Senior Director, Health Equity Program

The FrameWorks Institute is an action-oriented think tank for progressive movements.

We conduct cutting-edge social science research to understand how to change the way people think, feel, and act. We engage with partners who can mobilize this research to build power around progressive solutions.

We believe framing is critical to making cultural and systemic change. That’s why we’re a unique, integrated team of multidisciplinary researchers and real-world change-makers.

This is an exciting time to join FrameWorks. And we want you to be a part of it.

About the position: Senior Director, Health Equity Program

The Senior Director will establish and build the Health Equity Program at FrameWorks. As the leader and manager of the Program, the Senior Director will be accountable for its overall success. Based on a thorough mapping of the health equity field and an understanding of framing and narrative in achieving health equity goals, the Senior Director will set the strategic direction of the Program and lead engagement with partners to achieve impact. They will also guide Program application and communications activities and collaborate with the Director of Research to assure that research undertaken addresses the right questions and generates valuable insights that meet the needs of the field.

Central to the role, the Senior Director will strategize and lead engagement with partners in the health equity field and build out advisory group(s) to inform and guide Program research, mobilization, and communication activities. The Senior Director will also manage the day-to-day operations of the Program, ensuring that all activities are integrated, executed at a high level, and on timeline.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in the health equity field, including with non-governmental organizations approaching health equity through a social justice lens. They will also have existing relationships with key organizations, agencies, and individuals across the field, and experience working with partners and building and managing partner relationships. They will have familiarity with framing and narrative research, and some experience using framing and/or narrative to advance health equity outcomes. They will be intellectually curious, innovative, adaptable, and insightful; be knowledgeable about contemporary social movements and policy issues; and be committed to principles of inclusion and equity.

This is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C., with the possibility of remote work. There is an expectation to come to the DC office for key team meetings and the likelihood of additional travel in connection with conferences, meetings, and other events.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the strategic direction for the health equity program in a way that is informed by and responsive to the field, and ensures that the research and resulting recommendations and the plans for engagements are all aligned and being executed in line with the strategy.
• Map the health equity field and maintain relationships and lead engagement with partners in the health equity field.
• Partner with the Director of Research in setting the research agenda for the Program.
• Be accountable for the program’s application and communications activities to ensure quality of work, consistency with research findings, and appropriateness for the field.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Program, ensuring that all activities are integrated, aligned with Program strategy, meeting Program goals, and generating high-quality and valuable insights that meet the needs of the health equity field.
• Oversee project management activities, including developing and managing workplans for engagement, application, and communications work and managing overall program workplans to ensure that all program and project activities are proceeding on time and at quality.
• Lead the FrameWorks team’s participation in the Health Equity Mindsets Initiative Consortium project within the Health Equity Program.
• Present Program findings to partners, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Work with the Director of Development to identify and secure additional funding for the Program.
• Lead the process of reporting on the work of the Program to its funders.
• Manage the work of program staff, collaborating with staff members’ supervisors to ensure high quality work that advances program goals.
• Serve as a member of FrameWorks’ Management Team and provide leadership and strategic insights on organizational work, direction, policies, and operations.

Skills needed

• Strong strategic thinking skills and experience designing and implementing high-level program strategy in an organizational/institutional setting.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing relationships with partners, coalition members, or clients in a nonprofit, campaign, or movement setting related to health equity.
• Understanding of framing and/or narrative and experience using framing/narrative to achieve social change.
• Excellent convening and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in communicating and mobilizing around health equity and racial equity.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; practical judgment to move work forward; flexibility and ability to adapt to changing needs.
• Sound judgment and strong decision-making skills.
• Strong collaboration and team-building skills.
• Commitment to FrameWorks’ mission, including commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Experience required

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Twelve or more years of combined education and professional experience in the health equity field, with at least 10 years of education and experience above the undergraduate level, including experience with non-governmental organizations approaching health equity through a social justice lens.
• Five years of management experience.
• Deep knowledge of and existing relationships with key organizations, agencies, and individuals in the health equity field.
• Demonstrated experience using framing/narrative to achieve social change.
• Ability to learn, shape, and interpret FrameWorks’ research and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve impact in their work.
• Demonstrated experience integrating principles of equity, justice, and inclusion into daily work.
• High emotional intelligence.
• Experience working collaboratively on a diverse team.

Salary range : $140,000 to $200,000, depending on experience

Key benefits include 4 weeks paid vacation leave per year; 21 days of holiday leave (including the week between Christmas and New Years and 4 days of holiday during summer months); paid sick leave and personal leave; 403(b) retirement plan; 100% employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision); life and disability insurance; flexible spending plan; cell phone and internet reimbursement, and professional development funding.

To apply

Please submit the following materials to , using the subject header line Senior Director, Health Equity Program 2024 :

• Resume or CV with complete employment history and educational background
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, its relevance to your career goals and past experience, and specifically addressing your experience using framing and narrative to achieve social change.

Review of all applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process concludes. Please check FrameWorks’ website ( to ensure that the position is still available before applying. No solicitations, please.

FrameWorks Institute is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Interested individuals who are BIPOC, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ are strongly encouraged to apply.