Chief Executive Officer

Job description

Wipfli is assisting our client, Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation (KPHC), in seeking an experienced and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished healthcare executive to guide a tribally chartered healthcare organization, strengthen programs and services, and help ensure the highest quality of care for the Santo Domingo Pueblo community.

Located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on the Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo, KPHC is a community-based health center operating under an Indian Health Service (IHS) Title I contract. Dedicated to ensuring health and wellness through excellence in healthcare with respect for culture, KPHC has grown from a primary care clinic into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary health system offering primary care, dental, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, public health, and specialty services, helping community members and patients access high-quality care close to home.

Reporting directly to the KPHC Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for the overall administration and programmatic oversight of all KPHC programs and services, including the Santo Domingo Health Center. The CEO exercises executive authority for operational decisions, works closely with the Board on the management and direction of the Health Center, and provides leadership across operations, quality, compliance, finance, workforce development, strategic planning, and community relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Organizational Direction

Provide overall leadership and direction for KPHC programs, services, facilities, and health services provided to the community.

Work closely with the KPHC Board of Directors to manage and direct the Corporation’s programs and services.

Set and advance the mission, vision, and values of KPHC programs and services.

Lead long-range program planning and development of a strategic plan that addresses the health needs of the Santo Domingo Pueblo.

Make operational decisions, recommend new or revised policies, and ensure consistent implementation of approved policies and procedures.

Maintain ongoing, effective communication throughout the Corporation.

Operations, Quality, and Regulatory Compliance

Plan, organize, and direct facility operations to support quality care and the financial integrity of KPHC.

Coordinate quality assurance, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance across services offered to the community.

Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, medical staff requirements, AAAHC standards, and other regulatory agencies.

Oversee systems for patient grievances, external appeals, adverse or sentinel event reporting, privacy, fraud and abuse prevention, and NPDB reporting.

Ensure appropriate maintenance and improvements for all KPHC facilities, grounds, and infrastructure.

Financial Stewardship and Resource Development

Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to monitor accounting, budgeting, responsibility reporting, internal controls, auditing, and cost reporting systems.

Oversee financial reporting, budget preparation and maintenance, billing, payroll, and related fiscal policies.

Prepare and administer the annual budget in coordination with the Finance Department and advise executive staff and the Board regarding shortages or needed adjustments.

Pursue alternate resources to support program activity, including grants, contracts, staffing agreements, and third-party reimbursements.

Oversee the Corporation’s performance of programs, functions, services, and activities assumed from the Indian Health Service under Public Law 93-638 or other funding source

Workforce Leadership and Development

Supervise the executive staff, complete performance evaluations, provide job training and orientation, and evaluate and implement performance management systems specific to departmental needs, including assignment of duties, work schedules, leave requests, and monitoring of work standards.

Coordinate staff development and ensure compliance with continuing education requirements for all KPHC employees.

Hold staff accountable for performance and performance improvement, and recognize, motivate, and reward positive results.

Adhere to non-discriminatory employment practices and, in conjunction with Human Resources, develop an affirmative action plan with appropriate objectives and goals and communicate those to employees.

Board, Tribal, and Community Relations

Attend monthly KPHC Board meetings and provide reports on program workload, staffing, accomplishments, challenges, healthcare trends, and other matters affecting governance oversight.

Act as a liaison among KPHC programs, Santo Domingo tribal programs, Indian Health Service, the State of New Mexico, and other outside agencies.

Represent KPHC and the Pueblo of Santo Domingo on health-related boards and committees, as appropriate.

Encourage integration of the medical facility and services with the community through communication, visibility, and public outreach.

Maintain effective communication throughout the Corporation and with the Board, staff, community, and external partners.

Perform other related administrative and leadership duties as necessary or in the best interest of KPHC and/or as requested by the Board.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Master’s degree in public health administration, health administration, business administration, public administration, or another related health or business field required.

Five or more (5+) years of progressive management, administration, and supervisory experience in an executive capacity within the healthcare field required.

Experience with human resources management and the development and administration of financial management processes and systems required.

Knowledge of rural, community-oriented healthcare delivery systems and associated regulations and standards.

Knowledge and experience with Public Law 93-638 Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act contracting and the Indian Health Service system.

Knowledge of personnel management, fund accounting, finance, business administration, budget development and control, accreditation, certification, privacy, and healthcare compliance requirements.

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, problem analysis, consequence projection, solution identification, and implementation of recommendations.

Ability to lead, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and paraprofessional healthcare providers and to build effective relationships across varying social and cultural backgrounds.

Excellent English-language verbal and written communication skills and proficiency with business technology, including Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software.

Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and uphold professional and ethical standards.

Commitment to integrity, cultural humility, and stewardship of organizational resources.

Preferred: Ten or more (10+) years of executive-level management experience in healthcare; prior experience working with Indian Health Service, a Tribe, or a Tribal organization; bilingual skills in English and the Keres native language.

About the Community

This position is based on-site at the Santo Domingo Health Center in New Mexico, nestled in the heart of the Kewa Pueblo between the vibrant cultural hubs of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The region offers an exceptional quality of life, combining rich cultural heritage, stunning high-desert landscapes, and a deep sense of community. Residents enjoy year-round sunshine, world-renowned arts and cuisine, outdoor recreation, and easy access to two of the Southwest's most dynamic cities, each less than an hour away. For a health care executive seeking the opportunity to drive meaningful change while practicing medicine in a truly unique, mission-driven setting, KPHC offers the best of both career and community.

Employee Benefits

At KPHC, we invest in our employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth. Eligible employees may enjoy:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options for employees and eligible dependents.

Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program.

Relocation assistance to support your transition.

Life and disability insurance coverage.

Continuing education and professional development support.

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Who can apply

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