Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer - Behavioral Health

Legacy Health; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Portland is seeking a Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer to lead behavioral health nursing. Ideal for candidates with extensive nursing leadership experience, this role focuses on developing patient care programs with a commitment to safety and inclusion. Responsibilities include overseeing nursing policies, collaborating with senior leaders, and impacting organizational strategy. Competitive salary of $122.07 - $177.00 per hour with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Eight years of healthcare administrative experience required.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a clinical nursing leadership role in a psychiatric inpatient setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee hospital-wide psychiatric nursing patient care programs.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives.
• Influence hospital strategic planning and implementation.
• Work with partner hospitals on care programs.

Skills

Leadership in nursing

Excellent communication skills

Operational and financial management

Knowledge of healthcare trends

Electronic system navigation

Education

MSN/MN, MBA, MHA or Doctoral degree in nursing

Job description

Overview

Unity Center for Behavioral Health is seeking an inspiring and experienced Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer to join its senior leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will shape the strategic direction of behavioral health patient care across seven specialized units, leading 11 direct reports and nearly 400 dedicated staff members.

Ideal candidates bring extensive experience in leading a unionized nursing environment and a strong background in behavioral health leadership. The ability to build trust and credibility with staff at all levels, champion open communication, and foster a culture where every voice is valued is essential. You will influence outcomes, including in areas without direct authority, and will demonstrate collaborative leadership that moves teams toward shared goals.

As Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, you will work closely with the Chief Medical Officer and other organizational leaders to design and implement care programs and policies that prioritize patient safety and quality. You’ll empower nursing professionals, set clear goals, and provide the resources and support needed for success. Your leadership will be anchored in compassion, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion for our staff and patients.

Lead by example, build authentic connections with your teams, and help shape the future of behavioral health nursing in a collaborative, high-impact setting. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader ready to make a lasting difference.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for hospital wide psychiatric nursing patient care programs, policies, and procedures that describe how patients’ nursing care needs, treatment, and services are assessed, evaluated, and met.
• Works collaboratively with the President and CMO aligning on strategic and operational initiatives and goals.
• Influential in hospital and organizational strategic planning and implementation in concert with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Works collaboratively with Unity Center for Behavioral Health’s partner hospital VP CNOs at Legacy Emanuel and Randall Childrens.

Qualifications

Education:

• MSN/MN, MBA, MHA and/or Doctoral degree in nursing required.

Experience:

• Eight years of diverse and progressively more responsible health care and/or related administrative experience, including minimum of five years’ experience in a clinical nursing leadership role in a psychiatric inpatient setting

Skills:

• Able to lead people in setting goals, giving appropriate support, evaluating, directing, and holding employees accountable while maintaining high morale and productivity.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Thorough understanding of current developments and trends in healthcare management and areas of defined accountability.
• Knowledge of development and implementation of effective operational and financial controls.
• Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions are essential.

Licensure

• Current Oregon State RN licensure.

Pay Range

USD $122.07 - USD $177.00 /Hr.

Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity

Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.

If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.

Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you