Director of External Relationships

Abound Health; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Abound Health in North Carolina is seeking a Director of Community Partnerships & Referral Development to lead a team focused on building strategic partnerships across NC and neighboring states. This executive role requires hands-on leadership, complex stakeholder management, and a strong network in human services and healthcare.

The position emphasizes driving referral growth, creating innovative outreach strategies, and collaborating with clinical, marketing, and operations teams to deliver

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of intellectual and developmental disability services, Medicaid waiver programs, and community-based healthcare systems.
• Establish a broad network of referral partners in human services and healthcare.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining strategic business relationships that drive referrals.
• Demonstrated leadership experience coaching, developing, and managing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Experience using CRM systems, reporting tools, and data to measure performance and drive decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with referral partners across North Carolina and other markets.
• Represent Abound Health at industry events, community meetings, and partner organizations.
• Lead, coach, and develop the External Relationships team with clear performance goals.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-value referral partners and generate referral opportunities.
• Develop and implement new partnership and outreach strategies to support growth.
• Track referral activity, relationship performance, and market trends using CRM and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with intake, clinical, marketing, and leadership teams to support successful client placements and partner experiences.

Skills

Partnership development

Relationship-building

Leadership & coaching

Strategic thinking

Communication

CRM systems experience

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Healthcare Administration, or related field

10+ years of healthcare/business development experience

Tools

CRM systems

Reporting tools

Job description

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Director of Community Partnerships & Referral Development – North Carolina Residents Only

Abound Health is seeking a Director of Community Partnerships & Referral Development – IDD Services to join our Growth team. This role is North Carolina-based and works hybrid, reporting to the Chief Growth Officer. The Director of Community Partnerships & Referral Development – IDD Services will lead and develop a team responsible for building strategic partnerships across North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who excels at relationship-building, drives referral growth, and can create innovative partnership strategies that strengthen Abound's presence in the communities we serve. Travel of 50-75% is required, primarily within North Carolina, with occasional travel to other Abound Health markets and administrative offices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with referral partners, including MCOs, care management organizations, support coordination agencies, schools, hospitals, and community organizations.
• Serve as a key representative of Abound Health at industry events, community meetings, resource fairs, and partner organizations.
• Lead, coach, and develop the External Relationships team while establishing clear performance goals and expectations.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-value referral partners and generate referral opportunities through trusted relationships.
• Develop and implement new partnership and outreach strategies that support long-term organizational growth.
• Track referral activity, relationship performance, and market trends using CRM and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with intake, clinical, marketing, and leadership teams to support successful client placements and exceptional partner experiences.

Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of intellectual and developmental disability services, Medicaid waiver programs, and community-based healthcare systems.
• Established network of industry contacts and referral partners within human services, healthcare, or related fields.
• Proven success building and maintaining strategic business relationships that drive referrals and organizational growth.
• Demonstrated leadership experience coaching, developing, and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience using CRM systems, reporting tools, and data to measure performance and drive decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Must reside in North Carolina to be considered for this role.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Human Services, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in healthcare, human services, business development, provider relations, payer relations, or related industries.

Base pay is determined by factors such as work location, experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. In addition to base pay, total compensation may include various other forms of pay. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive health, dental, and wellness benefits, which begin on your 60th day of employment. Additionally, our 401(k) plan becomes available after 12 months of employment. For more information about our total rewards package, please reach out to your Talent Acquisition Partner.

Abound Health is an equal opportunity employer. Abound Health evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status, or any other legally protected characteristic.