Executive Director

Virtual, Inc.; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative nonprofit organization is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead efforts in advancing the practice and visibility of Clinical Nurse Specialists. This role involves strategic planning, collaboration with board members, and advocacy for the profession, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in nonprofit management, effective communication skills, and a passion for enhancing the impact of nursing professionals. Join this forward-thinking team to make a significant difference in the nursing community and drive meaningful change.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of advanced nursing practice trends and strategic planning.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership position for a nonprofit.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission.
• Advocate for Clinical Nurse Specialists' ability to practice fully.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Nonprofit Management

Collaboration

Advocacy

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's or Doctorate

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

JOB TITLE: Executive Director

SUPERVISOR: NACNS Board

LOCATION: Remote in the United States

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: 1099 Contractor

SCHEDULE: 20 hours per week

About Nacns

NACNS is the national authority on clinical nurse specialists' (CNS) practice, education, and research regardless of specialty. As an organization, we are committed to advancing the visibility, influence, and impact of CNSs as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) worldwide. We seek a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to help lead this important work.

General Job Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing the organization's strategic vision, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of advanced nursing practice trends and have demonstrated success in strategic planning, operations, and stakeholder collaboration. This leader will work closely with the Board, committee chairs, affiliate leaders, and partner organizations to position NACNS for continued growth and influence.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Board of Directors, officers/President, and management company to develop and implement a strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Advocates for Clinical Nurse Specialists' (CNSs) ability to practice to the full extent of their scope.
• Reports to the Board of Directors on initiatives addressing current and emerging threats to CNS practice.
• Works with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop an annual budget aligned with the strategic financial plan.
• Engages affiliate leaders and committee chairs-alongside the NACNS President-through regular meetings to advance strategic priorities.
• Monitors progress on committee charges to ensure timely and goal-aligned completion.
• Provides strategic support and guidance to committees and board liaisons to strengthen decision-making and facilitate successful outcomes.
• Advises the NACNS President on high-priority issues and opportunities that influence organizational direction.
• Represents NACNS at external meetings when volunteer leaders are unavailable.
• Attends national meetings on behalf of NACNS, as designated by the Board of Directors.
• Serves as the primary liaison to organizations with Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), delivering regular updates and progress reports that reflect NACNS goals.
• Identifies and cultivates new MOUs and strategic partnerships with industry and professional organizations; presents recommendations to the Board to ensure alignment with NACNS priorities.
• Collaborates with the management company to prioritize operational goals on a quarterly basis in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Builds collaborative initiatives with Executive Directors and leaders from aligned organizations to expand the visibility and impact of the CNS role.
• Oversees learning management activities, including continuing education offerings, CNS certification preparation, and integration of educational content within the NACNS learning management system (LMS).
• Supports the development, evaluation, and dissemination of high-quality professional development opportunities for NACNS members.
  
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of leadership, strategic planning, and nonprofit organizational management principles
• Proven track record of effective collaboration with a board of directors and achievement of measurable outcomes
• Experience in advocacy and/or lobbying initiatives is preferred
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and experience serving as a Nurse Planner is preferred
  
  
  

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (minimum); Master's or Doctorate preferred
• Experience in managing budgets
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership position for a nonprofit/not for profit organization; experience within a healthcare-related association is preferred