The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

President & CEO


 

An invitation to apply for the position of 

President & CEO of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia 

 

Overview 

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is one of the oldest professional medical organizations in the United States. It was Founded in 1787 by 23 physicians and continues today as a cultural and educational institution “to advance the cause of health while upholding the ideals and heritage of medicine.” The home of the College is a striking Beaux Arts building in downtown Philadelphia dating from 1909, which received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2008. Over the past several decades, the College has evolved to serve a diverse audience that includes healthcare professionals, scholars in the humanities, artists, students from middle school through graduate school, and members of the public who are interested in health and medicine. Roughly 130,000 people visit the College each year to tour the world-renowned Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library, participate in youth programs offered by the Center for Education, or attend public events and programs organized by the Section on Public Health and Preventive Medicine and other areas of the College.  


The next President and CEO will join the College when there are considerable opportunities to shape the College’s future. Last year, the College purchased the historic Swedenborgian church and parish house that are adjacent to the College’s existing building, to provide the space needed for additional growth. This April the College engaged an architectural firm to advise leadership about combining the older and newer buildings into an integrated campus, and a capital campaign to raise $50M for that purpose is underway. Development of a new strategic plan is also underway, and the incoming President in concert with the Trustees will shape those priorities and goals.  


The Board of Trustees seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the College’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. The Board expects that the successful candidate will have a deep appreciation for the nonprofit mission of the College, which operates at the intersection of science, medicine, and the humanities, and a record of administrative leadership commensurate with running a complex, multifaceted organization. This position is full-time, exempt, reports to the Board of Trustees, and oversees a staff of 62 with seven senior-level direct reports. The President and CEO also is the primary person interacting with the College’s approximately 1,100 health professionals who have been elected as Fellows and support the College through voluntary service and dues. In addition, the President interacts with members of the College’s several sections and its museum, who also participate and provide support. The College’s annual operating budget is roughly $10M.  

 

The Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate is a creative, communicative, and accomplished leader, whose experience and abilities include the following: 

  • A doctoral degree in medicine (MD or equivalent degree), which is required by the College’s Bylaws  
  • A record of integrity, sound judgment, and respect for ethical standards 
  • Management experience commensurate with running an organization of the College’s scale and complexity 
  • The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, seize opportunities, and respond to challenges 
  • Extensive familiarity with nonprofit organizations 
  • Dedication to the College’s mission, which includes medicine, public health, the history of medicine, and health policy  
  • Excellent abilities for fundraising  
  • The ability to engage and foster relationships with the Board of Trustees, staff members, Fellows, members of the public, potential funders, partner organizations, and other constituents 
  • Interpersonal skills that build trust, motivate organizational change, and empower staff  
  • Aptitude for fiscal management, budgeting, and forecasting 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking 
  • Experience supporting a Board of Trustees, which includes differentiating staff management from Board governance 

 

 

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

 

 

The Position 

The President and CEO reports to the Board of Trustees and is the primary face of the College to its many audiences. The President and CEO must be an enthusiastic champion for the College and communicate its mission, activities, and potential locally, regionally, and nationally. Internally, the President and CEO leads a staff of talented individuals who set priorities, produce quality and engaging programming, and attend to resource needs. Externally, the President serves as the lead fundraiser with substantial support from the Board and staff. 

 

Among the President and CEO’s most important roles are fundraising and outreach, which are essential for the College. This work will expedited by excellent development staff.  In addition, the President and CEO will be expected to work with Fellows who have connections with corporate funders to develop new sources of external funding.  

 

The President and CEO is responsible for developing the College’s budget, proposing it for Board approval, and disbursing the approved funds. In addition, the President and CEO, in conjunction with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for helping the Board’s 23 voting members execute their joint responsibilities, which include leading the College into the future by formulating and carrying out governing directives. 


For the full job description or to submit your CV and letter of interest, please email ceosearchcommittee@collegeofphysicians.org

  • Employment type

    Full-time

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