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Vibrant Emotional Health

Vibrant Emotional Health

Mental health advocacy and crisis support

Assistant Vice President, Data

Full-TimeUpdated on 9/19/2026
$180k - $200k/yr
Expert
Bachelor's, Master's
United States
Hybrid

Hybrid work arrangement; approximately 10% travel is required.

About the job

Requirements
  • Executive-level experience defining and executing integrated data strategies spanning analytics, business intelligence, data science, and artificial intelligence within complex, mission-driven organizations.
  • Deep expertise in enterprise analytics, business intelligence platform architecture, and modern data stack technologies such as dbt, Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI, and Looker.
  • Proficiency in Python-based machine learning ecosystems, including scikit-learn, PyTorch, and Hugging Face, with knowledge of end-to-end model lifecycle management, natural language processing, and responsible artificial intelligence.
  • Experience building, scaling, and leading multidisciplinary data teams across analytics, data science, and machine learning engineering functions.
  • Experience establishing responsible artificial intelligence frameworks covering bias detection, model explainability, and ethical review in high-stakes, human-centered environments.
  • Strong understanding of HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, federal data governance requirements, and artificial intelligence compliance in health and human services contexts.
  • Ability to translate complex data and artificial intelligence concepts into actionable insights for executive leadership, Board members, federal partners, and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience partnering cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Legal, and Compliance teams to govern and deploy data and artificial intelligence capabilities responsibly.
  • Demonstrated commitment to health equity analytics, inclusive data practices, and mission-aligned artificial intelligence adoption.
  • At least 12 years of progressive experience in analytics, data science, or data leadership roles, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity with direct accountability for analytics and data science or machine learning functions.
  • A bachelor's degree in a quantitative field is required.
  • Experience leading programs, teams, or operational units across multiple data disciplines, with accountability for project execution, team performance, and cross-functional delivery.
  • Experience with business intelligence platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, and Looker; modern data stack technologies such as dbt, Snowflake, and BigQuery; and machine learning or artificial intelligence frameworks such as PyTorch, scikit-learn, and Hugging Face, or equivalent.
  • A proven track record building enterprise data infrastructure and applied artificial intelligence and machine learning programs in complex, regulated environments.
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time, continuously operate a computer and office productivity machinery, and frequently communicate over video calls.
Responsibilities
  • Define and lead an integrated data strategy spanning analytics and reporting, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, aligned with organizational goals and program priorities.
  • Serve as the senior data executive by advising the Chief Technology Officer, executive leadership, and the Board on data capabilities, artificial intelligence adoption, and investment priorities.
  • Build and manage the departmental roadmap, establishing organizational architecture and role definitions.
  • Lead data governance council responsibilities, including oversight of data standards, key performance indicator frameworks, and program data-sharing requirements.
  • Own budget planning, tracking, and forecasting for the Data function, ensuring spending aligns with approved fiscal-year budgets, funding-stream requirements, and grant-compliance obligations.
  • Manage the artificial intelligence use-approval pipeline by preparing documentation, use-case justifications, and responsible artificial intelligence assessments for artificial intelligence and machine learning deployments under the cooperative agreement.
  • Lead the strategy, architecture, and delivery of the enterprise analytics and reporting platform for operational, compliance, and strategic reporting across programs and corporate functions.
  • Ensure delivery of program-required reporting, including automated dashboards for network operational and quality metrics, crisis contact center performance reporting, and federally mandated data submissions.
  • Design and deliver executive dashboards and performance scorecards for the leadership team, Board of Directors, and crisis center network.
  • Own the data governance framework for reporting outputs, including data definitions, lineage documentation, and quality-assurance protocols.
  • Evaluate and implement business intelligence and analytics tooling to modernize the reporting infrastructure.
  • Lead responses to audit and compliance data requests, including federal Office of Inspector General reviews and Government Accountability Office inquiries.
  • Champion data accessibility and health equity analytics across programs, including disaggregated reporting by race, ethnicity, geography, and other equity dimensions.
  • Oversee development and deployment of machine learning models for crisis risk stratification, call-routing optimization, quality-assurance automation, natural-language-processing-driven conversation analytics, and population health analytics.
  • Establish responsible artificial intelligence governance frameworks, including bias auditing, model explainability, and ethical review protocols for behavioral health contexts and program requirements.
  • Partner with peers to advance the research agenda, maintain scientific standards, and translate research findings into production-ready models.
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging artificial intelligence technologies, including large language models and generative artificial intelligence, with human-in-the-loop safeguards and program approvals for mission-critical applications.
  • Ensure all artificial intelligence and machine learning systems meet regulatory requirements.
  • Build, develop, and retain a high-performing data organization spanning Analytics and Reporting, Data Science, Machine Learning Engineering, Machine Learning Operations, Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Data Quality, and Data Governance.
  • Manage and mentor direct reports.
  • Manage the analytics and data science product roadmap in partnership with internal teams, sequencing data investments against program stakeholder needs and regulatory requirements.
  • Represent the organization's data and artificial intelligence capabilities in external partner engagements, grant applications, and public health research contexts.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • A master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, or a related field.
  • Experience in mission-driven, nonprofit, healthcare, government, or other highly regulated environments, with familiarity with compliance-driven reporting and data governance frameworks.
  • Experience with SAMHSA-funded programs, federal cooperative agreements, or similarly regulated grant environments.

