Founding Executive Director for the Institute for the Advancement of Whole Health - Southern California University of Health Sciences (Whittier, CA)
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Southern California University of Health Sciences seeks a Founding Executive Director for the Institute for the Advancement of Whole Health
Click here to view full position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCU_ExecDir_IAWH_Profile.pdf
Location: Whittier, California (Remote & Hybrid Options)
The Position:
This is a once-in-a-career opportunity for an accomplished and dynamic leader to influence the future of healthcare as the Founding Executive Director (ED) of the newly established Institute for the Advancement of Whole Health at SCU (Institute). The University has developed a preliminary plan for the Institute. The ED will be expected to review, augment, and extend the plan based upon their experiences and ideas.
The Institute will advance SCU as the leading academic institution in the Whole Health movement, providing training and educational content to organizations and individuals, developing and delivering academic programs, establishing a model Whole Health community clinic, and advancing the field through scholarship. The Institute will serve as the authoritative academic resource for the definition, standards, and practices of Whole Health.
The ED has broad responsibilities for the planning, development and administration of the Institute’s educational programs and services, research and thought leadership, development and fundraising, clinic operations, and partnership and outreach development. The ED will be expected to build the reputation and visibility of the Institute by identifying and pursuing opportunities related to fundraising, grants, research, partnerships, clinical services, and educational programming. The Executive Director will work closely with the University’s Chief Whole Health Officer to implement SCU’s vision of becoming a Whole Health university by adapting the principles and practices of Whole Health to the academic community.
Note: While the ED will have tremendous influence over the direction and priorities of the Institute, the following are contemplated as part of the Institute’s multi-year plan: setting, publishing, and promulgating standards and competencies for Whole Health; expansion of Whole Health related academic offerings; Whole Health related research agenda oversight; design and development of a model Whole Health community clinic; robust engagement with likeminded clinicians, educators, employers, community organizations and policy makers through media, workshops, conferences, etc.; development and oversight of an aggressive fundraising strategy.
This is a minimum 60% position, although full-time is preferred. This position can be primarily remote, lending itself to a unique blend of being a mission-driven leader while maintaining a high quality of work-life balance. Building the strong national partnerships necessitated by this role may require occasional travel. Travel costs will be budgeted for and covered by the University.
To Apply:
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply by May 18, 2026, will be given first consideration. Please submit a PDF version of your resume and cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for this position. Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interest here.
For more information please contact:
Andrea Martinez
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
(919) 357-8766
amartinez@summitsearchsolutions.com
Salary Range: $175,000–$300,000. As this is a newly created position, final compensation will reflect the individual’s depth of knowledge and experience as well as degree of commitment to the role (60%, 80%, or 100% for example).
This leadership role offers 100% remote flexibility with some travel. Start date is negotiable.
Southern California University of Health Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Southern California University of Health Sciences seeks a Founding Executive Director for the Institute for the Advancement of Whole Health
Click here to view full position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCU_ExecDir_IAWH_Profile.pdf
Location: Whittier, California (Remote & Hybrid Options)
The Position:
This is a once-in-a-career opportunity for an accomplished and dynamic leader to influence the future of healthcare as the Founding Executive Director (ED) of the newly established Institute for the Advancement of Whole Health at SCU (Institute). The University has developed a preliminary plan for the Institute. The ED will be expected to review, augment, and extend the plan based upon their experiences and ideas.
The Institute will advance SCU as the leading academic institution in the Whole Health movement, providing training and educational content to organizations and individuals, developing and delivering academic programs, establishing a model Whole Health community clinic, and advancing the field through scholarship. The Institute will serve as the authoritative academic resource for the definition, standards, and practices of Whole Health.
The ED has broad responsibilities for the planning, development and administration of the Institute’s educational programs and services, research and thought leadership, development and fundraising, clinic operations, and partnership and outreach development. The ED will be expected to build the reputation and visibility of the Institute by identifying and pursuing opportunities related to fundraising, grants, research, partnerships, clinical services, and educational programming. The Executive Director will work closely with the University’s Chief Whole Health Officer to implement SCU’s vision of becoming a Whole Health university by adapting the principles and practices of Whole Health to the academic community.
Note: While the ED will have tremendous influence over the direction and priorities of the Institute, the following are contemplated as part of the Institute’s multi-year plan: setting, publishing, and promulgating standards and competencies for Whole Health; expansion of Whole Health related academic offerings; Whole Health related research agenda oversight; design and development of a model Whole Health community clinic; robust engagement with likeminded clinicians, educators, employers, community organizations and policy makers through media, workshops, conferences, etc.; development and oversight of an aggressive fundraising strategy.
This is a minimum 60% position, although full-time is preferred. This position can be primarily remote, lending itself to a unique blend of being a mission-driven leader while maintaining a high quality of work-life balance. Building the strong national partnerships necessitated by this role may require occasional travel. Travel costs will be budgeted for and covered by the University.
To Apply:
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply by May 18, 2026, will be given first consideration. Please submit a PDF version of your resume and cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for this position. Refer to our blog on strengthening application materials and letters of interest here.
For more information please contact:
Andrea Martinez
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
(919) 357-8766
amartinez@summitsearchsolutions.com
Salary Range: $175,000–$300,000. As this is a newly created position, final compensation will reflect the individual’s depth of knowledge and experience as well as degree of commitment to the role (60%, 80%, or 100% for example).
This leadership role offers 100% remote flexibility with some travel. Start date is negotiable.
Southern California University of Health Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Institution: Southern California University of Health Sciences
This is a full time position
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