Managing Director, Center of Excellence in Mental Health

Organizational Overview

This pivotal role is situated within one of Saudi Arabia’s premier healthcare providers, renowned for its expansive network comprising 26 hospitals and numerous medical service centers. The organization delivers comprehensive healthcare services to a diverse patient base, including active-duty personnel, retirees, their families, and civilians referred through external healthcare systems. In alignment with the Kingdom’s strategic priorities, mental health has been identified as a critical focus area, prompting the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Mental Health (MHCoE). This center is designed to elevate mental health care across the entire healthcare network by fostering world-class capabilities and standardized practices.

The MHCoE will function as the central authority for military-related mental health, driving innovation and excellence in the following domains:

• Clinical Leadership: Develop and implement clinical service models, policies, and standardized care pathways to ensure consistent, high-quality mental health care.
• Specialized Services: Deliver advanced tertiary mental health services tailored to the unique needs of military personnel, addressing conditions such as trauma, PTSD, addiction, geriatric care, and complex psychiatric cases.
• Workforce Development: Oversee the training, certification, and professional growth of mental health professionals to build a skilled and resilient workforce.
• Infrastructure & Technology: Guide the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology to support mental health services across all facilities.
• Research & Innovation: Foster a culture of research and innovation, with a particular emphasis on military and digital mental health solutions.
• Data & Analytics: Standardize mental health data reporting and analytics to enable informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Network Integration: Coordinate and integrate mental health services seamlessly across the healthcare network to ensure accessibility and continuity of care.

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary and experienced mental health leader to co-lead the establishment and operation of this transformative initiative. As the Joint Managing Director of the MHCoE—and a senior advisor on autism care—the selected candidate will collaborate closely with a national counterpart to build a world-class mental health center from the ground up. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of mental health care in Saudi Arabia, driving impactful change and setting new benchmarks for excellence in the field.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will serve as an executive coach to the appointed Managing Director while sharing accountability for the MHCoE’s establishment and operations. Core responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to achieve the center’s vision of excellence in mental health.
• Operational Excellence: Evaluate and enhance the performance of the mental health network through rigorous audits of care delivery, clinical operations, research, communication, and outreach initiatives.
• Transformation Leadership: Lead transformative initiatives within psychiatry departments to optimize operations, streamline workflows, and elevate the patient experience.
• Global Partnerships: Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with leading mental health institutions worldwide to drive innovation and best practices.
• Performance Management: Design and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, drive accountability, and foster continuous improvement.
• System Integration: Support executive leadership in aligning mental health services across the healthcare network to ensure cohesive and patient-centered care delivery.

Key Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess a distinguished track record in mental health leadership, with the following qualifications and experience:

• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated experience in developing or managing a recognized mental health center or a multi-site program of excellence.
• Clinical Expertise: Board certification as a psychiatrist (preferred) or a clinical psychologist with specialized expertise in military mental health.
• Leadership Tenure: Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in mental health operations, including at least 8 years in senior executive roles.
• Strategic Acumen: Deep understanding of care models, financial management, and healthcare regulatory frameworks, with a track record of implementing strategic plans that enhance efficiency and outcomes.
• Team Development: Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, with a proven ability to build, mentor, and motivate high-performing teams.
• Data-Driven Approach: Strong proficiency in managing large, complex healthcare organizations with a commitment to leveraging data for decision-making and performance improvement.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in dynamic and fast-paced healthcare environments while maintaining a focus on innovation and excellence.
• Knowledge Transfer: Dedication to developing local leadership through active coaching, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.