Chief Executive Officer

We are conducting an exclusive search for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc. (CRIHB). This is an opportunity to lead and engage an organization that is dedicated to elevating and promoting the health status and social conditions of the American Indian People of California. 

Position Summary:

This pivotal leadership role is responsible for overseeing the organization's administration, strategic direction, and operational effectiveness. The CEO will drive initiatives in strategic planning, organizational development, intergovernmental and interagency collaboration, and the administration of contracts and grants.

Reporting directly to the CRIHB Board of Directors, the CEO serves as the key liaison between the organization and member Tribes, Tribal Health Programs, state and federal agencies, and a broad range of external stakeholders.    

Essential Functions:

1. Executes the Board’s vision and policy directives.
2. Develops and implements strategic goals that address the evolving needs of member programs.
3. Leads the operational planning and resource alignment for CRIHB.
4. Serves as primary liaison between CRIHB, Tribal Governments, and funding agencies, as requested.
5. Represents CRIHB at federal, state, and Tribal forums, advocating for improved Indian health policy and funding.
6. Builds and maintains relationships with Tribal leadership to ensure culturally responsive service delivery.
7. Oversees administration of grants and contracts in compliance with PL 93-638, federal regulations, and CRIHB policies.
8. Monitors program performance and ensures quality, fiscal accountability, and adherence to contract objectives.
9. Monitors financial reports and key performance indicators regularly.
10. Works with the Chief Financial Officer to assess financial risks and opportunities.
11. Implements risk management protocols and ensures organizational compliance.
12. Identifies funding opportunities and provides executive oversight of proposal development.
13. Secures and stewards resources to meet community health needs and organizational sustainability.
14. Develops partnerships to enhance CRIHB’s funding and programmatic impact.
15. Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with current and prospective funders.
16. Provides leadership and mentorship to senior executives and directors.
17. Ensures staffing structures align with strategic goals and operational needs.
18. Upholds a high-performance, purpose-driven organizational culture.
19. Serves as the primary advisor to the Board on strategic, legal, and policy matters.
20. Prepares and presents reports, program updates, and recommendations to the Board and its Committees.
21. Maintains transparency, communication, and trust with Board members.
22. Tracks and advises on relevant legislative and regulatory developments.
23. Ensures CRIHB policy positions are informed, responsive, and aligned with Tribal priorities.
24. Engages in legislative testimony, position paper development, and policy coalition building. 
25. Leads CRIHB’s transition toward modernized operations by leveraging technology for organizational efficiency, communication, and automation while remaining mindful of access disparities among rural Tribal communities. 
26. Serve as a fiduciary leader of CRIHB, working with the Board of Directors and senior leadership to ensure responsible use of funds, and support the long-term financial health of the organization.
27. Performs additional duties as directed by the Board in alignment with CRIHB’s purpose and objectives.

Additional Requirements:

1. Valid, unrestricted driver license and ability to be insurable under CRIHB’s automobile insurance.  
2. Occasional overnight travel within CRIHB’s service area and nationally.  
3. Ability to drive up to 7 hours a day.
4. Regular and predictable attendance.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Planning, Healthcare Management, Public Administration, Law, or related field.
2. At least eight (8) years of progressive management experience in health policy, Tribal health, and/or public administration. 
3. Minimum of two (2) years in an executive or senior leadership role overseeing public health or healthcare operations. 
4. Proven success managing federally funded health programs (e.g., IHS, HRSA, CMS).
5. Deep understanding of PL 93-638 self-determination and self-governance provisions.
6. Track record of successfully engaging Tribal councils, health boards or committees, and intergovernmental partners.
7. Experience in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, human resource management, and policy advocacy.

This position requires an awareness and keen appreciation of American Indian traditions, customs and socioeconomic needs and the ability at all times to meet and deal effectively in contacts with Indian organizations, which requires tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and sound judgment in handling functions of a sensitive nature.

Preference in hiring is extended to qualified American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) applicants in accordance with CRIHB’s Indian Preference policy, as provided under 25 U.S.C. § 5307(b). This policy ensures that qualified AI/AN applicants receive priority consideration in the hiring process. However, the final selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of all candidates’ qualifications, experience, and alignment with the specific needs of the position. Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verifiable documentation of their status, such as certification from their Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable proof of Indian heritage as required by CRIHB.