Contemplative-Based Resilience (CBR) Program Director

Why This Role Matters

The CBR Progam Director role is a leadership opportunity to transform caregiving professions through resilience-based systems. The CBR 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 & CBR

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 (CBR) initiative has provided evidence-based tools to help frontline professionals strengthen resilience, foster connection, and sustain their well-being in high-stress environments. CBR is a proven, field-tested approach that integrates neuroscience, contemplative practices, and social-emotional intelligence to mitigate burnout and improve institutional cultures.

CBR 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, CBR 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 CBR Program Director will lead the growth, strategic direction, and impact of the CBR 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 CBR Program Director will be responsible for:

• Expanding CBR’s reach through new partnerships and collaborations with organizations, agencies, and networks.
• Enhancing CBR’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 CBR as a best-practice model for resilience-based interventions.
• Overseeing operations, budgeting, and fundraising strategy, ensuring CBR is sustainable and positioned for long-term impact.
• Strengthening CBR’s brand and visibility to attract funding, partnerships, and new opportunities.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the CBR Program Director will be an integral member of Garrison Institute leadership and supervise a full-time CBR Program Manager, with additional faculty, facilitators, and consultants engaged in program delivery. The CBR 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 vision for CBR’s continued expansion, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s broader mission and initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure partnerships with key institutions, including healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofit networks, and academic partners.
• Establish benchmarks for impact and effectiveness, ensuring CBR continues to evolve as a best-in-class program for resilience-based training.

Training & Faculty Development

• Oversee the design and expansion of CBR’s curriculum, ensuring that programming is scalable, customizable, and responsive to emerging needs.
• Create and implement a faculty training process that grows CBR’s network of qualified trainers, building a strong, collaborative faculty community.
• Develop a deployment model that allows for flexible delivery of CBR trainings in diverse settings, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats.

Research, Evaluation and Thought Leadership

• Lead efforts to document, evaluate, and publish findings on the effectiveness of CBR’s interventions.
• Maintain relationships with researchers and academic institutions to advance the field of contemplative-based resilience and ensure that CBR remains at the cutting edge of scientific and contemplative research.
• Represent CBR in conferences, policy discussions, and public forums, serving as a thought leader on resilience-based approaches to worker well-being.

Fundraising and Communications

• Together with the Managing Director and the development team, create and implement a funding strategy to sustain and expand CBR’s work, including securing grants, cultivating donors, and establishing revenue-generating models.
• Work with the Communications team to enhance CBR’s visibility, including digital marketing, thought leadership content, and public outreach.
• Serve as the public face of CBR, engaging stakeholders including funders, policymakers, media, and peer organizations.

Management & Operations

• Oversee program operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with CBR’s long-term goals.
• Manage budgets and financial reporting in collaboration with the Finance and Development teams.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the CBR Program Manager and contracted faculty.

Qualifications& Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Social Work or a related field such as social service, public health, or psychology or a related field.
• 12+ years of leadership experience working in the social sector field, resilience training, or workforce well-being initiatives
• Expertise in evidence-based contemplative practices (such as meditation, mindful movement, or somatic therapies)
• Experience growing and scaling programs, with a track record of expanding partnerships and funding sources.
• Strategic thinker capable of developing and implementing retreats/trainings and facilitating strong relationships with program participants and other stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of burnout, trauma-informed care, and resilience-building strategies.
• Ability to engage with academic and policy communities to support research and advocacy.
• Demonstrated excellence in public speaking, writing, and stakeholder engagement.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving field.
• Experience working with and respect for culturally diverse stakeholders