Executive Director

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct an immediate search for an Executive Director for 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.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive, providing strategic, operational, and financial leadership while championing the mission. This leader will oversee daily operations, cultivate donor and institutional relationships, partner closely with the Board, and lead fundraising initiatives that support the organization's long-term success. The Executive Director will manage a lean, high-performing team, including a Project Manager, while serving as the organization's primary ambassador to donors, researchers, clinicians, corporate partners, and other external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership & Strategy
  • Provide visionary leadership that advances the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
  • Partner closely with the Board of Directors to establish organizational goals, priorities, and annual operating plans.
  • Translate strategic objectives into measurable initiatives and organizational outcomes.
  • Foster a collaborative, mission-focused culture centered on accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Fundraising & External Relations
  • Lead the organization's fundraising strategy, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations, and special events.
  • Cultivate, steward, and expand relationships with donors, philanthropic partners, and key supporters.
  • Serve as the public face of the organization, representing it with researchers, medical institutions, corporate sponsors, and community stakeholders.
  • Identify opportunities to increase organizational visibility and philanthropic engagement.
• Operations & Financial Leadership
  • Oversee the organization's daily operations while ensuring efficient, effective organizational performance.
  • Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board and external financial partners.
  • Ensure strong financial stewardship, reporting, compliance, and sound business practices.
  • Establish operational processes that support organizational growth and scalability.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a small, dedicated staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
  • Directly supervise the Project Manager and support professional growth across the organization.
  • Recruit, retain, and develop talent that strengthens organizational capacity.
• Board Partnership & Governance
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
  • Prepare Board materials, reports, financial updates, and strategic recommendations.
  • Support Board committees and governance initiatives while ensuring effective communication and engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Progressive executive leadership experience within a nonprofit organization, foundation, healthcare, medical research, or related mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success leading fundraising initiatives and cultivating major donor relationships.
• Strong financial and operational management experience, including budgeting, planning, and organizational oversight.
• Experience partnering with an engaged Board of Directors and navigating nonprofit governance.
• Outstanding relationship-building, communication, and executive presence.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision and day-to-day execution.
• Passion for advancing medical research, healthcare, or scientific innovation is strongly preferred.

The successful candidate will be:

• A mission-driven executive who inspires confidence among donors, Board members, staff, and external partners.
• A relationship builder who excels at cultivating meaningful partnerships and securing philanthropic support.
• A strategic and operational leader capable of strengthening organizational infrastructure while driving future growth.
• An effective communicator with exceptional executive presence and emotional intelligence.
• A collaborative leader who empowers staff while maintaining accountability and high performance.

Schedule

Full-time, hybrid role (3 days/week in office) based in New York, New York.

Pay

Competitive salary in the range of $180,000 to $200,000.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package.