About the company

Vibrant Emotional Health

Vibrant Emotional Health

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Vibrant Emotional Health provides mental health support and advocacy, offering crisis hotlines and online tools to help people manage emotional well-being. It grew from the Mental Health Association of New York City and now uses technology to deliver support and reduce stigma, aiming to make emotional health a normal part of everyday life. In 2024, it expanded by acquiring Stars of HOPE, adding a therapeutic arts program for disaster survivors to reach people in more difficult times. The organization is distinguished by its long history of advocacy, its broad national reach, and its combination of direct services with digital resources and partnerships. Its goal is to provide accessible, reliable support for mental health and crisis needs, wherever and whenever it is required.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1969

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • SAMHSA's May 2026 $255 million award extends Vibrant's flagship revenue for five years.
  • B-LINE launched February 2026, opening employer-sponsored crisis support in music.
  • Georouting rollout improves local matching, strengthening service quality and Vibrant's political standing.

What critics are saying

  • Federal dependence is extreme; SAMHSA controls 988 funding, renewal terms, and oversight.
  • The 2026 rebid showed contract vulnerability; any scoring miss threatens Vibrant's core franchise.
  • Backup-center subawards are being cut, signaling network churn and margin pressure across 2026.

What makes Vibrant Emotional Health unique

  • Vibrant runs the national 988 Lifeline under SAMHSA's May 2026 five-year award.
  • Its 200-plus-center network and georouting infrastructure create hard-to-replace crisis-routing expertise.
  • Stars of HOPE acquisition adds disaster-art therapy to crisis hotlines and advocacy.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

14%

1 year growth

14%

2 year growth

14%
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 15th, 2026
SAMHSA awards $255 million to administer 988 Lifeline.

