Job Description
United Spinal Association, the leading national nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries/disorders and more than 5.5 million wheelchair users, is seeking a visionary and dynamic President & CEO. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a strategic, compassionate, visionary leader who is deeply committed to disability rights and inclusion to guide a respected, mission-driven organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. United Spinal is a membership organization with over 50 chapters nationwide.
The work of United Spinal’s 35 employees spans multiple areas, including but not limited to accessibility, advocacy, public policy, peer support/mentoring, employment, healthcare, wheelchair and technology information, as well as publishing newsletters covering a wide variety of topics of interest to wheelchair users and the award-winning magazine, New Mobility.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will shape the organization’s strategic direction, strengthen financial sustainability, expand community impact, and serve as the chief ambassador for United Spinal across the nation. This is a remote position that will require travel throughout the country engaging members, stakeholder and donors. The successful candidate will be a relationship builder, skilled fundraiser, inclusive leader, and inspiring advocate for people with disabilities. Tied together by a deep passion for human rights and social justice, United Spinal’s Board and staff place a high value on a leader who is self-aware, committed to disability equity, and genuinely kind.
Organization History
United Spinal’s history began in 1946 when a group of paralyzed World War II veterans banded together to raise awareness of the alarming plight of their fellow paralyzed veterans. Rejecting the poor treatment they received at their local VA hospitals, they led the charge for greater civil rights and independence, forming the congressionally chartered Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). United Spinal, formerly known as Eastern Paralyzed Veterans of America (EPVA), was a chapter of PVA. Today, United Spinal Association has over 60,000 members, 50+ chapters, close to 100 support groups, and over 100 rehab and hospital partners.
Position Summary
Work closely with the United Spinal board of directors to lead the organization in a manner consistent with its core mission. Develop and communicate a compelling vision for the organization. Lead the United Spinal team with a positive, results-oriented style that inspires staff and broadens the circles of support for United Spinal’s work. Foster and promote the professional development of staff.
Serve as a passionate ambassador and revenue generator for the organization in a broad range of settings to engage stakeholders, including members and donors. Advance the organization’s mission through innovative and creative use of media. Apply fundraising strategies and maintain and advance donor relations. Remote position, however, the ability to travel is a must.
Oversee United Spinal’s management team in fulfilling their roles and consult with them regarding overall strategy.
Supervise and oversee a national organization with a staff of 35. Manage organizational operations and budget of $4 million dollars. Demonstrate the highest ethical standards and operate with integrity and transparency in conducting the business of the organization.
Qualifications
• Must be a passionate, accomplished, visionary leader with proven practical and substantive experience (7-10 years) in a disability or non-profit environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a dynamic and evolving organization.
• Senior-level management experience with a proven track record of effective, strong organizational and fiscal management skills.
• Expertise in disability advocacy, public policy, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and oversee a member organization, including the ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to manage all operations, including human resources, IT, administration, budgeting, and finance.
• Strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and donors.
• Willingness and ability to travel is necessary.
• Knowledge and significant experience in the development and implementation of fundraising strategies.
• Past success working with a nonprofit board and a demonstrable understanding of board development, governance, and decision-making.
Personal Characteristics
The new President/CEO must be a fierce disability leader with an uncompromising commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury/disorders and all wheelchair users. The successful candidate must demonstrate that they are an innovative, transparent, adaptive leader with a commitment to building strong and effective teams, employee development, and a drive to mentor, coach, and support all United Spinal staff. The ideal candidate will have lived experience and deep roots in the disability community. The successful individual blends emotional intelligence and humility, engages in self-reflection, welcomes constructive feedback, and shares power to make thoughtful decisions. Proven success in creating cultures defined by accountability, trust, and respect are critical.
Education
• Undergraduate degree required.
• Training, experience, or advanced degree preferred in business, public administration, or nonprofit management.
• Experience for 7-10 years in a Senior Strategic Leadership role is required, may substitute for advanced degree.
Compensation & Benefits
Commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, the salary range for the position is $180,000 – $200,000 annually. In addition, a performance based bonus opportunity is available, tied to achievement and fundraising revenue goals as established by the Board of Directors. United Spinal provides generous paid time off as well as an excellent benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending account, and a 401(k) savings plan with employer match.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Serious candidates should submit applications on or before September 19, 2025. Applications should contain a resume and a thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. Email to Christine Griffin, cgriffin@benderconsult.com with United Spinal President/CEO Search in the subject line. Please include how you heard about the search.
United Spinal has retained the executive search firm and certified disability-owned business enterprise, Bender Consulting Services, Inc., to conduct this search, www.benderconsult.com.
United Spinal is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. United Spinal encourages applications from all qualified individuals and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The work of United Spinal’s 35 employees spans multiple areas, including but not limited to accessibility, advocacy, public policy, peer support/mentoring, employment, healthcare, wheelchair and technology information, as well as publishing newsletters covering a wide variety of topics of interest to wheelchair users and the award-winning magazine, New Mobility.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will shape the organization’s strategic direction, strengthen financial sustainability, expand community impact, and serve as the chief ambassador for United Spinal across the nation. This is a remote position that will require travel throughout the country engaging members, stakeholder and donors. The successful candidate will be a relationship builder, skilled fundraiser, inclusive leader, and inspiring advocate for people with disabilities. Tied together by a deep passion for human rights and social justice, United Spinal’s Board and staff place a high value on a leader who is self-aware, committed to disability equity, and genuinely kind.
Organization History
United Spinal’s history began in 1946 when a group of paralyzed World War II veterans banded together to raise awareness of the alarming plight of their fellow paralyzed veterans. Rejecting the poor treatment they received at their local VA hospitals, they led the charge for greater civil rights and independence, forming the congressionally chartered Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). United Spinal, formerly known as Eastern Paralyzed Veterans of America (EPVA), was a chapter of PVA. Today, United Spinal Association has over 60,000 members, 50+ chapters, close to 100 support groups, and over 100 rehab and hospital partners.
Position Summary
Work closely with the United Spinal board of directors to lead the organization in a manner consistent with its core mission. Develop and communicate a compelling vision for the organization. Lead the United Spinal team with a positive, results-oriented style that inspires staff and broadens the circles of support for United Spinal’s work. Foster and promote the professional development of staff.
Serve as a passionate ambassador and revenue generator for the organization in a broad range of settings to engage stakeholders, including members and donors. Advance the organization’s mission through innovative and creative use of media. Apply fundraising strategies and maintain and advance donor relations. Remote position, however, the ability to travel is a must.
Oversee United Spinal’s management team in fulfilling their roles and consult with them regarding overall strategy.
Supervise and oversee a national organization with a staff of 35. Manage organizational operations and budget of $4 million dollars. Demonstrate the highest ethical standards and operate with integrity and transparency in conducting the business of the organization.
Qualifications
• Must be a passionate, accomplished, visionary leader with proven practical and substantive experience (7-10 years) in a disability or non-profit environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a dynamic and evolving organization.
• Senior-level management experience with a proven track record of effective, strong organizational and fiscal management skills.
• Expertise in disability advocacy, public policy, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and oversee a member organization, including the ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to manage all operations, including human resources, IT, administration, budgeting, and finance.
• Strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and donors.
• Willingness and ability to travel is necessary.
• Knowledge and significant experience in the development and implementation of fundraising strategies.
• Past success working with a nonprofit board and a demonstrable understanding of board development, governance, and decision-making.
Personal Characteristics
The new President/CEO must be a fierce disability leader with an uncompromising commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury/disorders and all wheelchair users. The successful candidate must demonstrate that they are an innovative, transparent, adaptive leader with a commitment to building strong and effective teams, employee development, and a drive to mentor, coach, and support all United Spinal staff. The ideal candidate will have lived experience and deep roots in the disability community. The successful individual blends emotional intelligence and humility, engages in self-reflection, welcomes constructive feedback, and shares power to make thoughtful decisions. Proven success in creating cultures defined by accountability, trust, and respect are critical.
Education
• Undergraduate degree required.
• Training, experience, or advanced degree preferred in business, public administration, or nonprofit management.
• Experience for 7-10 years in a Senior Strategic Leadership role is required, may substitute for advanced degree.
Compensation & Benefits
Commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, the salary range for the position is $180,000 – $200,000 annually. In addition, a performance based bonus opportunity is available, tied to achievement and fundraising revenue goals as established by the Board of Directors. United Spinal provides generous paid time off as well as an excellent benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending account, and a 401(k) savings plan with employer match.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Serious candidates should submit applications on or before September 19, 2025. Applications should contain a resume and a thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position. Email to Christine Griffin, cgriffin@benderconsult.com with United Spinal President/CEO Search in the subject line. Please include how you heard about the search.
United Spinal has retained the executive search firm and certified disability-owned business enterprise, Bender Consulting Services, Inc., to conduct this search, www.benderconsult.com.
United Spinal is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. United Spinal encourages applications from all qualified individuals and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Details
Experience: 10+ years