Chief Strategy Officer - Office of Behavioral Health

.

Public Service Manager III

Opening Date: November 2, 2026

Closing Date: December 4, 2026

Job Class Code: MA36

Grade: 36 (Confidential)

Salary: $97,032.00 - $137,446.40 per year

Position Number: 09590-0077

Location: This is a full-time position located in Augusta and allows for partial telework with management approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

The Chief Strategy Officer for The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) is responsible and will provide leadership for the overall strategic planning, development and implementation of key strategic priorities and initiatives for OBH. The position evaluates OBH, The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the behavioral health service system and whether they are meeting the needs of Maine citizens with mental health and/or substance use disorders; determines priorities, sets goals, and works with OBH and its stakeholders to refine a vision. The Chief Strategy Officer assists and advises the OBH Director in identifying behavioral health system needs and system gaps, developing strategies to address these gaps, securing resources, and ensuring implementation in service of the identified goals. 

Additionally, this position will also be responsible for providing leadership and management of several key strategic activities within OBH. This includes OBH s work to strengthen the children’s behavioral health system of care in accordance with the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement, overseeing OBH’s portfolio of housing resources and programs, and leading OBH’s strategic legislative, compliance and communications activities. 

This position will work with OBH leadership to ensure strategic planning priorities are aligned with OBH’s mission, values, goals and priorities. The Chief Strategy Officer will also play a key leadership role in community partner outreach and engagement.

To qualify, your background must include a minimum of 10 years in governmental agencies or large, complex organizations or firms, in one or more of the following areas: designing, funding, advising and managing projects, programs, resources and services for at-risk populations, preferably those with behavioral health disorders.  A Master’s degree in public health, rehabilitation, psychology, counseling, communications, law or a related field is preferred.

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:

•        Proven ability to interact with a wide variety of constituencies, build strong partnerships and develop and advance strategic initiatives.

•        Demonstrated competency in providing implementation guidance, leadership and technical assistance.

•        Proven ability to interpret, develop, and implement policy.

•        Demonstrated leadership in program implementation, development and oversight.

•        Proven record of success in project management, with a focus on the establishment of quality standards, results tracking, and evaluating outcomes.

•        Knowledge of behavioral health and at-risk populations

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within DHHS is responsible for providing leadership, coordination, and oversight of Maine’s Behavioral Health System of Care. OBH works collaboratively with a network of community providers actively to support individuals with substance use and mental health conditions across areas of promotion, prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery.

This is an exciting opportunity to join OBH and to work to advance and strengthen the continuum of behavioral health services in Maine.

For additional information about this position please contact Sarah Squirrell, Director of OBH Sarah.Squirrell@Maine.gov 

To apply, please upload a current resume, work samples, and cover letter addressing the competency areas identified in the Minimum Qualifications Section. 

Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov