Chief Nursing Officer

Initial Posting Date: 02/03/2026 Application Deadline: 03/01/2026 Agency: Oregon Health Authority Salary Range: $12,835.00 - 19,888.00 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Chief Nursing Officer Job Description: If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all. Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! – Chief Nursing Officer (Nursing Administrator 2) We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, dynamic Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to join our leadership team at the Oregon State Hospital. This is a critically important position for our 750-bed facility and will impact the field of behavioral health for all Oregonians. Oregon State Hospital, a Joint Commission– and CMS-certified public psychiatric hospital, provides psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for mentally and emotionally ill adult and geriatric populations committed by the Oregon courts as part of the state mental health system. Oregon State Hospital is the largest division of the Oregon Health Authority, with approximately 3,000 positions across the hospital, including 1,300 nursing positions across two campuses — one in Salem and the other in Junction City. The CNO provides executive direction and leadership in the development of strategies to provide direct patient care and continuously improve care quality. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CNO is a key participant in strategic planning, program development and evaluation, regulatory compliance activities, and the establishment of policies and procedures to guide workplace practices. The CNO is directly accountable for the 24/7/365 delivery of Nursing Services across both campuses of Oregon State Hospital. This position will engage with interdisciplinary teams to understand the systems and processes that support patient flow from admission through discharge, with an intentional focus on safety, recovery, and compliance. For a full review of the position description, click here: Chief Nursing Officer What We Are Looking For Minimum Qualifications Seven years of management experience; OR four years of management experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field (Nursing, Public Health). Licensure in Oregon as a Registered Nurse is mandatory for the Chief Nursing Officer role Oregon state government recognizes special assignments, skills, qualifications, or credentials that add value to the state’s workforce. The Chief Nursing Officer position qualifies for: (l) Education Differential: This differential applies to employees in positions of Supervising Registered Nurse, Nurse Manager (X6241) and Nurse Administrator (as determined by the agency). The differential is not more than 4.75 percent of base pay for a relevant baccalaureate degree, and not more than 9.5 percent of base pay for a relevant master’s degree. Desired Attributes Master’s degree in nursing or related field (MPH, MHA, MBA, etc.) is requested for this role. Thorough and complete understanding of regulatory and accreditation requirements such as those from Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC), and licensing boards. Knowledge of the principles of organizational development and change management. Knowledge of healthcare quality essentials. Demonstrated ability to articulate expectations and set care delivery goals in coordination with system initiatives. Demonstrated ability to set standards for clinical resource management to meet safety, service and quality goals to assure consistent application across the hospital/organization. Highly developed communication skills used for effective consumption of information across a large organization, removal of barriers to creating efficiencies, cross functional alignment, clarity and expectations around shared goals. Application Guidance Your candidate profile and application are your opportunity to showcase your skills and interest in this role. Submissions will be reviewed for clarity, consistency, and communication skills, and for alignment with the guidance provided in the below: Submission Requirements: Resume – Attach your current resume that clearly outlines your education and work experience relevant to this position. Cover Letter (Optional) – A cover letter is not required, but if included, it will be reviewed and considered during the review and selection process. Supplemental Questions – Answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately. Final Check! – Before submitting, confirm that all required materials are included, and your Workday Job History is current. The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information. How to Apply: External Candidates: Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage or click the “Apply” tab above to submit your application, following all submission requirements. Internal Candidates: Current State of Oregon employees must apply through their employee Workday login , following all submission requirements. After You Apply: Complete any pending tasks in Workday under “My Applications” prior to the application deadline. Check your email (including junk folder) and Workday inbox regularly for updates on your application. Reminders: Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. To protect your information and ensure correct processing, please follow the instructions for submitting your Veterans’ Preference documentation . Please download and save a copy of this job announcement and linked position description, as it is not available after the application deadline. About the Team & Benefits of Joining We offer a workplace that balances productivity with enjoyment; promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, dedication, and enthusiasm. You will collaborate with a team of bright individuals to work with and learn from. If you're driven by the passion to do something meaningful that changes lives, the Oregon Health Authority is the place for you. We also offer a competitive benefits package including: Excellent, low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family. Optional benefits like life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options for health and childcare. Generous paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours/month. Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program . Retirement security through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/ Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). Training and development opportunities to grow your career with the State of Oregon. Additional Details This announcement is for one, full-time, permanent, Chief Nursing Officer (Nurse Administrator 2) position based in Salem, Oregon. This is an in-office position. “Review Section 4: Working Conditions” in the position description (linked above) for more information. Employment is contingent upon a criminal records check and a driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range. If the successful candidate qualifies for PERS, the salary range will increase by 6.95%. For more information, see the Classification and Compensation page. The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to verify work authorization. If your employment eligibility depends on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet the requirements for this position. We evaluate candidates based on their own skills and experience. Unless explicitly approved, outside resources – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – are not permitted during assessments or interviews. Use of unauthorized resources will disqualify a candidate from further consideration. Contact Information Recruiter: See Eun Kim Email: See-Eun.Kim@oha.oregon.gov Phone (text friendly): 971-719-1204 Accommodation Requests (ADA): OHA provides reasonable accommodations under the ADA, which may include alternative formats of materials or language support. If you need an accommodation to apply for this position or participate in the selection process, please contact the recruiter listed above. Helpful Links & Resources How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Health Authority | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Veterans Resources | What You Need to Know to Get the Job The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class – including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation – and does not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position. OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.