Director of Business Development

Director of Business Development

General Description

The Director of Business Development is responsible for developing, leading, and executing Ascension Recovery Services’ business development strategy across assigned markets, with direct oversight of all field-based Business Development Representatives within their region(s).

This role serves as the strategic connector between external referral partners and internal clinical, medical, and operations teams. The Director ensures referral growth is ethical, clinically appropriate, data-driven, and aligned with ARS’s mission, while building durable community partnerships that support sustainable admissions growth.

Operating at both a strategic and hands-on level, the Director sets direction, coaches teams, monitors performance, and partners closely with executive leadership to achieve growth objectives across all service lines.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Market Growth

• Develop and execute regional business development strategies aligned with organizational goals, census targets, and payer mix priorities.

• Maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics, referral patterns, competitive landscape, and community needs across assigned markets.

• Identify and pursue strategic partnership opportunities that expand access to care, diversify referral sources, and strengthen ARS’s community presence.

• Represent ARS’s behavioral health and substance use disorder services to external stakeholders, delivering measurable growth outcomes.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Directly manage, coach, and develop all field Business Development Representatives within assigned region(s).

• Recruit, onboard, train, and evaluate Business Development team members to ensure consistent performance, accountability, and territory coverage.

• Establish clear expectations, territory strategies, KPIs, and performance standards for outreach staff.

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development to build a high-performing, mission-aligned team.

Stakeholder & Referral Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key referral partners, payers, hospitals, courts, providers, and community organizations.

• Engage senior-level stakeholders and decision-makers, understanding how partners operate and how ARS integrates within the broader care continuum.

• Serve as a visible, credible ambassador for ARS in the community, including participation in meetings, events, and after-hours engagement as needed.

Clinical & Operational Collaboration

• Partner closely with Medical Directors, Clinical Directors, Admissions, and Operations leaders to ensure referrals are clinically appropriate and operationally feasible.

• Act as a liaison between referral sources, internal teams, clients, and families to support smooth and ethical admission coordination when needed.

• Support admissions practices that align with clinical criteria, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards.

Data, Reporting & Executive Communication

• Establish and monitor KPIs related to outreach activity, referral conversion, census performance, and territory growth.

• Analyze performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare and deliver executive-level reports and presentations for senior leadership and external partners.

• Ensure accurate documentation of referral interactions and outreach activities.

Values & Culture

• Model and promote Ascension Recovery Services’ core values.

• Uphold professional standards, confidentiality, and ethical business practices at all times.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, healthcare administration, human services, or a related field required
  (A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree)

• Minimum of five (5) years of business development or sales experience in behavioral health, addiction medicine, or healthcare services

• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and scaling field-based sales or outreach teams

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, behavioral health service delivery, and referral-based growth models

• Working knowledge of payer dynamics, benefits verification, and ethical admissions practices

• Proven ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-accountability, growth-oriented environment

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable strategy

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively within assigned region(s)

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Execution

• People Leadership & Coaching

• Market Development & Relationship Management

• Data-Driven Decision Making

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Professional Judgment & Ethical Practice

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work Environment: Combination of office-based, field-based travel, and virtual work

• Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, driving, use of hands and technology, public speaking

• Communication: Frequent in-person, phone, video, and written communication

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations

Ascension Recovery Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

The organization also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please notify your HR representative. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure equal employment opportunities.