Project Director of Quality - Specialty

United States

92d

About The Position

Acadia Healthcare’s Specialty Division is seeking a Project Director of Quality (PDQ) — a mission-driven, highly skilled healthcare leader dedicated to advancing patient safety and regulatory excellence across our national network of specialty treatment centers. This vital role supports Acadia’s facilities focused on substance use disorder, eating disorder, and complex mental health treatment, ensuring that each site operates with an unwavering commitment to quality, compliance, and clinical integrity. The PDQ will serve as a trusted partner to facility and division leadership, often providing on-site interim Quality leadership during vacancies, transitions, or periods of heightened regulatory activity.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Master’s degree (MSN, MHA, MPH, or related field) strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership in regulatory readiness, quality improvement, and accreditation management within behavioral healthcare.
• Deep knowledge of Joint Commission and/or CARF standards, CMS Conditions of Participation, and state licensing regulations.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing Quality programs that improve safety, outcomes, and compliance.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 80% to facilities nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site Director of Quality for Specialty Division facilities as needed, overseeing all aspects of regulatory readiness, accreditation, and patient safety.
• Lead and strengthen Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs, using data to drive measurable improvements in outcomes and care consistency.
• Partner with facility and division leadership to ensure compliance with Joint Commission, CARF, CMS, and state regulatory requirements.
• Conduct proactive audits, rounding, and assessments to identify risk and support zero-deficiency survey outcomes.
• Provide education, coaching, and mentoring to facility leadership and staff to build sustainable internal quality systems.
• Support regulatory engagement and the development and submission of Plans of Correction as required.
• Lead and facilitate Root Cause Analyses, safety rounding, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Collaborate across Acadia’s Specialty Division to share best practices and promote a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Travel extensively (up to 80%) to provide direct, hands-on support at facilities across the U.S.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package, including base salary, annual performance bonus, and equity eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits suite and travel support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees