Chief Executive Officer

Key Responsibilities

HCWH focuses on mitigation, resilience, and building advocacy and communication strategies to drive action at state, national, and international levels, collectively advancing broader public and environmental health policies. Their innovative approach is unique, providing tailored resources, education, and global networks that influence, inspire, and enable. Specific areas of responsibility for the CEO include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Drive the implementation of HCWH’s current strategic plan for its international network and lead the upcoming U.S. strategic planning process in 2026 in partnership with the Board and Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensure strong engagement and governance with HCWH’s global network of partners and affiliates, including the International Council consisting of the Executive Directors of HCWH entities in Europe and Southeast Asia.
• As a primary ambassador for HCWH, share its vision with funders, partners, policymakers, and other external stakeholders to expand its mission and influence across the healthcare, environmental, and public policy sectors.
• Provide thought leadership on the intersection of healthcare, sustainability, climate change, and equity, positioning HCWH as a global leader in these areas.

Fundraising & External Relations

• In collaboration with the development team, spearhead fundraising efforts to grow HCWH’s revenue streams through grants, donations, and partnerships.
• Galvanize an organizational-wide understanding of the importance of philanthropy to advancing HCWH’s mission, supporting a culture of philanthropy.
• Cultivate and expand HCWH’s network of partners in healthcare, government, and philanthropy to advance its mission.

Board Governance & Collaboration

• Maintain a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates and engaging them in strategic decision-making processes.
• Support board development and governance, ensuring the board is well-equipped to provide oversight and guidance as HCWH evolves.
• Act as liaison between board and staff and build support for board decisions amongst staff.

Organizational Management & Culture

• Lead the Executive Leadership Team and foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and innovation.
• Ensure the organization operates efficiently and effectively in alignment with its mission and core values, including advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• With the Chief Operating Officer, oversee the financial health and sustainability of HCWH, managing its $17 million+ budget and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic and mission-driven leader with a deep commitment to sustainability, climate action, and healthcare equity in a global context. A systems thinker who can inspire and lead an internationally diverse team across a complex organizational network, the new CEO should be a builder of strong partnerships, and a passionate advocate for environmental and human health on a global scale. The next leader will be an experienced executive with a demonstrated track record of success in multifaceted organizations, developing high-performing teams, and driving impactful initiatives. The next CEO will bring demonstrated experience centering and prioritizing equity in all facets of their organization’s work.  

They will possess:

• An understanding of the intersectionality of sustainability, climate change, and the environmental determinants of health, healthcare, and equity issues.
• A global, systems-level view of environmental, health, and climate issues.
• A proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive organizational growth and impact.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and build an inclusive culture at the enterprise level in a global context.
• A track record of fundraising success, particularly with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Strong communications and relationship-building skills, with experience serving as a public spokesperson including media.
• Experience managing and leading diverse teams in a virtual setting is also an asset.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience, ideally in the nonprofit sector and in a global context.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and climate solutions.
• Experience working in advocacy, healthcare, climate change, or sustainability in a global context is ideal, and experience leading a membership organization and/or senior leadership in a global, national, or multi-site organization would also be valuable.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or equivalent experience, such as significant executive experience, is preferred.