Chief Executive Officer

Unity Care NW•Bellingham, WA

About The Position

Unity Care NW (UCNW) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and mission-centered Chief Executive Officer to lead a dynamic, multi-service community health organization dedicated to increasing the years of healthy life in the people and communities we serve. Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center ( FQHC ) that has been proudly and successfully serving Whatcom County, Washington since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services. Employing over 300 caring and compassionate employees, our vision is that everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO serves as the strategic leader of the organization. Plans, develops, and directs administration of programs which include primary medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, The Way Station, and enabling services to ensure UCNW goals and objectives are met. The CEO will guide long-term strategy, ensure financial strength and regulatory compliance, cultivate high-performing leadership teams, and champion innovation in community-based care delivery. This leader will serve as the public face of UCNW—building trusted relationships with community partners, policymakers, funders, and healthcare collaborators at the local, state, and national levels. The ideal candidate brings deep healthcare leadership experience, strong financial and operational acumen, and a demonstrated commitment to community-centered care.

Requirements

Advanced degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
Minimum 5 years of progressive senior management experience in a healthcare setting
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and organizational leadership
Strong financial management and budget oversight experience
Knowledge of healthcare regulatory compliance requirements
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires all new employees to have up-to-date vaccines for influenza and strongly encourages up-to-date vaccines for COVID-19. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Nice To Haves

Leadership experience in a community health center setting (medical, dental, behavioral health integration), including clinical staff supervision
Experience with HRSA Section 330 grants and other public funding streams
Experience launching or expanding healthcare programs or service lines
Active involvement in healthcare policy, advocacy, or community health organizations

Responsibilities

Plans, develops, and directs administration of programs which include primary medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, The Way Station, and enabling services to ensure UCNW goals and objectives are met.
Guide long-term strategy
Ensure financial strength and regulatory compliance
Cultivate high-performing leadership teams
Champion innovation in community-based care delivery
Serve as the public face of UCNW—building trusted relationships with community partners, policymakers, funders, and healthcare collaborators at the local, state, and national levels.

Benefits

Medical, dental, & vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
6 paid holidays
Generous paid time off of 160 hours accrued in Year 1 and gradually increasing to 248 hours per year over 10 years
Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty, Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
Life/AD&D insurance
Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account
Employee Assistance Program
Alternative transportation incentives
Healthy Living reimbursement
Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonus, & Will preparation services