Chief Executive Officer

About Help Heal Veterans

Help Heal Veterans (Heal Vets) is a nationwide nonprofit devoted to addressing the hidden wounds of war via creative arts. Since 1971, it has distributed therapeutic art kits to veterans and active military members, aiding their recovery from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, physical injuries, chronic pain, and reintegration challenges. These complimentary, high-quality kits serve as proven healing tools, restoring dignity and resilience while reminding veterans they are recognized and valued.

Heal Vets operates with a committed team and broad reach, producing hundreds of thousands of creative kits yearly. The incoming CEO will spearhead the organization’s next growth stage, aiming to broaden its influence, enhance operations, and reinforce its national leadership in veteran wellness.

Position Summary

The CEO plays a dual role as both the strategic business leader and mission advocate, accountable for formulating organizational strategy, expanding revenues, overseeing operational excellence, and managing financial health. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this individual will drive performance at all levels, amplify Heal Vets’ impact, and secure long-term viability.

Core Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a multi-year strategic plan to increase reach, impact, and financial stability.
• Set clear priorities, establish performance benchmarks, and promote accountability aligned with Board goals.
• Explore and leverage innovative opportunities, partnerships, and program growth.
• Enhance Heal Vets’ standing as a national leader in therapeutic arts for veterans.
• Lead digital transformation to modernize and boost organizational efficiency.
• Advise the Board regularly on organizational performance, risks, and strategic prospects.
• Direct revenue generation efforts, including individual donations, major gifts, foundation grants, corporate and government funding, planned giving, and earned income.
• Cultivate and sustain a strong donor base, personally managing critical philanthropic relationships.
• Champion budgets, forecasting, long-range financial strategy, and financial discipline.
• Oversee enterprise operations including manufacturing, fulfillment, logistics, programming, and administration.
• Drive continuous operational improvements, optimize processes, monitor quality, and ensure compliance and risk management.
• Build and manage a high-performing executive team and nurture an innovative, accountable workplace culture aligned with Heal Vets’ mission.
• Serve as the organization’s spokesperson, expanding visibility through strategic relationships, media engagement, advocacy, and public presentations.
• Ensure programs are evidence-based, outcome-focused, and adapt to the evolving needs of veterans with measurable impact metrics.
• Work closely with the Board on governance, strategic direction, and succession planning.

Success Targets for 24–36 Months

• Increase annual revenue by approximately 25–50%, diversify funding sources so no one source exceeds 25% of total income.
• Expand major donor and corporate partner contributions.
• Improve margins, increase cash reserves, reduce production and delivery costs per kit, and boost fulfillment capacity and productivity.
• Serve more veterans each year, enhance participation via partnerships with VA, DoD, and communities, and implement comprehensive program outcomes reporting.
• Elevate Heal Vets’ reputation as the premier nonprofit for therapeutic creative engagement and increase media presence, corporate alliances, and advocacy.

Compensation & Location

The CEO role offers a competitive salary in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 based on experience, plus a full benefits package. The position is based at Heal Vets’ headquarters in Winchester, California, with approximately 20–30% travel nationally to various program sites and events.