Lead Community-Based Behavioral Health Services That Change Lives

Merakey is seeking a mission-driven Executive Director to lead and grow our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs in the South Louisiana region of Louisiana. This senior leadership role provides strategic oversight of operations, clinical and program quality, financial performance, workforce development, and community partnerships across assigned programs and regions.

The Executive Director serves as the operational and community leader for ACT services, ensuring high-quality care delivery, strong regulatory compliance, sustainable growth, and positive outcomes for individuals served.

What You’ll Do Day to Day

Lead daily operations, quality performance, and strategic growth for ACT programs while ensuring compliance with evidence-based models, payer requirements, and state regulations.

Oversee division financial performance including budgeting, P&L accountability, staffing resources, and operational sustainability.

Build, coach, and retain high-performing leadership teams through mentorship, accountability, and talent development.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, government agencies, and funding partners to expand access and strengthen community impact.

Use data analytics, dashboards, and operational metrics to drive decision-making, continuous improvement initiatives, and program outcomes.

Primary office location: 106 Heymann Blvd Lafayette, LA

Why Join Merakey?

Opportunity to lead impactful, community-based behavioral health services.

Collaborative executive leadership environment focused on innovation and growth.

Mission-driven culture centered on recovery, inclusion, and person-centered care.

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Join a team committed to improving lives and strengthening communities through compassionate, high-quality behavioral healthcare leadership.

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.

Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.

DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!

On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.

Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.

Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.

Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.

Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Qualifications

Master’s degree in a human services-related field required; MBA will also be considered.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in a public or private human services organization.

At least 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience required.

Experience in program development, fiscal management, and operations is required.

LPC or LCSW licensure preferred.