Executive Director

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for an Executive Director for our client, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and public awareness surrounding skin health and dermatologic disease. Through strategic partnerships with leading researchers, physicians, academic institutions, donors, and volunteers, they accelerate innovative research while improving the lives of individuals affected by skin disease.

We are seeking a collaborative, mission-driven professional to lead the organization through its next chapter of growth, ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, and continued impact across research, fundraising, and organizational leadership. This full-time, hybrid role (3 days/week in office) is based in New York, New York.

Position Overview

Reporting to the President and working in close partnership with the Board Chair and Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive and senior strategic leader. This individual is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and financial leadership while advancing the organization's mission, long-term sustainability, and organizational impact.

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the organization's operations, including strategic planning, administration, fundraising, financial management, marketing, technology integration, community engagement, and program execution. Leading a lean, high-performing team, including a Project Manager, this executive will foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented culture while ensuring operational excellence and organizational effectiveness.

As the organization's primary ambassador, the Executive Director will cultivate strong relationships with donors, researchers, clinicians, corporate partners, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to expand philanthropic support, strengthen strategic partnerships, and elevate the organization's visibility. Working collaboratively with organizational leadership and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will help shape strategic priorities, drive sustainable growth, and position the organization for long-term success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Provide visionary leadership that advances the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish organizational goals, shape strategic direction, and execute key initiatives.
• Lead organizational growth by identifying opportunities to expand programs, strengthen community impact, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Serve as the organization's primary ambassador, cultivating relationships that elevate its visibility, influence, and reputation.

Board Relations & Governance

• Build trusted partnerships with the Board of Directors to support strong governance, strategic decision-making, and organizational success.
• Deliver timely and insightful updates on organizational performance, financial health, and emerging opportunities.
• Prepare and facilitate Board and committee meetings while ensuring alignment, accountability, and execution of strategic priorities.
• Partner with Board leadership to strengthen engagement, committee effectiveness, and long-term governance practices.
• Provide overall financial stewardship through effective budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Monitor organizational performance using financial data and key metrics to inform strategic decisions and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, grants, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement.
• Expand and diversify revenue streams by cultivating new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations while implementing scalable systems, processes, and operational best practices that support organizational excellence.
• Recruit, develop, and inspire a high-performing team through coaching, accountability, and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that promotes innovation, continuous improvement, and shared ownership of results.
• Oversee organizational policies, contracts, and administrative functions to ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and sound risk management.

Community Engagement & Communications

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, community leaders, volunteers, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders to advance the organization's mission.
• Champion the organization's brand through strategic communications, marketing, and public engagement initiatives.
• Represent the organization with credibility and executive presence at community events, speaking engagements, media opportunities, and partner meetings.
• Build strategic partnerships that expand organizational reach, strengthen community impact, and support long-term growth.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Experience partnering with and supporting a Board of Directors.
• Strategic leader with strong operational and organizational management experience.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor engagement, and revenue growth.
• Financial acumen with experience overseeing budgets and organizational resources.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
• Commitment to the organization's mission, values, and community impact.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and executive presence.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

In addition to offering a competitive salary in the range of $180,000 to $200,000 (commensurate with experience), this opportunity provides a comprehensive benefit package, to be disclosed.