Garrison Institute

The Garrison Institute has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

Elly Kirschner and Miriam Martinez, PhD – HRL Senior Directors

Please put “Garrison” in the subject line of your emailed application, which should include your resume and cover letter describing your interest in the opportunity.

Why This Role Matters

The C  Program Director role is a leadership opportunity to transform caregiving professions through resilience-based systems. The C  Program Director will lead an innovative, field-tested initiative at a pivotal moment when burnout and resilience strategies are more critical than ever. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who is passionate about systems change, professional well-being, and contemplative practice. If you are a strategic leader, a visionary program builder, and an advocate for resilience-based solutions, we encourage you to apply.

About the Garrison Institute & C

Founded in 2003, the Garrison Institute is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization exploring the intersection of contemplation and engaged action in the world. The Institute believes that deep, systemic problems in society require transformative solutions and that contemplation, merged with science, is key to discovering insights and innovations which lead to meaningful change. Garrison Institute offers contemplative-based, secular programs in key social and environmental initiatives including Pathways to Planetary Health, Meta-Economics, and Contemplative-Based Resilience.

Since 2004, the Garrison Institute’s Contemplative-Based Resilience (C ) initiative has provided evidence-based tools to help frontline professionals strengthen resilience, foster connection, and sustain their well-being in high-stress environments. C  is a proven, field-tested approach that integrates neuroscience, contemplative practices, and social-emotional intelligence to mitigate burnout and improve institutional cultures.

C  serves healthcare professionals, humanitarian aid workers, first responders, legal aid workers, social service providers, and others who operate in demanding environments. Through rigorous research and practical implementation, C  has demonstrated that these contemplative-based strategies measurably enhance resilience and long-term well-being.

As demand grows worldwide for sustainable approaches to burnout and stress management, this is an exciting moment for a strategic and visionary leader to take the helm of one of the leading programs in its field.

Position

The C  Program Director will lead the growth, strategic direction, and impact of the C  Program within the United States. This role is an opportunity to scale an innovative and mission-driven initiative, shaping how organizations prepare and support professionals who serve the most vulnerable populations.

The C  Program Director will be responsible for:

• Expanding C ’s reach through new partnerships and collaborations with organizations, agencies, and networks.
• Enhancing C ’s training and faculty development to build a community of skilled practitioners who can deliver high-quality programming nationwide.
• Advancing research and evaluation to further establish C  as a best-practice model for resilience-based interventions.
• Overseeing operations, budgeting, and fundraising strategy, ensuring C  is sustainable and positioned for long-term impact.
• Strengthening C ’s brand and visibility to attract funding, partnerships, and new opportunities.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the C  Program Director will be an integral member of Garrison Institute leadership and supervise a full-time C  Program Manager, with additional faculty, facilitators, and consultants engaged in program delivery. The C  Program Director is further supported by an expert Advisory Committee including the co-founders of the program, Diana Rose and Sharon Salzberg, members of the faculty, noted researchers, and leaders in the field.

Specific Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy and Program Growth

• Develop and execute a multi-year…