Job Details

WHAT WE DO

The House Institute Foundation (HIF) – formerly known as the House Ear Institute – operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing hearing science through research, education, and pediatric care. For over 75 years, HIF has pioneered groundbreaking discoveries, from the first clinically useful cochlear implant to the first penetrating electrode auditory brainstem implant, to diagnostic testing and surgical innovations. Today, HIF supports clinical and translational research, trains visiting physicians and fellows, conducts public health education, leads hearing-health initiatives, and runs a pediatric audiology clinic. To learn more about HIF, please visit: The House Institute Foundation

The HIF Executive Director, while not responsible, will work closely with the administrative leaders of the other two “House” institutions. Within this broader clinical enterprise is the PIH Health House Clinic and the associated Hearing Health Centers. The House Ear Clinic is a world-renowned center for the treatment of ear disease and neurological disorders. Its physicians, neurotologists, neurosurgeons, and audiological staff provide advanced audiometric evaluations and state-of-the-art treatments for hearing, balance, skull-base, and related neurological disorders. The House Hearing Health Centers specialize in providing world-class care with first-class service to hearing-impaired patients requiring hearing aids. Locations include clinics and hearing-aid centers throughout greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

HIF is governed by a leadership team composed of a Board of Directors. HIF has top-tier faculty (including MD neurotologists/neurosurgeons and PhD researchers), and dedicated research, education, and pediatric hearing staff. The organization values a culture of excellence, innovation, and global impact. Since its founding by Howard P. House in 1946, HIF has emphasized rigorous scientific exploration, clinical translation, education, and making care accessible worldwide.

HIF's recent reshaping, including the 2019 relaunch under the unified House Institute brand, highlights a commitment to collaboration across clinical care, research, and education, and reinforces stability, strategic growth, and a renewed vision that “all may hear.” Within that context, HIF promotes an environment that balances scientific rigor and compassion: advancing cutting-edge hearing science while ensuring impact on patients and communities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $210,000 - $240,000 DOE/Neg.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

LOCATION

This is an in-person role, and the House Institute Foundation's office is located at 1127 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1620, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the primary staff leader of the House Institute Foundation, responsible for guiding the organization's overall strategic direction, driving fundraising and revenue generation, managing daily operations, and ensuring effective collaboration with the Board of Directors, clinical entities, research faculty, key stakeholders, donors, and partners. This is a senior, highly visible role, requiring a seasoned nonprofit leader, deeply committed to advancing hearing science, education, hearing health, and translating research into care.

Approximately 70% of this role will focus on fundraising and revenue generation, ensuring financial sustainability and growth to support HIF's mission. The remaining 30% will focus on organizational operations: strategy and execution, team management, stakeholder relations, and operational excellence. The ED oversees a total of 16 professionals across 5 departments: Finance, Development and Administration, Research, Education, and House Children's Hearing Center.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Board Governance & Leadership

• Provide leadership and strategic vision for HIF in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Maintain robust communication with the Board, delivering accurate, timely information to support decision-making.
• Support Board development efforts: recruitment, engagement, and retention to ensure a diverse, committed, high-capacity Board.
• Plan and oversee Board and committee meetings; implement Board policies and directives.
• Act as principal liaison between HIF, the broader House Institute clinical enterprise, and associated stakeholders.

Financial Performance & Fundraising

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including individual major donors, institutional funders, foundations, grants, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and events.
• Cultivate relationships with existing and prospective donors, philanthropic partners, and funding agencies.
• Prepare and present annual operating budgets and long-term financial plans to the Board.
• Ensure fiscal integrity: monitor financial performance, approve expenditures, and ensure operations stay within budget.
• Oversee marketing, communications, and donor stewardship strategies to raise visibility, build community support, and advance HIF's mission.

Mission, Strategy, & Program Oversight

• Work with the Board, faculty, and clinical leadership to develop and implement strategic plans that align with HIF's mission in research, education, and hearing health.
• Ensure that HIF's research and education programs, including the House Children's Hearing Center, are effectively supported, resourced, and managed.
• Serve as HIF's primary spokesperson to the public, donors, media, and community, advocating for hearing health, research funding, education, and outreach.

Operational Management & Organizational Development

• Manage day-to-day operations: staff and program oversight, HR and administrative functions, compliance, reporting, and organizational policies.
• Oversee hiring, retention, professional development, and performance evaluation of HIF staff, research administration, and operational teams.
• Ensure effective collaboration between HIF and other “House” Institutions. (e.g., PIH Health, The House Ear & Neurosurgery Clinic, and Hearing Health Centers) to optimize mission integration and service delivery.
• Approve and sign agreements, contracts, grant proposals, and other instruments on behalf of HIF as required.

External Relations & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, health agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Lead outreach efforts to expand access to pediatric hearing health.
• Represent HIF at conferences, public events, and donor meetings to raise visibility, build networks, and secure funding.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit environment, ideally in health, medical research, or education, with substantial fundraising responsibility.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, revenue generation, donor cultivation, and stewardship, including major gifts, institutional grants, foundation support, and philanthropic campaigns.
• Strong understanding of research-driven nonprofits, and ideally familiarity with research fundraising, grants, and regulatory/compliance contexts.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, including governance, board development, and board relations.
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills: ability to set long-term vision, build plans, mobilize resources, and manage execution.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (written and oral), including public speaking, media engagement, and storytelling for donors and stakeholders.
• Strong financial management skills: budgeting, fiscal oversight, financial reporting, resource allocation, and accountability.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, including researchers, administrative staff, programmatic staff, and operations personnel.
• High integrity and transparent leadership with a commitment to ethical stewardship, accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Cross-cultural agility and willingness to engage with diverse communities, reflecting HIF's commitment to hearing health and access.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment balancing competing demands (fundraising, research, operations, outreach).
• Self-starter, problem-solver, and collaborative leader.