Health System Administrator (CEO)

The Health System Administrator, based in the Nashville Area Indian Health Service and reporting to the Director of Field Operations, leads a comprehensive healthcare system serving in Indian Health Service facilities. The role improves the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives through compliance, financial oversight, and data-driven program management, with full accountability for clinical, public health, and support services within federal guidelines.

Leadership & Operations

• Leads Service Unit operations; ensures compliance, efficiency, and improved outcomes
• Directs planning, implementation, evaluation, and overall program accountability

Clinical & Public Health Services

• Ensures quality, accessible care and proper credentialing
• Oversees preventive, therapeutic, and community health programs

Financial & Resource Management

• Develops and manages budget; ensures fiscal compliance and cost efficiency
• Oversees PRC program, revenue cycle, and third-party billing

Program Planning & Coordination

• Uses data to plan and evaluate programs
• Collaborates with Tribal, federal, state, and local partners

Tribal & Community Relations

• Builds partnerships with Tribal governments and community organizations
• Promotes health education and addresses community health needs

Workforce & Administrative Management

• Oversees staffing, HR functions, and labor relations
• Directs administrative services (procurement, facilities, property, logistics)

Environmental & Safety Programs

• Addresses environmental health issues and supports safety initiatives Special Programs & Compliance
• Supports IHS/Tribal initiatives and external partnerships - Ensures EEO compliance and promotes workforce diversity

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:

Health System Specialist Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):

Applicants must meet one of the following Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the Health System Administration Series, GS-0670:

Education:
Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in hospital administration, public health administration, or a related field such as business or public administration with course work in health care administration.

OR

Experience:
Progressively responsible analytical or administrative, or clinical management or supervisory experience in the health care field. This work may have been performed in an operating health care facility or a higher organizational echelon with advisory or directional authority over such facilities. Work must have involved a close working relationship with facility managers and analysis and/or coordination of administrative, clinical, or other service activities, and provided knowledge of the following:

• Missions, organizations, programs, and requirements of health care delivery systems;
• Regulations and standards of various regulatory and credentialing groups; and
• Government-wide, agency, and facility systems and requirements in various administrative areas such as budget, personnel, and procurement.

In addition, applicants must also possess:

• Management ability to delegate authority, evaluate and oversee people and programs, recognize and adapt to changing priorities; and
• Knowledge of the interrelationships and interdependencies among various medical and administrative services and programs.

Special Provision for Inservice Placement:

Successful completion of an agency-sponsored on-the-job training program may be substituted for qualifying experience, provided it included a formal individualized training plan. Such a training program must have been conducted in an operating health care system and included:

• Assignments providing a knowledge of basic health system administration philosophies, practices, and procedures, and basic government administrative policies and requirements;
• Practical assignments providing an opportunity to apply health system administration skills and principles (as the individual progresses, work assignments must be characteristic of the grade level to which he or she is assigned); and
• Oversight by an experienced health system administrator with periodic evaluation of the individual's progress and appropriate adjustment of the training program.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Directing and managing the operations of a healthcare organization or major clinical program, with responsibility for healthcare delivery systems, clinical services, and organizational performance outcomes; Duties may have included developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating short and long range goals; establishing and maintaining health care systems to meet internal and external quality standards; supervision and being accountable for appropriate obligations of funds, financial operations, including developing budgets, allocating resources, and monitoring expenditures to ensure fiscal accountability. Experience ensuring compliance with healthcare laws, regulations, and accreditation standards, and evaluating organizational performance through quality improvement and performance management activities.

Supervisory Abilities: This is a supervisory position. Applicants must demonstrate the ability or potential to lead, supervise, and manage personnel and programs effectively.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.

Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).