Strategic Program Director - Navajo Nation Behavioral Health Initiative

Description

The Strategic Program Director is responsible for the design, implementation, and long-term execution of a nation-driven behavioral health system transformation initiative serving Navajo Nation members across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. 

This position provides executive-level leadership to translate a multi-year strategic vision into operational reality, ensuring accountability, transparency, financial sustainability, and measurable outcomes. The Director functions as the central coordinating authority among Axiom Care, Navajo Nation leadership, federal partners, and state Medicaid agencies to achieve system level, not pilot level impact. 

Shift: Monday - Friday

Salary Exempt
(This position can be based out of Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah) 

RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Provides overall strategic leadership and direction for the Navajo Nation Behavioral Health Initiative across all program domains.
• Leads execution of the multi-year strategic plan, transitioning pilot initiatives into scalable and permanent infrastructure.
• Serves as the primary liaison to Navajo Nation leadership, federal partners (IHS), and state Medicaid agencies in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
• Develops and manages intergovernmental agreements, funding structures, and operational partnerships
• Oversees redesign and implementation of reimbursement and funding models across AHCCCS, AIHP, and multi-state Medicaid systems.
• Ensures financial sustainability by prioritizing revenue retention, cost-effective care delivery, and diversified funding sources
• Builds and oversees centralized data, analytics, and performance measurement system to track outcomes, utilization, and community impact
• Establishes transparent reporting processes for leadership, stakeholders, and the Navajo Nation.
• Leads workforce development strategies including recruitment, education partnerships, and career pathways for Navajo behavioral health professionals.
• Collaborates with operational leadership to ensure safe, high-quality, and culturally grounded care delivery. 
• Coordinates a multi-agency Oversight Committee and provides regular executive-level performance updates.
• Builds public trust through transparent communication and culturally responsive community engagement
• Demonstrates adaptability and responsiveness to evolving political, regulatory, and community environments
• Performs other duties as assigned by executive leadership

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides leadership and oversight to program managers, analysts, and cross-functional teams; establishes performance expectations; supports professional development; and ensures accountability for outcomes.

Who is Axiom Care?

Founded in 2012, Axiom Care is a Phoenix-based behavioral health organization that aims to ensure every Arizonan has access to compassionate, effective substance use treatment. With facilities in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, we offer comprehensive services including 24/7 observation, inpatient detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and recovery housing with a focus on underserved populations.

Beyond our full-continuum community programs, we proudly operate specialty programs for the justice-involved (in partnership with ADCRR), for members of the Navajo Nation (in partnership with the Navajo Department of Health), and for Veterans (McCain Veteran Center).

Together, we’re building a future where compassionate care is accessible to all – come be a part of it!

What we offer

· Medical, Dental, and Vision

· 401(k) with up to 3.5% match

· Paid time off (PTO), paid sick time, and paid holidays

· Tuition Reimbursement

· Reimbursement for CMEs

· Free criminal record clearance for eligible justice-impacted staff through a partnership with Rasa Legal

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· Voluntary benefits including group term life, voluntary term life, AD&D, short term disability, and accident coverage

Navajo Nation Preference: 

• Preference is given to qualified Navajo Nation and/or Native American Applicants in accordance with the Title 15 N.N.C. Chapter 7.  

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Interpersonal Skills – Builds trust across diverse stakeholders; manages conflict constructively; maintains confidentiality; demonstrates emotional intelligence.
•  Communication and Relationship Management – Communicates clearly across executive, governmental, and community audiences; facilitates collaboration among complex systems.
• Written Communication – Produces clear, accurate reports, agreements, and strategic documentation; presents data effectively.
• Teamwork – Balances collaboration with accountability; fosters cross-organizational partnership.
• Visionary Leadership – Demonstrates long-term systems thinking; inspires commitment to transformational goals.
• Managing People – Guides teams through change; develops talent; provides performance feedback; improves processes.
• Quality Management – Ensures accuracy, compliance, and continuous quality improvement.
• Business Acumen – Understands reimbursement, financial sustainability, and strategic growth drivers.
• Cost Consciousness – Designs financially responsible systems and allocates resources effectively.
• Ethics – Upholds integrity, transparency, and respect for tribal sovereignty.
• Judgment – Exercises sound decision-making in complex, high-stakes environments.
• Planning/Organizing – Manages multi-year initiatives; prioritizes work; meets timelines and objectives.
• Professionalism – Maintains composure, accountability, and respect across all settings.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in healthcare administration, public health, behavioral health, social work, policy, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in healthcare, public health, or tribal health systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, multi-agency or multi-state initiatives.
• Experience with Medicaid reimbursement systems, including AHCCCS, AIHP, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of tribal sovereignty, 638 programs, and federal health systems (IHS).

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to travel frequently across multiple states and rural locations.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.