Executive Director of Nursing

National Nursing Workforce Center (NNWC)

Location: Remote (U.S.-based)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 

(commensurate with experience and opportunity for bonus and salary increase based on success in bringing in new revenue)

About the National Nursing Workforce Center

The National Nursing Workforce Center (NNWC), formerly the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, is the national membership organization representing state nursing workforce entities across the United States.

NNWC is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the nursing workforce by addressing critical workforce shortages and supporting efforts to ensure an adequate supply of qualified nurses to meet the healthcare needs of the nation. Through leadership, collaboration, research, and innovation, NNWC advances data-informed workforce solutions that support long-term healthcare system sustainability.

As a national convener and resource hub, NNWC identifies and disseminates best practices in nursing workforce research, workforce planning, workforce development, and policy. The organization supports collaboration among state workforce centers through national publications, conferences, technical assistance, and a robust professional network.

State nursing workforce entities play a vital role in collecting and analyzing workforce data, identifying trends and gaps, informing policy, and implementing evidence-based workforce initiatives. While these organizations vary in structure and funding, they share a common mission: advancing strategic, long-term workforce planning through data-driven decision-making.

NNWC embraces a philosophy of “Taking the Long View,” leveraging workforce forecasting, policy alignment, and systems-level collaboration to strengthen the future of nursing nationwide.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of NNWC, a national 501(c)(3) membership organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight to advance a coordinated, equitable, and data-driven nursing workforce infrastructure across the United States.

The Executive Director is responsible for organizational leadership, strategic planning, financial stewardship, operational management, external relations, and national advocacy. This leader will strengthen partnerships across healthcare, government, academia, philanthropy, and workforce development sectors while positioning NNWC as the leading national authority on nursing workforce policy, research, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Stewardship

• Lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Drive organizational growth, long-term sustainability, and national impact.
• Ensure alignment between NNWC initiatives, national workforce priorities, and member needs.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performing, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities that strengthen NNWC’s national leadership position.

Governance and Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Support effective governance practices, including strategic planning, policy development, and organizational accountability.
• Provide timely and transparent reporting related to organizational performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic outcomes.
• Partner with the Board to establish priorities and monitor organizational progress.

National Leadership and External Relations

• Serve as a national spokesperson and thought leader on nursing workforce policy and strategy.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with federal agencies, national organizations, healthcare systems, academic institutions, and philanthropic partners.
• Represent NNWC in national coalitions, professional forums, and interprofessional initiatives.
• Advance NNWC’s influence through policy engagement, publications, presentations, and national visibility.
• Lead the development of national reports, policy briefs, and workforce thought leadership.

Financial and Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement strategies that ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Diversify organizational revenue through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and compliance with all nonprofit and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure operational excellence across systems, infrastructure, technology, and vendor relationships.
• Monitor organizational performance metrics and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Programmatic and Technical Leadership

• Oversee high-impact national programs, including workforce research, technical assistance, and member engagement activities.
• Guide the planning and execution of national meetings, conferences, and educational initiatives.
• Ensure all programs are relevant, high quality, scalable, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Advance innovation in workforce data analysis, workforce planning, and policy development.

Communications and Brand Advancement

• Lead implementation of NNWC’s national rebrand and long-term brand strategy.
• Strengthen the organization’s national visibility through strategic communications and digital engagement.
• Serve as the organization’s chief spokesperson across media, public speaking engagements, and stakeholder relations.
• Promote NNWC’s mission, values, and impact to members, partners, funders, and policymakers.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated executive leadership and organizational management experience.
• Proven ability to lead national initiatives and influence policy.
• Strong strategic thinking, systems-level leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Demonstrated success building consensus and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex partnerships, programs, and funding portfolios.
• Knowledge of healthcare workforce trends, preferably nursing workforce policy, infrastructure, and workforce data.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven nonprofit environment.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree required.
• Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, DNP, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, healthcare, workforce, nursing, policy, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in national leadership, advocacy, coalition building, or partnership development.
• Experience with workforce research, workforce data, or health policy strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting or collaborating with state-level initiatives preferred.
• Experience overseeing budgets, financial operations, and resource development required.
• Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000 – $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

NNWC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan participation
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Performance-based compensation growth opportunities

As the organization continues to expand its national influence and operational capacity, additional compensation incentives may be available based on organizational growth, strategic achievements, and funding success.

Travel Requirements

This is a full-time remote position requiring periodic domestic travel, including conferences, national meetings, Board meetings, and stakeholder engagements. Travel is expected up to approximately three weeks annually, with occasional week-long travel commitments.

Performance Evaluation

The Executive Director will be evaluated annually by the Board of Directors based on:

• Achievement of strategic plan goals
• Organizational impact and national visibility
• Financial stewardship and sustainability
• Leadership effectiveness and stakeholder engagement
• Advancement of NNWC’s mission and strategic priorities

The evaluation process may include self-assessment, Board feedback, and input from key external stakeholders.

Position Impact

The Executive Director serves in a critical national leadership role focused on strengthening the U.S. nursing workforce infrastructure. Through strategic vision, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, this position advances solutions that address workforce shortages, support health equity, and improve the capacity of healthcare systems nationwide.

Physical Requirements

Essential Office and Work Demands

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods during meetings, presentations, and computer-based work.
• Frequent use of computers, mobile devices, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal and written formats.
• Ability to review detailed documents, reports, and digital information.
• Occasional lifting and transportation of materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Travel and Event Participation

• Ability to travel independently to conferences, meetings, and external events.
• Ability to navigate conference venues, meeting spaces, airports, and varied event environments.

NNWC is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.