Senior Director of Programs

Janus of Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz, CA

3d

About The Position

The Senior Director of Programs provides strategic and operational leadership for Janus of Santa Cruz’s clinical and programmatic services. Reporting directly to the COO, the role oversees program leadership and operations across multiple programs and locations throughout Santa Cruz County, supports behavioral healthcare integration, and ensures high-quality, person-centered services. The position partners with executive leadership, program directors, compliance, finance, quality improvement, and community stakeholders to develop and sustain care models integrating substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and behavioral healthcare practices.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the Senior Director helps shape programs, develop leaders, strengthen clinical excellence, and implement strategic initiatives established by the Executive Team and Board of Directors. The role also drives organizational growth, program development, quality improvement, workforce engagement, health equity, and sustainability. It includes limited direct clinical support during crises, coverage needs, or admissions support, representing less than 10% of total work time.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Behavioral Health, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of senior leadership experience within behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, or related settings.
• Minimum five years leading multidisciplinary teams and client-facing services.
• Experience with county contracts, state-funded programs, health plan operations, or public behavioral health systems.
• Experience with DMC programs, compliance, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and program development.
• Valid CDL with a three-year clean driving record.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based clinical practices and integrated care models.
• Knowledge of behavioral health regulations, licensing requirements, and quality standards.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and staff development capabilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience utilizing Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the program leadership team in delivering integrated, person-centered behavioral health and substance use disorder services.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Advance innovative service delivery models integrating substance use disorder, mental health, and behavioral healthcare.
• Provide supervision, coaching, and support to program managers and directors.
• Oversee operations across all Janus program sites and conduct routine site visits and operational reviews.
• Monitor program performance, quality indicators, productivity, outcomes, KPIs, and contractual outcomes; promote consistency, effectiveness, and fidelity across programs.
• Promote collaboration among clinical, administrative, and operational departments.
• Promote evidence-based practices and program fidelity, lead quality improvement initiatives, and oversee clinical program performance.
• Support clinical supervision practices, including oversight of clinical trainees and associate clinicians obtaining licensure hours.
• Implement change management processes, pilot programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance to develop and manage program budgets; work with Compliance and Finance to monitor grants and contracts and fulfill program obligations.
• Support organizational sustainability through effective resource management and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, licensing, accreditation, and contractual requirements; partner with leadership and compliance teams on policies and procedures.
• Represent Janus in community partnerships, collaborations, and stakeholder meetings, and build relationships with county agencies, health plans, community partners, and funders.
• Participate in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of agency programs.
• Collaborate with program leadership on staffing, scheduling, client flow, onboarding, and workforce development.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and development of program leadership staff; identify training needs and strengthen performance and service quality.
• Provide strategic direction during operational, clinical, and organizational initiatives and support integrated care best practices across programs.
• Monitor outcomes, quality indicators, and regulatory requirements to improve service delivery.
• Track Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) requirements and reporting.
• Provide limited direct clinical support during crisis situations, coverage needs, or admissions support, for less than 10% of total work time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Opportunity to lead meaningful organizational growth and transformation.
• Collaborative executive leadership team.
• Mission-driven culture dedicated to improving community health.
• Ability to shape the future of integrated behavioral healthcare in Santa Cruz County.
• Impactful work serving individuals and families throughout the region.
• The organization values compassion and respect, equity and inclusion, professional growth and collaboration, and making a measurable difference in people’s lives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior