urgent situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and scheduling or healthcare management software. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Skills and Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong time management and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams
• Professional discretion and ability to handle sensitive information
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-changing clinical environment
• Customer-service mindset when working with clinicians and facility partners

Work Environment and Expectations

• Full-time, exempt position; flexibility is required to respond to urgent operational needs and divisional priorities.
• Travel to assigned facilities and leadership meetings as business needs require; work includes a fast-paced healthcare environment with changing priorities.
• After-hours responsiveness may be required to support provider coverage and urgent facility concerns.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance paid for by company
• Benefits effective on first day of employment
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and CME allowance
• Professional liability insurance
• Licensure and DEA reimbursement
• Leadership development opportunities
• Opportunity to shape and lead a rapidly expanding behavioral health division