Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.

What you’ll do at DBH:

The Deputy Director / Chief of Programs serves as a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and performance of all external programs and services. This role advances the agency’s mission by leading high-impact programming across community and family resiliency, prevention, treatment, workforce development, criminal justice, and recovery. The position defines program strategy, establishes standards, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, and evaluates program effectiveness to drive measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Deputy Director provides strong organizational leadership and business acumen, guiding programmatic bureaus and staff toward strategic goals while embedding accountability, efficiency, and results-driven practices into program management, contracts, and vendor oversight. This role leads complex, cross-functional initiatives, applies disciplined project management, and supports a culture aligned with departmental values.

The Deputy Director / Chief of Programs also serves as a trusted advisor and technical resource to Boards, service providers, and stakeholders, offering programmatic and fiscal guidance while maintaining stewardship of public funds. The role collaborates on funding recommendations, reviews and analyzes legislation, and communicates with stakeholders and partners to strengthen service delivery and ensure transparency. Acting on behalf of the Director when assigned, the Deputy Director represents the agency before governing bodies and public officials, coordinates with state, federal, and local partners, and contributes to policy development, planning, and public communication efforts.

Key Responsibilities ✅

• Lead and oversee all external programs and services to achieve agency goals
• Establish program strategy, standards, and compliance with federal and state requirements
• Supervise programmatic bureaus and senior staff, including performance management
• Direct fiscal and budgetary oversight and collaborate on funding recommendations
• Apply business acumen to program operations, contracts, and outcome measurement
• Lead key agency initiatives and cross-functional projects
• Serve as a resource to Boards and providers on programmatic and fiscal matters
• Review and analyze legislation impacting agency programs
• Represent the agency and act on behalf of the Director as assigned

This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 46 on the E2 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm (Flexible Schedule).

Unclassified pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 124.11(A)(9).

Position Qualifications

There are no minimum qualifications for this position; however, preferred experience and knowledge includes:

• Experience serving in a Deputy Director, Assistant Director, Division Director, or equivalent executive leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience directly supervising senior leaders, managers, or multiple programmatic teams, including performance management and staff development.
• Background in behavioral health, public health, human services, fiscal management, or criminal justice systems.
• Experience working within state or local government or publicly funded systems.

• Demonstrated success in policy development, legislative analysis, or regulatory implementation.

   

• Demonstrated success in developing metrics and articulating regularly reported outcomes.

Primary Job Skill: Executive Leadership
Technical Skills: Business, Budgeting, Planning & Development, Policy Direction, Organizational Development
Professional Skills: Building Consensus, Building Trust, Consultation, Leading Others, Organizing and Planning, Visionary Thinking

Required Educational Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.