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Description
Founded in 1995, Healthy Schools Network is an award-winning 501(c)3 that has fostered the national healthy school environments movement. We are widely recognized as the nation’s leading voice for children’s environmental health at school. As an EPA and CDC partner, our expertise is also recognized by Congress, NGOs, university centers, NGOs, and the media.
We promote collaborative research and policy development and advanced systemic reforms in three core areas defining children’s environmental health at school:
- Environmental public health services for children at risk or with suspected exposures at school.
- Child-safe policies for housekeeping and purchasing (targeting indoor air pollutants, mercury, pesticides and other toxics and promoting the use of green and healthy/safer products).
- Child-safe standards for school design, construction, and siting.
In 1996, to assist parents with health-impacted children, we developed the EPA-award-winning Healthy Schools/Healthy Kids Clearinghouse©, which offers dozens of fact sheets, guides, and peer-reviewed reports.
Position Overview:
Healthy Schools Network seeks an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead the next phase of growth for the nation’s premier advocate for healthy and climate-resilient schools. The Executive Director will oversee a dynamic organization known for its national leadership, science-based advocacy, and strong collaborative networks.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Provide overall leadership in implementing HS Network’s action plan focused on four strategic priorities: advocacy, coalition building, technical support and research
initiatives, and enhanced communications. - Engage the Board, staff, and key partners to develop and monitor annual goals and long-term strategies.
- Strengthen HS Network’s role as the national thought leader and convener for children’s environmental health in schools.
Advocacy and Programs
- Champion federal, state, and local policies that improve environmental health and climate resilience in schools
- Oversee research and technical support initiative, including the promotion of EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools and related guidance and regulations for schools (lead in drinking water, asbestos, radon, asthma, climate resilience).
- Collaborate with federal and state agencies, NGOs, and universities to advance policies and share best practices nationally, including schools in NY City and State, where HS Network was founded and continues to shape model policies to export nationally.
Fundraising and Financial Management
- Lead fundraising strategy to secure support from foundations, individuals, corporate partners, and events.
- Manage the organization’s budget and ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors and grantmakers.
Coalitions and Communications
- Lead and expand the Coalition for Healthier Schools, fostering collaboration among hundreds of partners nationwide.
- Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson and representative to media, policymakers, and public audiences.
- Oversee communications, including the biweekly NewsSlice newsletter, website, and social media to strengthen visibility and engagement.
Organizational Management
- Supervise staff, contractors, and consultants to ensure excellence across operations.
- Ensure compliance with all grant, legal, and reporting requirements.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to provide timely updates and foster effective governance.
Qualifications:
Required
- 10+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, public policy, public health, or environmental advocacy.
- Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and financial management.
- Strong policy, advocacy, and program management experience.
- Excellent communication and coalition-building skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with partners and staff in a virtual environment.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Preferred
- Experience in children’s environmental health, education, or climate resilience.
- Experience with national-level advocacy, federal relations, or coalition management.
- Experience performing management, compliance and reporting.
To Apply
Please click "Apply" below to email a brief cover letter, résumé, and two references and type Executive Director – [Your Name] into the subject line. Deadline: December 15, 2025.
Healthy Schools Network is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.