Application Guide
How to Apply for Principal Director, Program Development *Remote*
at Compassion and Choices
🏢 About Compassion and Choices
Compassion & Choices is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to championing patient autonomy and improving end-of-life care across the United States. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven cause that directly impacts individuals' dignity and choice at the most personal moments of life. The organization is known for its collaborative, innovative, and compassionate culture, offering a unique opportunity to drive systemic change.
About This Role
As the Principal Director, Program Development, you will lead the strategic design and implementation of national programs that shape how end-of-life care is delivered, focusing on areas like dementia care, medical aid in dying, and advance care planning. This role is pivotal in translating organizational strategy into scalable, patient-directed programs that address policy, practice, and access barriers. Your work will directly influence the quality of life and autonomy for countless individuals and families, making it a profoundly impactful position.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading virtual meetings with program teams to review progress on dementia care initiatives, connecting with partners in different states to discuss implementation strategies, and analyzing data to evaluate program impact. You might also draft policy briefs or present to stakeholders, while carving out time for strategic planning and professional development. The role is dynamic, blending high-level strategy with hands-on problem-solving, all from your home office.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Compassion and Choices Is Looking For
- Proven experience (typically 10+ years) in program development and strategic leadership within nonprofit, healthcare, or public health sectors, with a focus on end-of-life or patient-centered care.
- Deep understanding of end-of-life issues, including medical aid in dying, advance care planning, and dementia care, along with knowledge of relevant policies and healthcare systems.
- Strong skills in designing and implementing scalable programs, with experience in evaluation, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable growth strategies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, with a track record of building partnerships and coalitions across diverse communities and jurisdictions.
📝 Tips for Applying to Compassion and Choices
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with end-of-life programs, patient advocacy, or related policy work, using keywords from the job description like 'patient-directed care' and 'scalable programs'.
Demonstrate your strategic leadership by providing concrete examples of programs you've developed from concept to implementation, including metrics for success and impact.
Research Compassion & Choices' current initiatives and recent legislative wins to show your familiarity and genuine interest in their mission during your application and interviews.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage cross-functional teams virtually, with examples of successful remote collaboration.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal values to the organization's mission, and be specific about how your skills can help address the challenges they face in scaling national programs.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for end-of-life care and patient autonomy, and how it aligns with Compassion & Choices' mission.", 'Your experience in developing and implementing large-scale programs, particularly in healthcare or nonprofit settings, with measurable outcomes.', 'Your ability to build consensus and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations.', 'Your strategic thinking in identifying and addressing systemic barriers to patient-directed care, and your vision for expanding programs nationally.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Compassion & Choices' website, including their mission, strategic priorities, and recent program initiatives (e.g., Dementia Care, MAID, Advance Care Planning).
- → Explore their advocacy efforts and legislative wins in various states to understand their policy impact and the current landscape of end-of-life care.
- → Look into their annual reports, news releases, and blog to grasp their organizational culture, values, and current challenges.
- → Check their social media channels to see public engagement and recent campaigns they've launched.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the specific mission of Compassion & Choices or the nuances of end-of-life care.
- Overlooking the importance of patient-centered care in your examples; ensure you emphasize how you've incorporated patient voices in past programs.
- Failing to address the remote aspect of the role—make it clear you have experience and strategies for effective remote work and collaboration.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Compassion and Choices!