The Department of Family and Community Services
is recruiting to fill an Exempt Division Director position
located in Anchorage, Alaska for the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API).
This position is open to All Applicants.
About the Alaska Psychiatric Institute
The Alaska Psychiatric Institute is the only state-operated mental health facility dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals experiencing severe psychiatric conditions. Our mission is providing compassionate health care to support Alaskans in living their best possible lives. Join us in making a difference in the lives of Alaskans.
What You Will Be Doing
The Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to continue advancing and strengthening our ongoing organizational transformation. As the CEO, you will be responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial performance of API. You will ensure the highest quality of care for our patients, foster a positive and collaborative work environment, and engage with the broader community to advance behavioral health care in Alaska.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
The position leads an amazing team making a positive impact on behavioral health care in Alaska. Offers opportunities for professional development, continuing education, competitive salary and benefits. Relocation assistance is also available if applicable.
The Working Environment You Can Expect
This position is located at 3700 Piper Street in the U-MED district of east Anchorage which offers several maintained walking trails, parks and nearby lakes. This area is filled with several restaurants, shopping stores, and has easy access to public transportation.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for API.
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Oversee daily operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality psychiatric and behavioral health services.
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Create and execute strategic plans that align with API's mission and objectives, fostering an environment and culture dedicated to achieving the organization's mission, vision, and values.
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Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and accreditation standards.
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Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement among staff.
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Lead efforts to enhance patient care, safety, and satisfaction.
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Manage financial performance, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
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Engage with Department of Family and Community Services leadership, division leaders, community partners, stakeholders, and policymakers to promote behavioral health awareness and advocacy.
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Represent API in public forums, legislative sessions, and professional organizations.
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Support and mentor senior leadership and staff, promoting professional development and growth.
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Operational management of clinical and non-clinical departments, including but not limited to; nursing, admissions, systems and process improvement, finance, clinical services, regulatory affairs, ensuring effective patient care outcomes.
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Ensure hospital quality metrics are achieved through sound clinical processes following accreditation and regulatory agency guidelines.
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Recruit physicians and staff in targeted specialty areas, coordinate medical staff participation in new hospital ventures and targets, and develop new areas of psychiatric care.
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Supervise the development of more comprehensive outpatient care and ambulatory programs.
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Develop positive relationships with local industry, local government, key healthcare providers, and the general public.
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Ensure the timely submission of month-end financial and operational reviews. Contribute to state and department-wide strategic planning efforts.
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Communicate operational circumstances and events to supervisors and other appropriate people to keep everyone apprised.
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Achieve budgeted financial objectives. Ensure achieving cost neutrality, and implement operating cost controls in staffing, supplies, purchased services, etc.
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Drive revenue growth through strategic initiatives and innovative healthcare solutions, while rigorously implementing cost-control measures in areas such as staffing, supplies, and purchased services to ensure financial performance aligns with projections and organizational goals.
These attributes ensure that a Chief Executive Officer can provide high-quality care, maintain regulatory compliance, and create a positive environment for both patients and staff.
- Master's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related field. A clinical background in psychiatry, psychology, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
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At least 10 years of general leadership experience or 5 years of high-level executive leadership experience in a health or behavioral health setting.
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Acute psychiatric hospital chief executive officer 2 years or chief operating officer: 3 years (Required).
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Proven track record of successful management and organizational leadership.
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Strong knowledge of psychiatric and behavioral health care practices, regulations, and accreditation standards.
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Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
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Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, manage financial resources, and lead complex organizations.
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Commitment to patient-centered care, community engagement, and staff development.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY.
This applies to your application submission.
APPLICATION NOTICE
You can only apply for this position by:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to
[email protected] by 5:00 PM, September 1, 2026. Prospective candidates may be interviewed prior to the above deadline. Please include "CEO Application - Alaska Psychiatric Institute" in the subject line.
Do not apply online here at Workplace Alaska.
Special Note:
The partially exempt service is established by statute and is subject to the state's classification and pay plans. Employees appointed to partially exempt positions are exempt from the usual recruitment process and serve at the discretion of the appointing authority. Partially exempt positions are not covered by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement.
Positions in the partially exempt service are exempt from the recruitment processes required by AS 39.25.150 (3)-(10).
COVER LETTER
A cover letter is required. The cover letter must describe your knowledge, skills, abilities, as they pertain to the position specific competencies listed above. Your cover letter will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process. Omission of any required documentation will result in an incomplete application, and you will not receive further consideration.
Please submit your cover letter to [email protected].
NOTE: The State of Alaska does not provide VISA Employer sponsorships.
RECRUITMENT SCOPE
This position is open to All Applicants.
EEO STATEMENT
The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.
For specific information in reference to the position, please contact the hiring manager:
Name: Marian Sweet, Division Director
Email: [email protected]
