Job Description
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Own the Mission. Lead the Movement. Location: Newport Beach, CA
Company: AKUA Mind. Body. (hiring in partnership with Shades of Grey HR)
Department: Executive Leadership
Reports To: Board of Directors
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Base $200,000 + Performance Bonus up to $150,000 = $350,000 OTE
Equity Opportunity: Largest shareholder over time via ESOP
About The Opportunity We’re recruiting on behalf of
AKUA Behavioral Health , a mission-driven, employee-owned behavioral healthcare organization providing comprehensive substance use and mental health treatment across California. They’re seeking a bold, compassionate
CEO to lead clinical operations, inspire team performance, and scale sustainable growth—with a direct stake in the company’s future through their industry-leading
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Why the ESOP Matters At AKUA, you’re not just building a company—you’re building your future. Through their fully company-funded ESOP, every employee earns equity over time, creating a personal wealth-building path tied directly to AKUA’s success. You’ll become the
largest individual shareholder within 7 years , at no cost to you.
About The Role This is an executive-level role for someone who thrives in operations, understands clinical and payer landscapes, and knows how to rally people around tough goals. You’ll lead from the front—rolling up your sleeves when needed and building a culture that balances compassion with accountability.
Key Responsibilities - Direct and manage multi-site operations with full P&L responsibility
- Inspire and lead a mission-aligned team with empathy and clarity
- Build new service lines, secure contracts, and expand Medi-Cal/insurance partnerships
- Optimize internal systems and compliance while driving toward KPI-based growth (NOI)
- Collaborate closely with the board and senior leadership on long-term vision and execution
Who You Are - 7+ years in senior leadership in behavioral health (multi-program or regional scope)
- Business-savvy operator with deep knowledge of healthcare systems and audits
- Proven experience leading clinical and corporate teams through change
- Hands-on leadership style—willing to work 50+ hours/week when needed
- Credentialed in a relevant field (MBA, MHA, LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, CADC/LAADC, etc.)
- Motivated by mission, profitability, and legacy—at the same time
Compensation & Benefits - $200,000 base salary + up to $150,000 performance bonus
- KPI: Net Profit / Net Operating Income (NOI)
- Generous PTO, sick time, and benefits
- Equity through AKUA’s ESOP—fully company-paid, wealth-building shares vest over time
- Long-term track: Become the company’s largest individual shareholder
This is your moment to lead, build wealth, and leave a legacy in the behavioral health field. Apply today.
Job Tags
Full time,