Health - Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; Sault Ste. Marie (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Health Division invites applications for its Chief Executive Officer position. The CEO will direct strategic planning, operations, and clinical services across the Health Division, ensuring high-quality care while upholding tribal values.

The role requires at least 10 years of leadership in healthcare, with experience in tribal settings preferred. Advanced degree in healthcare administration is required, and strong financial and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, public health, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience.
• 5+ years in top-level tribal health executive roles preferred.
• Background check and pre-employment drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Provides visionary leadership aligned with the Tribe's mission, values, and objectives.
• Oversees operations across clinical, administrative, finance, HR, strategy, and quality improvement.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to enhance clinics’ services and access to care.
• Recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates staff to maintain a motivated workforce.
• Liais es with the Board of Directors and stakeholders to advocate for community healthcare needs.
• Fosters relationships with tribal leaders and community members to understand healthcare preferences.
• Ensures regulatory compliance and licenses for staff and facility; credentialing processes.
• Manages revenue cycle, budgeting, and cost control; pursues external partnerships.
• Represents the Tribe at local, state, and national levels to influence health policy.
• Collaborates with contractors to implement Board-approved recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Change management

Education

Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration

Doctoral degree preferred

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Health Division CEO is responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and administration of the Health Division, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to the community while upholding cultural sensitivity and respect. This position leads and supports culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement among staff, promoting teamwork and professional development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Provides visionary leadership to the Health Division ensuring alignment with Sault Tribe’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
• Oversees all aspects of operations including, but not limited to, clinical services, administrative functions, finance, human resources, strategy, and quality improvement.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to enhance each clinic’s services, improves patient outcomes, and expands access to healthcare within the community.
• Conduct ongoing feasibility studies in exploration of enhanced or new clinical service considerations.
• Recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates staff members to maintain a competent and motivated workforce.
• Serves as a liaison between the Health Division’s leadership team, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders to advocate for the healthcare needs of the community.
• Fosters positive relationships with the Tribe’s leaders, Community Members, and stakeholders to understand healthcare needs and preferences.
• Develops initiatives to enhance community engagement and participation in clinic programs and services.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements including those specific to Tribal healthcare organizations.
• Ensures all applicable licenses and certifications are current for the staff and facility.
• Oversees the credentialing process for healthcare providers.
• Evaluates billing, invoicing, and collections to ensure optimum revenue in balance to provision of quality care.
• Engages with the patient, their family, and the community to advocate for optimal care external to the Sault Tribe Health Division.
• Manages financial resources effectively including budgeting, revenue generation, and cost control measures.
• Builds partnerships with external organizations including government agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to support the Health Division’s goals and initiatives.
• Represents the Tribe at local, State, and national levels advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit Tribal health and wellness.
• Collaborates with contractors to implement approved recommendations from the Board of Directors.
• Stays abreast of emerging trends and best practices in healthcare management, incorporating innovative strategies into each clinic’s operations as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• All other job-related duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, and outside vendor/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position light with lifting of 20 pounds and frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision; frequent standing, walking, sitting, typing; occasional carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, manual handling, travel to other work sites, and bending. Potential hazards include constant computer use and frequent client contact.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health or a related field required. Doctoral degree (MD, JD, PhD) Preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare administration, preferably in a Tribal or community health setting in addition to above stated education requirement. Five years serving as CEO, COO, CAO or other top-level executive position in Tribal healthcare preferred.

Certification/License: Complete and pass an adjudicated background check. Must maintain good moral character standing. Will be required to successfully pass pre-employment drug screening.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management, revenue cycle management, and financial analysis. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team toward achieving common goals. Knowledge of Tribal healthcare systems, Federal Indian Health Service (IHS) regulations, and Tribal sovereignty issues. Commitment to cultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare delivery. Ability to travel as needed and work flexible hours to meet the needs of the Health Division and community. Native American Preferred.