Vice President, Education & Initiatives

Vice President of Education & Initiatives | Job Description

The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado & Wyoming is seeking an experienced, passionate, and strategic leader to join our team as the Vice President of Education & Initiatives. Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive leadership position will lead the Foundation's multi-state education, advocacy, medical engagement, and mission initiatives across Colorado and Wyoming.

The Vice President of Education & Initiatives will create and implement innovative strategies that expand epilepsy education, strengthen relationships with healthcare providers and medical partners, advance public policy efforts, and lead mission-driven programs that improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy. This position will cultivate meaningful partnerships with volunteers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, community organizations, and individuals living with epilepsy to ensure the Foundation remains the trusted leader in epilepsy education and advocacy throughout the region. As a member of the Foundation's Senior Leadership Team, the Vice President of Education & Initiatives will help shape organizational strategy, annual priorities, budgets, and long-term planning while ensuring mission initiatives are aligned with the Foundation's vision, strategic goals, and community needs.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Medical Partnerships & Professional Engagement

• Lead and strategically grow the Foundation's Professional Advisory Board (PAB), creating meaningful engagement opportunities for physicians, nurses, researchers, mental health professionals, and other healthcare leaders.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with epilepsy centers, hospitals, healthcare systems, and medical professionals throughout Colorado and Wyoming.
• Expand physician engagement in Foundation programs, advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, fundraising activities, and community events.
• Oversee the Foundation's Preferred Provider Network (PPN), strengthening relationships with mental health professionals and other healthcare providers who support people living with epilepsy.
• Identify opportunities to expand professional education and continuing education initiatives that increase epilepsy awareness and improve patient care.

Seizure First Aid & Education

• Lead the Foundation's seizure first aid strategy, significantly expanding education efforts throughout Colorado and Wyoming.
• Develop scalable volunteer-led education models that increase the reach of seizure first aid training in schools, businesses, community organizations, and healthcare settings.
• Recruit, engage, train, and support volunteer educators who represent the Foundation throughout both states.
• Ensure educational content remains current, impactful, and aligned with national best practices.
• Establish goals, metrics, and partnerships that drive measurable year-over-year growth in seizure first aid.

Public Policy & Advocacy Leadership

• Lead all public policy and legislative initiatives for the Foundation across Colorado and Wyoming.
• Develop annual advocacy priorities in collaboration with the CEO, Board of Directors, Professional Advisory Board, and community stakeholders.
• Manage and facilitate the Board’s Advocacy & Policy Committee, engaging volunteers, healthcare professionals, and individuals impacted by epilepsy in policy efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislators, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and coalition partners.
• Coordinate legislative testimony, advocacy campaigns, awareness initiatives, and grassroots engagement that advance the Foundation's mission in both Colorado & Wyoming. 
• Support mission-focused awareness events, educational campaigns, and strategic initiatives that increase visibility and reduce stigma surrounding epilepsy.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Establish measurable goals, budgets, key performance indicators, and evaluation metrics for all assigned areas.
• Supervise assigned staff member(s) and provide coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Provide executive oversight of the Foundations Camps & Retreats. Partner with staff and volunteers to continually enhance program quality, safety and strategic growth. 
• Evaluate programs and initiatives through measurable outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and organizational impact. Identify emerging community needs, healthcare trends and policy opportunities. 
• Serve as an ambassador for the Foundation through public speaking, community presentations, conferences, media opportunities, and stakeholder meetings.
• Recruit, engage, and support volunteers and community leaders throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Commitment to Diversity

Eager to work effectively with employees, volunteers, healthcare professionals, partners, and participants without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, family composition, marital status, or socio-economic status. Committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the Foundation's work.

Commitment to Service

Passionate about improving the lives of individuals affected by epilepsy through exceptional service, authentic relationships, and community leadership.

Commitment to Strategic Leadership

Thinks proactively and strategically while balancing long-term vision with day-to-day execution. Demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and accountability.

Commitment to Communication & Collaboration

Builds strong relationships across diverse audiences. Listens well, communicates effectively, and values collaboration as essential to organizational success.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven (7) or more years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, nonprofit management, public health, advocacy, education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships with healthcare providers, volunteers, community organizations, and executive-level stakeholders.
• Experience leading advocacy initiatives, legislative efforts, coalition building, or public policy work strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising staff while successfully recruiting, engaging, and leading volunteers and committees.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while effectively executing day-to-day priorities.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Colorado and Wyoming
• Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for meetings, advocacy activities, programs, and events.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required; Master's degree preferred.