Director of Operations, Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Description

Turnwell Mental Health Network is a rapidly growing, multi-state behavioral health platform delivering evidence-based treatment across a continuum of care. We are seeking a Director of Operations, Intensive Outpatient (IOP) to lead and scale our IOP business enterprise-wide. Based in Dallas, TX, this is a senior, cross-functional role responsible for the clinical operations, financial performance, and growth of Turnwell's IOP programs across all active and emerging markets. As Turnwell expands its continuum of care, this leader will also own the buildout and launch of Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) services, serving as the operational authority for PHP as it comes online. The Director will work closely with clinical leadership, facility partners, and executive management to grow and integrate both lines of business.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Program Oversight

• Own end-to-end operational performance of all Turnwell IOP programs; lead the buildout and launch of PHP services as Turnwell expands its continuum, serving as the operational authority for both IOP and PHP lines of business
• Establish, standardize, and continuously improve operational processes, clinical workflows, and administrative systems across all IOP sites
• Lead facility launch and ramp-up efforts for new IOP markets, coordinating across clinical, compliance, credentialing, and business development functions
• Develop and execute annual operating plans for IOP and the planned PHP program, aligned with Turnwell's enterprise growth strategy and continuum expansion roadmap

Financial Performance & Accountability

• Own P&L performance for the IOP business unit; develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses across all sites
• Drive census optimization, length-of-stay management, and payor mix improvement to maximize revenue per available slot
• Partner with revenue cycle and finance leadership to monitor collections, denial management, and net revenue realization
• Identify and implement cost efficiency initiatives without compromising clinical quality or patient experience

Clinical & Quality Oversight

• Collaborate with Clinical Directors and Medical Directors at each site to ensure alignment between clinical programming and operational execution
• Monitor quality metrics including patient outcomes, satisfaction scores, incident reports, and regulatory audit results; implement corrective action plans as needed
• Ensure all IOP programs operate in compliance with applicable state licensing requirements, CARF/Joint Commission standards, and payor credentialing obligations
• Promote a culture of clinical excellence, staff accountability, and patient-centered care across the IOP portfolio

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Directly manage site-level Clinical Directors and operations managers across the IOP portfolio; provide mentorship, performance management, and professional development
• Partner with talent acquisition to build and maintain a high-quality clinical and operational workforce at each site
• Design and implement staffing models that balance clinical requirements, regulatory minimums, and cost structures
• Build a bench of operational talent capable of supporting Turnwell's continued geographic expansion

Business Development & Referral Relationships

• Act as an operational champion for IOP census growth, partnering with facility directors, PSA physician partners, and referral sources to sustain healthy admissions pipelines
• Support contracting and relationship management with facility partners, including PSA agreement execution and ongoing performance oversight
• Represent Turnwell's IOP capabilities in community outreach, payor negotiations, and partner-facing communications

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in behavioral health operations, with at least 3 years in an IOP, PHP, or outpatient setting
• Demonstrated track record managing multi-site or multi-state clinical programs
• Strong command of behavioral health P&L management, including revenue cycle, staffing ratios, and payor dynamics
• Deep familiarity with state licensing, utilization review, and accreditation requirements for outpatient behavioral health
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in healthcare administration, business, or behavioral health field preferred 

PREFERRED

• Experience scaling IOP operations from startup through stabilized, EBITDA-positive programs
• Familiarity with MSO / PSA operating models in behavioral health
• Prior experience in a private equity-backed or growth-stage healthcare company
• Exposure to SUD and co-occurring disorder treatment in an outpatient context
• Working knowledge of behavioral health EHR platforms (Kipu, Procentive, etc.)
• Experience operating across multiple states simultaneously, including credentialing and telehealth compliance nuance 

What Success Looks Like

Census & Revenue Growth

Consistently high census   utilization and month-over-month net revenue improvement across all IOP sites

Operational Standardization

A unified operating playbook   deployed across all current and new IOP sites, reducing ramp time and   variance

Clinical Quality

Strong outcome metrics, low   incident rates, high patient satisfaction, and clean regulatory reviews at   all sites

Team & Culture

Low turnover, high   engagement, and a deep bench of operational and clinical talent ready to   support expansion