Senior Director of Programs

Janus of Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz, CA

3d • $140,000 - $175,000

About The Position

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking a mission-driven Senior Director of Programs to provide strategic and operational leadership for its clinical and programmatic services. As a member of the executive leadership team, this role oversees program leadership and operations across multiple programs and locations throughout Santa Cruz County, supports integration of behavioral healthcare across the organization, and ensures high-quality, person-centered services across the continuum of care.

Reporting directly to the COO, the Senior Director partners with executive leadership, program directors, compliance, finance, quality improvement, and community stakeholders to develop and sustain innovative models integrating substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and behavioral healthcare. The role drives organizational growth, program development, quality improvement, workforce engagement, and progress toward strategic goals established by the Executive Team and Board of Directors.

The position leads program strategy and operations, supports clinical excellence and leadership development, manages performance and quality improvement, and helps ensure regulatory, licensing, accreditation, and contractual compliance. It also represents Janus in community partnerships and stakeholder forums. Limited direct clinical support may be provided during crises, coverage needs, or admissions support and is expected to account for 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.
• At least five years of senior leadership experience within behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, healthcare, or related settings.
• At least 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 using 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) 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 care models integrating substance use disorder treatment, mental health, and behavioral healthcare.
• Provide supervision, coaching, and support to program managers and directors.
• Oversee operations across 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 evidence-based practices and lead quality improvement initiatives and clinical program performance oversight.
• Support clinical supervision practices, including oversight of clinical trainees and associate clinicians obtaining licensure hours.
• Implement change management, pilot programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance to develop and manage program budgets and partner with Compliance and Finance to monitor grants, contracts, and program obligations.
• Support organizational sustainability through resource management and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, licensing, accreditation, and contractual requirements; partner on policies and procedures.
• Represent Janus in community partnerships, collaborations, and stakeholder meetings, and maintain 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.
• Track Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA) requirements and reporting.
• Provide limited direct clinical support during crisis situations, coverage needs, or admissions support, representing 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.
• 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