Job Description
Chief Executive Officer - FQHC at Merraine Group Chief Executive Officer - FQHC at Merraine Group in Burlington, Vermont Posted in 2 days ago.
Type:
full-time Job Description:
The organization is a mission-driven, community-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing comprehensive, integrated primary care services to medically underserved and rural populations. Services include medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and enabling supports delivered across multiple sites. The organization is recognized for its commitment to health equity, culturally responsive care, and improving access regardless of patients' ability to pay. The Health Center operates within a complex regulatory and reimbursement environment and plays a critical role in the regional healthcare safety net. It partners closely with community organizations, public health agencies, hospitals, and payers to advance population health outcomes. POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the senior executive leader responsible for the overall strategic, operational, financial, and clinical performance of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead the Health Center through its next phase of growth and sustainability, ensuring continued excellence in FQHC compliance, quality outcomes, access expansion, and workforce engagement. The CEO serves as the public face of the organization and a key advocate for community-centered, rural, and safety-net healthcare. This role requires a highly visible, mission-aligned leader with deep experience in federally funded healthcare delivery systems and a strong understanding of rural health dynamics. KEY PRIORITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
The incoming CEO will be expected to: Advance a mission-driven strategy that expands access to high-quality care for rural and medically underserved populations. Strengthen organizational infrastructure to support growth, scalability, and long-term financial sustainability. Ensure continued compliance with HRSA/BPHC
Health Center Program requirements, including 340B and FTCA. Further integrate medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to improve outcomes and patient experience. Lead the organization through ongoing healthcare transformation, including value-based care, population health management, and payer diversification. Recruit, retain, and develop a high-performing executive leadership team and engaged workforce. Enhance community partnerships, advocacy efforts, and the organization's regional profile. Partner effectively with the Board of Directors on governance, strategy, and fiduciary oversight. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic & Executive Leadership Lead development and execution of a multi-year strategic plan aligned with mission, community needs, and evolving healthcare policy. Translate Board-approved strategy into operational priorities with measurable outcomes. Monitor national and state policy, reimbursement, and regulatory trends impacting FQHCs and rural providers. Clinical Operations & Quality Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centered, culturally responsive care across all service lines. Champion data-driven quality improvement, patient safety, and access initiatives. Oversee performance related to UDS measures, value-based contracts, and population health metrics. Financial Performance & Compliance Lead development and oversight of operating and capital budgets. Ensure strong financial controls, forecasting, and risk management practices. Maintain full compliance with HRSA/BPHC, 340B, FTCA, payer, and state regulatory requirements. Board Governance & Stakeholder Relations Serve as principal liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparent communication and effective governance partnership. Support Board recruitment, orientation, and ongoing development. Represent the organization with policymakers, funders, community leaders, and healthcare partners. Community Engagement & Advocacy Strengthen relationships with hospitals, public health entities, social service providers, and rural health networks. Advocate for policies and funding that support safety-net and rural healthcare. Lead grant development, fundraising, and donor engagement strategies. People, Culture & Workforce Foster an inclusive, mission-aligned culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Ensure strong leadership development, succession planning, and workforce stability. Oversee labor relations, including collective bargaining agreements, where applicable. CANDIDATE PROFILE
Required Experience & Education Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business, public health, or related field required; Master's degree (MPH, MBA, MHA) strongly preferred. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive senior executive leadership experience in healthcare. Direct executive leadership experience within an FQHC, Rural Health Clinic, Critical Access Hospital, Indian Health Service, or comparable safety-net system strongly preferred. Experience leading multi-site clinical operations and integrated care models. Preferred Expertise Deep knowledge of HRSA/BPHC
Health Center Program requirements and FQHC compliance. Demonstrated success in rural healthcare delivery and community-based population health strategies. Experience with value-based care, ACO participation, NCQA PCMH standards, and quality measurement frameworks. Financial leadership experience in complex, grant-funded healthcare environments. Experience managing unionized workforces and labor relations. Professional certification (e.g., FACHE) preferred. Leadership Competencies Mission-driven, values-based leadership style. Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline. Highly effective communicator and relationship builder. Resilient leader capable of navigating complexity, ambiguity, and change. Commitment to health equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.
