Leading the Future of Behavioral Health Data: Director of CBHSQ

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is currently seeking a highly skilled executive to serve as the Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ). This prestigious Senior Executive Service (SES) position is a cornerstone of the federal government's approach to mental health and substance use surveillance. If you are an analytical leader with a passion for public health and a proven record of driving policy through data, this role offers the opportunity to make a national impact.

Job Responsibilities

The Director of CBHSQ serves as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and other top-level officials. Key responsibilities include:

Providing strategic direction for national behavioral health data collection and epidemiological studies.
Overseeing multi-million dollar budgets and managing a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Communicating complex statistical findings to Congress, the White House, and state/tribal leaders.
Leading cross-agency collaborations to improve survey methodologies and data integrity.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a unique blend of technical expertise and executive management skills. Your application must demonstrate:

Technical Qualifications: Experience in epidemiological research and public health analytics.
Executive Core Qualifications: Proficiency in leading people, driving results, and upholding constitutional principles.
Documentation: A strict two-page limit applies to all resumes. Separate narratives for qualifications will not be accepted.

Comparison of Qualification Types

Qualification Type	Focus Area	Essential Evidence
Technical (TQ)	Research & Analytics	Epidemiological study management
Executive (ECQ)	Leadership & Strategy	Change management and accountability

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $151,661 to $228,000 per year, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience level. As an SES role, it may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses.

Benefits

Employees at HHS enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health and life insurance options.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Defined benefit pension plan.
Flexible telework arrangements.

Application Tips

To succeed in your application, focus on the following:

Conciseness is Key: With a two-page limit, every sentence in your resume must highlight your leadership impact.
Evidence-Based: Use specific metrics to quantify your achievements in data management and policy influence.
Formatting: Ensure your resume clearly distinguishes your TQ and ECQ experiences so the panel can easily evaluate your credentials.

This role is an extraordinary opportunity to steer the national dialogue on mental health and substance use. By leading the CBHSQ, you are not just managing statistics; you are building the evidence base for a healthier nation.

Why This Director, Center For Behavioral Health Statistics And Quality Job Matters

Shape the future of national public health policy as the Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, where your data-driven leadership will directly influence mental health and substance use initiatives across the United States.

Director, Center For Behavioral Health Statistics And Quality Job Overview

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking a visionary executive to lead the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ). As the Director, you will oversee the nation's behavioral health data infrastructure, guiding epidemiological research and statistical strategy. This high-impact role requires an experienced leader who can bridge the gap between complex analytical insights and actionable public health policy. You will serve as the primary advisor to HHS leadership and key national stakeholders, ensuring that data integrity and research excellence drive effective federal responses to mental health and substance use challenges.

Requirements for Director, Center For Behavioral Health Statistics And Quality

U.S. Citizenship
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages
Evidence of five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume
Evidence of Technical Qualifications (TQs) within the resume
Submission of a one-page cover letter
Submission of required SF-50 forms for current or former federal employees
Ability to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance
Completion of OGE-278 Public Financial Disclosure Report upon selection

Preferred Qualifications for Director, Center For Behavioral Health Statistics And Quality

Executive-level experience leading large-scale public health, behavioral health, or health statistics programs.
Proven track record in managing complex epidemiological studies, national data collection, and statistical analysis.
Experience advising senior executives and representing organizations to federal, state, and tribal stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to use data to inform national policy and drive organizational performance.
Established expertise in developing and executing strategic plans for multidisciplinary research teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Senior Executive Service (SES) salary
✓Eligibility for performance-based pay adjustments and bonuses
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Opportunities for professional development and leadership training
✓Telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Director, Center For Behavioral Health Statistics And Quality Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Director, Center For Behavioral Health Statistics And Quality Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages addressing both ECQs and TQs.
Write a one-page cover letter.
Gather supporting documentation such as your most recent performance evaluation and relevant SF-50s.
Complete the online application questionnaire through the USAJOBS portal.
Upload all documents and verify the submission before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder; upload a custom document instead.
Strictly adhere to the two-page limit for your resume, as excess pages will not be reviewed.
Integrate your ECQ and TQ evidence directly into your resume narrative rather than submitting separate documents.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly shows your current status if you are a federal employee.
Submit your application early to allow time for the system's virus scan process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is based in Rockville, Maryland, although it is eligible for telework.

What is the page limit for my resume?

The resume must not exceed two pages. Documents exceeding this limit may result in disqualification or only the first two pages being reviewed.

Do I need to submit separate narrative statements for the Executive Core Qualifications?

No. The required ECQs and TQs must be incorporated directly into your two-page resume.

What is the closing date for this application?

Applications must be submitted by August 7, 2026.

Is veteran's preference applicable?

No, veteran's preference does not apply to Senior Executive Service (SES) positions.

Job from Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration

As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), SAMHSA leads public health efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. The CBHSQ serves as the authoritative source for behavioral health statistics, providing the data necessary to allocate resources, assess public health needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of national programs.