Job Description
Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct the search for the incoming Executive Director of SpineHope , a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of underserved children through access to life-changing spinal surgeries and global health partnerships. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, this full-time opportunity is available for immediate hire and offers flexibility to work remotely, with Austin, Texas preferred and necessary travel.
ABOUT SPINEHOPE:
SpineHope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides life-changing spinal surgeries to underserved children around the world, particularly in low-resource settings. Through collaborative partnerships, volunteer medical teams, and educational initiatives, SpineHope delivers specialized surgical care, builds local capacity, and creates sustainable pathways for spinal health.
Each year, SpineHope's programs impact hundreds of children across multiple international sites, offering life-changing treatment and training local clinicians to ensure continuity of care. The organization's mission is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and sustainability, ensuring that every mission strengthens both individual lives and healthcare systems in the communities it serves.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
SpineHope seeks an entrepreneurial and mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to guide the organization through its next chapter of growth, partnership expansion, and global health impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees all aspects of organizational management-including fundraising, program execution, operations, and partnerships-with a blend of visionary leadership and hands-on execution.
This is an entrepreneurial opportunity for a mission-driven leader who thrives in a lean, collaborative environment. The incoming ED will initially focus on hands-on program and fundraising execution while building infrastructure and systems to support long-term scale. Over time, the ED will recruit and develop a small leadership team, expanding the organization's capacity for impact across multiple mission sites.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Leadership & Operations:
- Provide overall strategic and operational leadership; oversee implementation of Board-approved goals and plans; manage daily operations, compliance, and organizational systems; prepare reports and presentations for the Board and stakeholders
- Financial Management:
- Develop and manage the annual budget; oversee accounting and expense tracking in QuickBooks; ensure timely tax filings and financial reporting; maintain fiscal health and transparency.
- Program Management:
- Design, plan, and evaluate mission programs, including HUB coordination, partner relationships, and volunteer deployment. Oversee key operational elements such as immigration, customs, and in-country logistics, ensuring that systems are in place for seamless mission execution.
- Fundraising & Development:
- Drive diversified fundraising strategies to achieve $1M+ in annual revenue. Cultivate donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations; oversee grant writing and events; manage donor relations and stewardship.
- Partnerships & Representation:
- Build and maintain relationships with hospitals, global health partners, and corporate sponsors. Serve as the public ambassador of the organization, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and credibility.
- Communications & Marketing:
- Oversee website, social media, and external communications; develop compelling narratives that highlight mission outcomes and engage supporters.
- Volunteer Engagement:
- Recruit, train, and lead volunteers for domestic and international programs, fostering a culture of compassion, accountability, and teamwork.
KEY OUTCOMES IN FIRST 24 MONTHS: - Raise $1M+ annually with a sustainable pipeline in place
- Deliver 300-400 surgeries per year across three international mission sites.
- Recruit at least two additional spine surgeons and establish one new partner site.
- Hire or contract a fundraising professional to expand development capacity.
- Implement a data/EMR platform to track program outcomes and impact.
QUALIFICATIONS: Required: - 5-10+ years of nonprofit or mission-driven leadership experience, ideally within global health, humanitarian, or medical/surgical organizations.
- Proven ability to raise $1M+ annually from diverse funding sources.
- Experience managing complex international projects and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and global fluency.
- Bilingual with fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Preferred: - Clinical or public health background (RN, MD, MPH).
- Prior work in Latin America or low-resource settings
- Familiarity with QuickBooks, CRMs, or EMR tools.
- Experience collaborating with Boards and volunteer leaders
- Existing relationships in the spine, orthopedic, or global surgery sectors.
Attributes For Success: - Strategic and results-oriented leader with entrepreneurial drive.
- Strong relationship-builder with authentic cross-cultural fluency.
- Excellent communicator and storyteller who inspires support.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and financially astute.
- Adaptable, resourceful, and able to thrive in lean environments.
- Mission-centered with integrity, empathy, and resilience.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: This full-time opportunity offers a competitive annual salary of $80,000-$125,000, depending on experience. SpineHope provides a flexible, mission-driven work environment with meaningful travel opportunities and autonomy to build and lead a high-impact global team.
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS: SpineHope has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via:
Please address applications to:
Sydney Burnham, Senior Executive Search Principal
Scion Executive Search Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.
ABOUT OUR FIRM: Scion Executive Search is an award-winning executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation. ??
We are proud to be part of the
Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a
ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by
The Business Times . Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online .
Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. ??
For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Local area, Immediate start, Remote work, Flexible hours,