VICE PRESIDENT, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)

Lead Behavioral Health Policy Across the American West.

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) invites nominations and applications for its next Vice President, Behavioral Health.

This is an opportunity to lead one of the nation's most respected behavioral health policy, research, and technical assistance organizations—working at the intersection of behavioral health, public policy, workforce development, and systems improvement across 15 Western states, the U.S. Pacific Territories, and Freely Associated States.

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of WICHE's senior leadership team, the Vice President will provide executive leadership for a nationally recognized Behavioral Health Program with nearly seven decades of impact. The successful candidate will guide a substantial portfolio of policy, research, technical assistance, workforce development, and systems improvement initiatives that influence behavioral health practice and policy throughout the region.

This is far more than an operational leadership position.

It is an opportunity to shape behavioral health systems, strengthen the workforce, influence public policy, and build lasting partnerships with federal agencies, state governments, tribal organizations, higher education institutions, foundations, and national leaders. The next Vice President will lead a talented team of approximately 25 professionals while stewarding a large portfolio of grants and contracts that support innovative, high-impact work across the West.

WICHE has earned a national reputation for bringing people together to solve complex regional challenges through collaboration, research, innovation, and evidence-based policy. The next Vice President will build upon that legacy while helping define the future of behavioral health systems, workforce development, and regional collaboration for years to come.

Located in Boulder, Colorado, this position offers the opportunity to combine meaningful national impact with an exceptional quality of life in one of America's premier communities for innovation, outdoor recreation, and public service. This is a Boulder-based leadership position with regular onsite presence expected.

For leaders who are driven by mission, energized by collaboration, and committed to improving behavioral health systems at scale, few opportunities offer the breadth of influence, professional visibility, and regional impact found at WICHE.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

An advanced degree in behavioral health, public health, policy, or a related field (doctorate preferred), and a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience administering and managing complex behavioral health or public mental health programs, including experience operating within and across federal and state systems.

Experience navigating complex intergovernmental environments, including coordination across state agencies, federal partners, and multistate initiatives.

Demonstrated expertise in key behavioral health policy and systems areas, such as systems of care, Medicaid, and managed care delivery models, service outcomes, workforce development, and responsive care.

Demonstrated success in securing and stewarding external funding, including developing funding strategies, leading proposal development, and maintaining federal, state, and/or foundation-funded programs.

Experience in behavioral health policy analysis, program evaluation, or applied research, including at least five years of experience using qualitative and/or quantitative methods to inform systems improvement and decision-making.

Commitment to consumer- and family-centered approaches in behavioral health policy and program development.

Deep understanding of the Western U.S. context, including frontier and rural challenges, state policy environments, and the role of interstate collaboration.

Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations in behavioral health systems, including engagement with community-based and tribal partners.

Strong communication and influence skills, including the ability to translate complex policy and research into clear, actionable guidance for policymakers, practitioners, and behavioral health leaders.

Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate across sectors, including work with state agencies, federal partners, higher education institutions, researchers, and governing or advisory bodies.

Proven ability to lead and manage teams, including supervising staff, delegating effectively, and driving high performance.

How to Apply

WICHE invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest.

Candidates should submit:

A letter of interest describing relevant qualifications and interest in the position.

A current curriculum vitae.

Application materials should be submitted confidentially to Anthem Executive:

WICHEVPBH@AnthemExecutive.com

Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled; however, interested individuals are strongly encouraged to submit materials as early as possible to ensure full consideration. Expressing interest is the first step in receiving consideration and does not constitute an application for employment.

WICHE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

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