• Job Description

  Req#: 9072

  National Jewish Health , a nonprofit, nonsectarian healthcare institution, seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its Senior Director of Health Initiatives (Senior Director) . This is a unique leadership opportunity at one of the most respected healthcare institutions in the U.S.

  Established in 1899, National Jewish Health is a leading respiratory hospital specializing in respiratory, cardiac, and immune disorders. As an academic medical center, National Jewish Health focuses on preventing and treating chronic diseases, with a particular expertise in developing protocols for populations disproportionately impacted by tobacco.

  National Jewish Health is at the forefront of combating smoking and vaping through personalized cessation programs, research into the impacts of tobacco use, and advocacy for policy change. Since 2002, National Jewish Health has helped over 2.5 million individuals in their attempts to quit commercial tobacco as the nation’s largest provider of phone-based and digital tobacco cessation services, known as Quitline services, which now operate in 26 states. With an impressive 37% success rate—far exceeding the national average of 7%—the program delivers lasting change through evidence-based strategies and personalized coaching.

  The Health Initiatives department at National Jewish Health manages Quitline services, develops tobacco-cessation protocols for high-risk populations, and provides a broad range of educational materials. The department plays a vital role in national tobacco control efforts, supporting evidence-based interventions that improve community health. While the program has already expanded from 16 to 26 states, it has the potential for further growth.

  Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Director leads the Health Initiative programs, overseeing strategic growth, financial management, staffing, and operations. This role drives business development, expands partnerships at national, regional, and local levels, and aligns initiatives with institutional goals. The Senior Director ensures efficient, customer-focused services that optimize revenue and performance. Key responsibilities include staff leadership, budget oversight, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. A dynamic leader, the Senior Director must balance multiple projects, foster innovation, and drive operational excellence across the Health Initiative programs. The Senior Director will oversee a team of five direct reports and approximately 75–100 employees across eight states, managing a call center and digital health services.

  The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of senior management experience in healthcare or public health, with expertise in financial strategy, business development, and stakeholder relations, particularly with state agencies. Strong leadership, strategic foresight, and negotiation skills are essential. This opportunity is ideal for a leader who is hands-on, adaptable, and committed to driving innovation and long-term sustainability.

  This is a remote position based in Colorado, but requires regular travel to the main campus in Denver.

  To apply, please provide a resume using WittKieffer's Candidate Portal . Applications, nominations, and inquiries can also be directed to Ashley Buderus and Jessica Cummings by email at: NJH_SDHealthInitiatives@wittkieffer.com . The review of materials will continue until an appointment has been made.

  The salary range for the Senior Director, Health Initiatives position is $150,000 - $200,000. The referenced pay range represents good faith and a reasonable estimate of the base compensation range for this position. Individual salaries will be determined within the job’s salary range and established based on (but not limited to) market data, the individual's experience, and expertise, with consideration to related position salaries. NJH also recognizes that its outstanding faculty and staff are its foundation. In every aspect of healthcare, employees serve as the greatest asset of National Jewish Health. With this in mind, National Jewish Health has developed a valuable and comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of employees and their families. https://www.nationaljewish.org/employee-benefits-hr/overview .

• About the company

  National Jewish Health is a Denver, Colorado academic hospital/clinic doing research and treatment in respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders.

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