JOB DESCRIPTION

IOA is on the forefront of revolutionary healthcare models, reshaping the way people can age in place. Our innovative models transform lives, enhance communities, and save healthcare systems millions of dollars. Rather than focusing on archaic outdated design, we strive to consistently question the “status-quo” and create new and more innovative ways to help aging adults and adults with disabilities maintain their quality of life.

With over 23 programs, we offer multiple ways to aid seniors maintain their health, well-being, independence and participation in the community, fulfilling our mission.

The Vice President of Cognitive Health and Connection services, provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for Companioa and the Friendship Line—two flagship initiatives of the Institute on Aging (IOA). This executive-level role is suited for a credible expert with advanced credentials in psychology, public health, aging services, or social innovation.

The VP will expand Companioa’s visibility and interdisciplinary reach in supporting individuals living with cognitive changes and their caregivers. Simultaneously, the VP will steward the legacy and future of the Friendship Line, IOA’s 24/7 accredited crisis and warm line that combats loneliness and social isolation among older adults and people with disabilities—a program founded by Dr. Patrick Arbore and nationally recognized for its compassionate, life-affirming work.

This role requires a unique blend of academic credibility, public voice, entrepreneurial thinking, and programmatic excellence to ensure long-term sustainability, innovation, and impact across cognitive and emotional well-being domains.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Shape and articulate the strategic direction for Companioa and the Friendship Line.
• Position IOA as a state-wide model for integrated dementia/cognitive support and loneliness intervention.
• Develop a long-term roadmap for interdisciplinary, scalable aging services.

Program Oversight & Integration

• Oversee a portfolio of services including the Enrichment Center, Care Coaching, Dyad Program (Guide, Life Assistants, Care Manager), and the Friendship Line.
• Supervise senior leaders: Sr. Director of Friendship Line, Sr. Manager of the Enrichment Center, Program Guide, and Companioa Outreach staff.
• Collaborate across IOA divisions to create integrated, person-centered client journeys.

Academic and Public Engagement

• Serve as a public-facing thought leader on cognitive health, aging, and social connection.
• Represent IOA in media, academic forums, public health initiatives, and policy spaces.
• Cultivate partnerships, fellowships, and training pipelines with academic institutions.

Team Development & Internal Culture

• Champion a culture of innovation, compassion, and client-centered care.
• Mentor leaders in program design, operations, and experiential service delivery.
• Support staff growth through cross-training, research involvement, and reflective practice.

Growth, Sustainability & Innovation

• Identify and implement innovative models for program delivery and community engagement.
• Collaborate with development and philanthropy teams to support fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance visibility, alignment, and revenue diversification.

Qualifications

Required Background (any one of the following leadership orientations):

1. Clinical & Research-Oriented Leader

• Ph.D., Psy.D., DSW, or equivalent in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, Gerontology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in aging, dementia, caregiver dynamics, and social isolation.
• Capable of delivering evidence-based training, clinical oversight, and research translation.
• Demonstrated ability to build academic partnerships and/or research initiatives.

2. National Thought Leader & Evangelist

• Public health expert, policy advocate, or senior leader in the aging space.
• Proven ability to influence public discourse on aging, cognitive decline, and loneliness.
• Recognized speaker, policy contributor, or media figure in the aging and mental health arena.
• Experience advancing legislation, philanthropy, or systemic change related to aging services.

3. Program Innovator & Builder

• Entrepreneurial leader from a nonprofit, healthcare system, or aging/tech startup.
• Track record of launching, scaling, and sustaining innovative aging-related programs.
• Experience integrating digital health, AI, or non-traditional service models in aging services.
• Strong understanding of operational growth, strategic partnerships, and earned revenue.

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in aging services, cognitive health, or community-based care.
• Excellent communication, strategy, and organizational leadership skills.
• A national or state-level reputation in one or more relevant domains is strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic publications or high-visibility media engagements related to aging, caregiving, or social isolation.
• Experience navigating union environments and interdisciplinary team structures.
• Familiarity with crisis intervention models, senior-focused telehealth, or volunteer-led programs.
• Prior experience collaborating with public sector agencies or aging funders (e.g., AARP, state agencies, etc.).

Compensation Range

$203,300.00 – $239,200.00 annually.

This amount is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors.
This range does not include any additional equity, benefits, or other non-monetary compensation that may be included.

Beware of Hiring Scams

We are aware that some third parties have reposted our job listings in an attempt to scam applicants. Please be cautious and only apply through our official channels.

• Institute on Aging will never request payment or sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers during the hiring process.
• All official communication will come from a verified IOA email address.
• If you receive any suspicious communication or requests, report them to [email protected].
• All legitimate job openings can be found on the Institute on Aging Careers Page.

We encourage you to learn more about IOA by visiting us here.

IOA reserves the right to adjust work hours or duties when appropriate.

Institute on Aging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Institute on Aging is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment and providing equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neuro-diversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.