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Posted: 21-Apr-26
Location: Bangor, Maine
Type: Full Time
Internal Number: 36014
Northern Light Health seeks a visionary, agile executive to serve as its System Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). This is a unique opportunity for an experienced, forward?thinking nursing executive to lead nursing practice across Maine’s only fully integrated, statewide health delivery system.
About Northern Light Health
Northern Light Health is a $2.2B integrated health system comprising nine hospitals, 944 licensed beds, eight nursing homes, 37 primary care locations, five emergency transport members, and the state’s only air ambulance service. The organization employs more than 10,000 people and is committed to its brand promise: “Making healthcare work for you.”
Position Overview
Reporting directly to the System Chief Operating Officer, the System CNO serves as the senior nursing executive for Northern Light Health, responsible for advancing nursing practice, workforce strategy, and clinical alignment across all care settings. The role is evolving from a primarily operational focus to a strategic, enterprise?level leadership position, ensuring nursing is positioned as a key driver of organizational performance.
The CNO will lead system?wide efforts to standardize nursing practice, strengthen governance, reduce variation across sites, and build a sustainable nursing workforce. This highly visible, field?based leader will maintain a strong presence across all Northern Light facilities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Nursing Leadership
- Advance a unified, system?wide nursing practice model
- Strengthen shared governance and professional practice structures
- Lead clinical integration across acute, ambulatory, behavioral health, and home?based settings
Workforce Strategy & Development
- Build a sustainable nursing pipeline
- Support recruitment, retention, and integration of international nurses
- Reduce reliance on contract labor while maintaining safe staffing
Digital Transformation & Innovation
- Integrate AI and automation to reduce clinical burden
- Leverage predictive analytics for workforce and patient outcomes
Quality, Experience & Operational Performance
- Improve patient experience and quality outcomes across all hospitals
- Enhance throughput, care coordination, and length?of?stay performance
Location
This role is based in Bangor, Maine, a state known for its natural beauty, four?season outdoor recreation, and vibrant communities. “There’s a reason our state motto is ‘The Way Life Should Be.’… Maine is a special place.”
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing required
- Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field required
- Current RN licensure (or eligibility) in Maine
Experience
- 10+ years of progressive nursing leadership, including senior?level roles in a multi?site or system environment
- Demonstrated success improving quality, patient safety, and patient experience
- Experience leading clinical standardization and workforce strategy
- Operational and financial acumen, including labor management
- Experience in unionized environments preferred
Leadership Competencies
- Visible, hands?on leadership style
- Ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholders
- Strong relationship?building and communication skills
- Strategic thinker with operational credibility
- Commitment to an inclusive, engaged workforce culture
