Behavioral Health Nursing Director

Location & Compensation

• Natick, MA

• $150,000 to $185,000 per year, commensurate with experience

• Performance-based Bonus + Full Benefits package

• Paid Relocation assistance available

• Signing Bonus: $40,000 Sign-On Bonus

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Nursing Director is a pivotal leadership role providing comprehensive support and direction to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for all nursing and designated patient care functions within the Behavioral Health Service Line. This director will assume 24/7 accountability for assessing, planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating expert nursing practice across all assigned multi-unit areas.

The core accountability of this role is to partner with the CNO to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and patient-centered behavioral health nursing care. This includes driving clinical excellence, maintaining high standards of staff competency, and ensuring effective resource management in alignment with the hospital's mission and regulatory requirements. The Director serves as a key champion for nursing advocacy, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the hospital.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Operations & Quality

• Leadership & Oversight: Assume direct and 24/7 operational responsibility for the designated behavioral health nursing units, ensuring seamless delivery of patient care and adherence to all hospital policies and procedures.

• Clinical Excellence: Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing practice standards and clinical protocols specifically tailored for the behavioral health population, promoting the highest level of evidence-based care.

• Quality & Safety: Spearhead quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing adverse patient events, improving patient experience, and ensuring continuous Joint Commission and state regulatory compliance within the behavioral health service line.

• Staffing & Scheduling: Manage and optimize unit-level staffing plans, schedules, and patient assignments to ensure appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios for safe and effective care.

Leadership & Management

• Mentorship & Development: Provide active coaching, mentorship, and performance management to Nurse Managers, clinical supervisors, and frontline nursing staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and accountability.

• Recruitment & Retention: Strategically participate in the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of highly qualified behavioral health nursing talent.

• Financial Stewardship: Manage assigned departmental budgets, control labor and supply costs, and make data-driven decisions regarding resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency.

• Role Model: Serve as a visible and active role model and advocate for the professional discipline of nursing, embodying the hospital's values and commitment to patient care.

Collaboration & Communication

• Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with physicians, psychiatrists, social work, therapy staff, and other hospital departments to ensure coordinated, holistic patient care plans.

• Executive Support: Assist the CNO with strategic planning, special projects, and preparation of reports and presentations related to nursing services and operational performance.

• Communication: Maintain highly effective and transparent communication with all levels of staff, patients, families, and executive leadership.

Qualifications & Education

Education

• Required: Associate's Degree (ADN) from an accredited nursing school combined with a Bachelor's Degree in a health care-related field OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

• Preferred: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Master's Degree in a health care-related field (e.g., MHA, MBA with a healthcare focus).

Experience

• Required:

  • Minimum of 2 years of progressive management experience in a hospital environment (e.g., as a Manager, Assistant Director, or full-time Charge Nurse/Supervisor in a relevant capacity).

  • Minimum of 2 years of direct clinical experience in psychiatric/behavioral health nursing.

Certifications & Licensure

• Required:

  • Active and current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (or ability to obtain prior to start).

  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Preferred:

  • Specialty certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (RN-BC) or equivalent.

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is a dynamic, compassionate, and influential nursing leader who possesses a deep commitment to the behavioral health population.

• Proven Change Agent: Demonstrated ability to lead successful clinical and operational improvements within a complex healthcare environment.

• Strong Behavioral Health Acumen: A minimum of 3+ years of clinical psych/behavioral health experience, preferably with exposure to diverse patient populations (e.g., adult, geriatric, crisis intervention).

• Hospital Leadership Expertise: 3+ years of leadership experience in a full-time management or director role within an acute care or psychiatric hospital setting.

• Exceptional Communicator: Excellent negotiation, presentation, and written communication skills necessary to influence peers and executive leadership.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of relevant state, federal, and accreditation standards (The Joint Commission) for behavioral health services.