SAMHSA awards $255 million to administer 988 Lifeline. WASHINGTON - May 15, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced today that it has awarded $255 million to Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) to administer the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 local crisis contact centers managed by a SAMHSA-funded network administrator. The 988 Lifeline has received more than 25 million contacts via call, text, chat, and ASL videophone since its launch. "HHS is committed to making sure every American facing a mental health or substance use crisis can reach the 988 Lifeline and get immediate help," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "The 988 Lifeline saves lives, strengthens families, and reminds Americans that they are never alone in their darkest moments." "The 988 Lifeline Administrator plays a key role in ensuring reliable and effective service for anyone in crisis," said SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll. "Every time someone reaches out to 988, whether it's a mental health crisis or seeking help for a substance use disorder, a direct connection to immediate support and resources is there to help them through their most difficult moments." Award grantee Vibrant is a non-profit affiliate of Mental Health America of New York City, which helped launch the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), in January 2005 through a federal grant from SAMHSA. In 2022, SAMHSA awarded Vibrant a five-year grant to manage the initial transition to 988 and to administer the Lifeline. In 2020, President Trump signed into law the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act that established 988 as the universal, 3-digit number for anyone in the U.S. experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis to get help. After completing the preparation required to build out this national system, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline officially launched in July 2022. The 988 Lifeline offers an easy way for anyone to reach skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors 24/7 for help with a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis. People can call or text 988 or use chat at 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need help. Individuals requesting ASL services can also directly dial 988 from a videophone through a video relay service provider. Studies show that after speaking with a trained crisis counselor, most people who contact 988 are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, and less overwhelmed. SAMHSA additionally announced more than $28 million in new funding opportunities, including the following: * $43 million for CMHI, a program that provides comprehensive community mental health services to children, youth, and young adults, birth through age 21 with a serious emotional disturbance (SED), which may include efforts to identify and serve children at risk, and their families. * $15.1 million for Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention, which supports states and tribes in implementing youth suicide prevention and early intervention strategies. * $8 million for Community Programs for Youth and Young Adults at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P), which identifies youth and young adults, age 25 and younger, at clinical high risk for psychosis and provides evidence-based interventions to prevent the onset of psychosis or lessen the severity of psychotic disorder. * $3 million for Providers Clinical Support System - Substance Use Disorder Treatment (PCSS-SUD Treatment), which combines two previous grants - Providers Clinical Support System - Medications for Alcohol Use Disorders (PCSS-MAUD) and Providers Clinical Support System - Medications for Opioid Use Disorders (PCSS-MOUD) - into a comprehensive program that focuses on provider education and support for substance use disorders. * $2 million for the Disaster Distress Helpline, a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. The helpline, available via 1-800-985-5990 or www.samhsa.gov/ddh, provides 24/7, toll-free, confidential crisis counseling to individuals in the U.S. and its territories experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Recent data from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health underscore the critical need for crisis services, including 988, in the U.S. In the past year, an estimated 14.3 million adults, aged 18 and older, had serious thoughts of suicide, 4.6 million made a suicide plan, and 2.2 million attempted suicide. In addition, 8.2% of adults aged 18 and older (21.2 million people) experienced a major depressive episode, and 16.8% of individuals ages 12 and older (48.4 million people) had a past-year substance use disorder. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. To locate a treatment facility or provider, visit FindTreatment.gov. Last revised: May 15, 2026 Related press releases. Content last reviewed May 15, 2026

The Violin Channel
Mar 25th, 2026
A new 24/7 Mental Health and Crisis Support Line launched for the music industry.

A new 24/7 Mental Health and Crisis Support Line launched for the music industry. Vibrant Emotional Health and Backline has partnered to create a round-the-clock support line designed specifically for the music industry Two leading mental health non-profits Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) and Backline, have now partnered to create B-LINE, a 24/7 Mental Health and Crisis Support Line for music industry professionals. Offering immediate confidential support from trained counselors who understand and can relate to the realities of working in music, B-LINE reflects Backline's work in expanding mental health support for a workforce that frequently operates on the road and outside traditional systems of care. Artists, crew members, staff, executives, and family members can connect to B-LINE by calling 1-855-BLINE99 or texting (254-639) BLINE9. Since 2019, Backline has invested $3.5 million in mental health and wellness initiatives for the music industry and has supported more than 84,000 people. The launch of B-LINE is a continuation of Backline's support for urgent situations requiring immediate support, and addresses the need for a real-time crisis line for the music community. In addition to B-LINE, Backline's trusted online resource hub will continue to be available here. The service offers ongoing mental health information, referrals, and support. B-LINE's programs complement Vibrant's broader portfolio of crisis response services and mental health programs - together, the organizations are working to strengthen the mental health safety net for the music industry, and ensure the accessibility of support. "Mental health crisis doesn't wait for business hours, and neither should access to care," said Cara A. McNulty, DPA, CEO of Vibrant. "This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing care that is compassionate, accessible, and responsive to lived experience. It is another example of how partnerships can close gaps in access." "Our teams worked closely with Backline to design and operationalize a support model that truly serves the music industry," added Michele Giordano, Vice President, Contact Services at Vibrant. "B-LINE brings together trusted partners and trained counselors to provide timely, informed support for individuals and families whenever they reach out." "This [collaboration] has always been the dream," expressed Backline's Co-Founder and Executive Director Hilary Gleason. "We've supported thousands of music industry professionals in their mental health and wellness journeys, but one critical piece was missing: real-time access to care. B-LINE changes that."

