Executive Director

Executive Director

Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN)

Remote | Full-Time | Competitive Compensation and Benefits

About ECAN

The Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through increased awareness, advocacy, and research about the risks, prevention, and treatment of Esophageal Cancer. ECAN works to empower, educate, and support patients and families, influence policy, and drive groundbreaking research to ultimately change the course of this devastating disease.

ECAN is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced nonprofit executive to guide a growing and impactful organization dedicated to a lifesaving cause.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will serve as the chief executive officer of ECAN, responsible for setting and implementing the strategic vision, leading and supporting a dedicated team, ensuring financial sustainability, and building partnerships that amplify ECAN’s mission. The ED will inspire innovation, steward organizational culture, and drive forward ambitious goals that advance awareness, research, and patient support in the field of Esophageal Cancer.

The ideal candidate will bring proven nonprofit leadership experience, a passion for ECAN’s mission to end Esophageal Cancer and patient advocacy, and a track record of growth, innovation, and mission-aligned impact.

This is a full-time, permanent position. ECAN operates as a remote organization and welcomes candidates from across the United States.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• • Lead the organization with vision, transparency, and integrity, embodying ECAN’s mission and values in all internal and external interactions.
  • Develop and execute strategic plans and key initiatives in partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Oversee all operations, ensuring alignment with ECAN’s goals and long-term sustainability.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and results-orientation across the organization.
  • Serve as a visible and accessible leader who inspires staff, volunteers, donors, and partners alike.

Board Engagement and Governance

• • Serve as the principal liaison to the Board of Directors, facilitating effective governance and strategic direction.
  • Prepare and deliver timely reports, updates, and recommendations to support informed decision-making by the Board.
  • Partner with the Board Chair and committees to develop board capacity, diversify board membership, and maximize board engagement.
  • Ensure effective implementation of board-approved strategies, policies, and initiatives.

Resource Development and Financial Stewardship

• • Lead ECAN’s fundraising strategy, cultivating strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.
  • Secure and steward philanthropic investments to sustain and grow ECAN’s programs, campaigns, and organizational infrastructure.
  • Oversee the development of annual operating budgets, ensuring sound fiscal management and transparency.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and regulatory requirements and maintain strong internal controls and financial systems.

Programs, Advocacy, and Impact

• • Champion ECAN’s programs and advocacy efforts, ensuring they are evidence-informed, patient-centered, and outcomes-driven.
  • Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of mission-critical initiatives that increase awareness, research funding, and better outcomes for patients at risk for and diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer.
  • Ensure programmatic excellence and operational efficiency across all initiatives and services.

Communications and External Relations

• • Act as the chief spokesperson and ambassador for ECAN, strengthening its reputation and expanding its reach.
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with healthcare leaders, researchers, advocacy organizations, public agencies, and the media.
  • Oversee public relations, marketing, and branding to elevate the organization’s visibility and influence.
  • Promote ECAN’s story through compelling messaging that engages diverse audiences and inspires support.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates from nonprofit, healthcare, advocacy, or mission-driven backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will possess:

• • A minimum of five (5) years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or similarly complex organization.
  • Demonstrated success in strategic planning, team leadership, financial oversight, and organizational growth.
  • Proven experience building and executing diversified fundraising strategies, with success securing significant philanthropic support.
  • Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, board relations, and partnership development.
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated expertise in managing, evaluating, implementing, using, and leveraging online platforms (e.g., learning management systems, donor portals, collaboration tools, and social impact platforms) to enhance organizational performance, user engagement, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Experience building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive and empowering workplace culture.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to scale programs and impact creatively and sustainably.
  • Deep commitment to ECAN’s mission to end Esophageal Cancer, patient advocacy, or a personal connection to cancer-related causes (preferred but not required).
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a related field (e.g., public health, nonprofit management, business administration) preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

This leadership role offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience. ECAN provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• • Full health insurance coverage
  • Retirement plan with matching contribution
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Flexible, remote working environment
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement

To Apply

Please submit a resume, thoughtful cover letter, and salary requirements (in Microsoft Word format) to the ECAN Succession Planning Committee at: ExecutiveLeadership@ecan.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged. All inquiries and submissions will be handled confidentially.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ECAN is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of our work. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, especially those historically underrepresented in the nonprofit and healthcare sectors.