Established in 1899, NJH is a leading respiratory hospital specializing in respiratory, cardiac, and immune disorders. As an academic medical center, NJH focuses on preventing and treating chronic diseases, with a particular expertise in developing protocols for populations disproportionately impacted by tobacco.
NJH 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, NJH 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 NJH 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 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 requiring 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 NJH's 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 health care, employees serve as NJH's greatest asset. With this in mind, NJH 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.
National Jewish Health is a non-profit, non-sectarian institution and is a longstanding cornerstone in the Denver healthcare community. National Jewish Health seeks to attract the best-qualified candidates who support the mission, vision and values of the Institution. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical or mental disability, marital, familial or parental status, genetic information, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected classification. We are a tobacco and fragrance-free environment.