PR Newswire
Feb 3rd, 2026
Backline Launches B-LINE: A 24/7 Mental Health and Crisis Support Line for the Music Industry, in Partnership with Vibrant Emotional Health

Backline launches B-LINE: A 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for the music industry, in partnership with Vibrant Emotional Health. News provided by. New service offers phone and text-based support with direct pathways to care NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), one of the nation's leading mental health organizations, has partnered with Backline, the nonprofit dedicated to connecting music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources, to launch B-LINE, a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line designed specifically for the music industry. B-LINE offers immediate confidential support from trained counselors who understand the realities of working in music. Artists, crew members, staff, executives, and family members can connect by calling 1-855-BLINE99 or texting (254-639) BLINE9. The launch of B-LINE reflects Backline's commitment to expanding mental health support for a workforce that frequently operates on the road and outside traditional systems of care. "Mental health crisis doesn't wait for business hours, and neither should access to care," said Cara A. McNulty, DPA, Chief Executive Officer of Vibrant Emotional Health. "This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing care that is compassionate, accessible, and responsive to lived experience. It is another example of how partnerships can close gaps in access." "Our teams worked closely with Backline to design and operationalize a support model that truly serves the music industry," said Michele Giordano, Vice President, Contact Services at Vibrant Emotional Health. "B-LINE brings together trusted partners and trained counselors to provide timely, informed support for individuals and families whenever they reach out." Since 2019, Backline has invested $3.5 million in mental health and wellness initiatives for the music industry and has supported more than 84,000 people. Backline's team continues to encounter urgent situations requiring immediate support, reinforcing the need for a dedicated, real-time crisis line for the music community. Backline's Co-Founder and Executive Director Hilary Gleason said the launch of B-LINE represents a long-held vision becoming reality. "This has always been the dream. We've supported thousands of music industry professionals in their mental health and wellness journeys, but one critical piece was missing: real-time access to care. B-LINE changes that." As part of this effort, Backline's trusted online resource hub will continue to be available at backline.care, offering ongoing mental health information, referrals, and support for the music community. B-LINE complements Vibrant's broader portfolio of crisis response services and innovative mental health programs that collectively deliver life-saving support to millions each year through numerous lifelines, community-based initiatives, and system-level advocacy. Together, Vibrant and Backline are working to strengthen the mental health safety net for the music industry, ensuring support is accessible whenever it is needed. About Vibrant Emotional Health Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional wellbeing. For over 55 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Disaster Distress Helpline, and Veterans Crisis Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help millions of people live healthier and more vibrant lives yearly. We're advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. Follow Vibrant on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X. SOURCE Vibrant Emotional Health

VentureBeat
May 5th, 2025
Game Veteran Warren Spector Raises Awareness About Working With Bipolar Condition | Interview

Few game developers have been as successful and well known as Warren Spector. But in a recent LinkedIn post, Spector didn’t talk about his successes. Instead, he shared something more human and acknowledged for the first time to his peers that he is bipolar.“What I’m about to tell you isn’t about games or game development. Not directly, anyway. Let me cut to the chase: I’m bipolar – Bipolar Disorder 2, not the more seriously life-affecting Bipolar 1. You might be more familiar with the term ‘manic-depression,’ a term which, for reasons I don’t understand, isn’t used much, if at all, anymore

GlobeNewswire
Oct 3rd, 2024
Mosaicx Partners with Vibrant Emotional Health on New Georouting Capabilities for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Mosaicx partners with Vibrant Emotional Health on new georouting capabilities for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.