09/14/2026
Lead WPSR into its next chapter as its new Executive Director
WPSR is seeking a dynamic and strategic Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. This leader will bring a deep commitment to our mission, strong organizational and relationship-building skills, and a demonstrated ability to guide a nonprofit organization with clarity, integrity, and vision.
This is a full-time, hybrid, exempt position reporting to the Board of Directors. WPSR’s office is located in Seattle’s North Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) works at the intersection of health, policy, and social change. We believe that health professionals have a unique responsibility—and a powerful voice—in addressing the most urgent threats facing humanity: nuclear weapons, climate change, and economic inequity. For over 45 years, WPSR has mobilized health professionals and community advocates across Washington State to advance policies that protect human health and promote a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
Our impact is driven by a committed member and volunteer base, a collaborative and mission-driven staff, and strong partnerships across movements. Grounded in health equity, WPSR leverages the trusted authority of health professionals to address the underlying drivers of injustice and drive bold policy change. WPSR is both an independent organization and part of a larger national and international movement of health professionals working to address existential threats to human health.
Our strength comes from the combination of expertise and action: we bring the trusted voice of health professionals into public debates while building the civic power necessary to create meaningful change.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Program Impact
The Executive Director provides vision and direction for WPSR’s programs, ensuring that our advocacy, education, and organizing efforts are aligned, effective, and impactful.
Partner with the Board to establish organizational strategy, priorities, and annual plans
Support program leaders in advancing goals across WPSR’s issue areas
Oversee program staffing, grants, deliverables, and public-facing communications
Ensure WPSR’s work continues to advance health, equity, and justice
Fundraising & Sustainability
The Executive Director leads efforts to build the resources needed to sustain and expand WPSR’s impact.
Develop and manage the annual budget and revenue strategy
Build relationships with individual donors, foundations, institutional funders, and partners
Partner with the Board on fundraising strategy and donor engagement
Lead grant development, fundraising campaigns, and events
Board Partnership & Governance
The Executive Director works closely with the Board to support strong governance and organizational accountability.
Collaborate with Board leadership on strategy, governance, and organizational priorities
Provide regular updates on programs, finances, and organizational performance
Support effective board engagement and committee work
Maintain compliance with bylaws and legal requirements
People & Organizational Culture
The Executive Director cultivates an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing workplace where staff and volunteers can thrive.
Lead recruitment, supervision, performance management, and professional development
Maintain effective HR systems, policies, and practices
Foster a culture grounded in collaboration, equity, and shared purpose
Operations & Organizational Management
The Executive Director ensures that WPSR operates effectively, transparently, and sustainably.
Oversee financial management in partnership with the Treasurer and Board
Maintain strong operational systems, including technology, databases, and recordkeeping
Ensure compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulations
External Relations & Visibility
As WPSR’s primary representative, the Executive Director builds relationships and elevates the organization’s voice.
Represent WPSR with coalitions, partners, policymakers, and community leaders
Serve as liaison to national Physicians for Social Responsibility and other chapters
Oversee communications and strengthen WPSR’s public visibility
Membership Engagement & Growth
The Executive Director strengthens WPSR’s community of members and supporters.
Build meaningful relationships with members and volunteers
Expand and diversify membership
Create opportunities for engagement and leadership
QUALIFICATIONS
There is no single professional background that defines the ideal candidate. We are looking for someone with demonstrated leadership experience who is energized by mission-driven work and capable of bringing people together around ambitious goals.
The strongest candidates will bring many of the following qualities:
A compelling commitment to WPSR’s mission and values.
Significant experience leading a nonprofit, advocacy organization, campaign, coalition, or comparable mission-driven enterprise.
Strategic vision combined with the ability to translate ideas into action.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Significant experience with and success in fundraising, donor relationships, and organizational development.
A demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships across differences.
Experience supervising, mentoring, inspiring, and developing staff.
Comfort working in political and policy environments.
The ability to balance urgency and ambition with sound organizational management.
Intellectual curiosity, humility, resilience, creativity, and a good sense of humor.
We strongly encourage people from historically underrepresented communities and people with diverse professional and lived experiences to apply. We believe that the movement for a healthier and more just world is stronger when leadership reflects the communities we seek to serve.
Benefits & Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt position that requires occasional evening and weekend work. It is eligible for our benefits package that includes medical and dental (100% employer paid), employee-funded Flexible Spending Account, 401k with a modest employer match most years, 10 paid holidays, paid sick leave, and 4 weeks paid vacation.
Compensation is $110K-$125K per year.
In line with our commitment to equity practices, the salary for this position has been carefully determined to reflect market standards and internal equity considerations. We value the skills and expertise that each candidate brings to the table, and we believe that our non-negotiable salary approach fosters a level playing field for all applicants. This practice aligns with our core values of transparency and fairness. All submissions are reviewed by humans – there is no AI used in our hiring process.
How to Apply
Complete applications submitted with a thoughtful cover letter will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. All applications must be submitted online. No phone calls, please. Apply at www.wpsr.org/jobs
Deadline: Complete applications submitted with a thoughtful cover letter will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until October 8, or until filled.
We invite you to learn more about us at www.wpsr.org.
Employment and other opportunities at WPSR
