The client seeks an Executive Director of Health Affairs Publishing to provide enterprise-wide business and organizational leadership for a highly influential health policy publication. The role partners closely with the Editor-in-Chief, relevant governing leadership, and senior leadership of the parent organization to guide the organization through a period of growth, innovation, and financial sustainability while safeguarding the publication’s quality, credibility, independence, and trust. The Executive Director will develop and execute a forward-looking strategy to strengthen the financial position, modernize the business model and operations, expand and diversify revenue, and position trusted content for new audiences, products, partnerships, and platforms.
Health Affairs Publishing operates at the intersection of health policy, research, journalism, publishing, and public discourse, serving as a nonpartisan forum for analysis and discussion on improving health and health care. Its portfolio includes digital content and multiple communication channels such as events, podcasts, newsletters, and policy briefs, in addition to a flagship journal. As a wholly owned subsidiary of its parent organization, The client expects the Executive Director to navigate this relationship effectively while advancing the distinct strategy, brand, and long-term sustainability of Health Affairs Publishing.
Reporting to the CEO of the parent organization, the Executive Director will lead organizational strategy, financial sustainability, operations, revenue growth, and organizational effectiveness. This includes protecting editorial independence and credibility, evolving toward a more sustainable and diversified business model, and identifying opportunities to expand reach, audiences, partnerships, products, and impact. The ideal candidate is expected to bring strategic vision and operational discipline, along with strong people leadership that builds trust, creates clarity and accountability, and supports employees through change.