Executive Director

The American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) seeks a leader to partner with its Executive Council and members. Our new Executive Director will be an innovative, experienced, mission-driven, culturally sensitive, and entrepreneurial leader excited about the opportunity to position AAPOR for the future.

About AAPOR

AAPOR is the leading professional organization of approximately 2,000 public opinion and survey research professionals, with members from academia, media, government, nonprofit, and private sectors. AAPOR believes valid and transparent data about behaviors, attitudes and characteristics enables informed societal decision making. As a diverse community of scholars and practitioners, AAPOR sets and advocates for high standards and best practices in pursuit of our vision. We encourage inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration to fuel innovation. We champion and clearly articulate the significance of sound work in our field to ensure its value is understood widely.

AAPOR holds an annual conference in May with more than 1,200 attendees (with the next conference scheduled for May 13-15, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA) and sponsors professional development opportunities throughout the year. AAPOR is home to three journals: the ISI-ranked Public Opinion Quarterly and Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology, and Survey Practice.

AAPOR seeks an Executive Director with comprehensive experience managing and growing an established association, nonprofit, small business, or other entity similar to a professional association. The Executive Director will be committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Working directly with the AAPOR Executive Council, an elected body that represents the membership as a whole, the Executive Director will provide the leadership and vision to grow the association.

Duties of the Executive Director

Working with AAPOR’s staff and Executive Council, the Executive Director administers and oversees events, projects, programs, and other initiatives supported by the association. The Executive Director reports directly to the President and works closely with the Executive Committee, which comprises the current and past Presidents, the Vice President, and two Secretary-Treasurers. The Executive Director also works with the full AAPOR Council and staff to chart a direction for the association through robust strategic planning and assessment of activities and programs. Additionally, the Executive Director oversees promotion, branding, and marketing, represents the association, attends other conferences to identify opportunities and best practices, serves as a liaison with other peer associations, looks for collaborative partnerships, and keeps abreast of best practices in association management through professional development.

In addition to strategic planning and leadership, the Executive Director is responsible for:

Financial Oversight and Strategic Direction

The Executive Director oversees all budgets and investments for AAPOR in consultation with the Secretary-Treasurer. As such, the Executive Director executes all financial decisions made by the Council and has final sign-off on spending authority, contracts, and other agreements after Council approval. The Executive Director will also support the pursuit of additional revenue streams, fundraising efforts, and avenues for membership growth in alignment with the strategic plan.

Staff Recruitment and Supervision

The Executive Director will be responsible for the organization and management of staff duties and positions to most efficiently and effectively carry out AAPOR’s work. AAPOR currently has five additional staff members whose work includes direction of AAPOR's communications channels and program, membership support and information management, management of AAPOR's conference, education and other programs, and editorial management of one of AAPOR’s journals. Staff supervision includes all hiring, performance reviews, compensation, and benefit analyses. As the chief of staff, the Executive Director will establish clear priorities for the staff and work to build a collegial and highly functioning team. The Executive Director will ensure that all staff members have annual training and will work with individual staff members on opportunities for professional development.

Group, Volunteer, and Membership Coordination

AAPOR operates with a highly engaged Executive Council, committee and subcommittee members, and other volunteers who rely on staff support to be effective in their roles. The Executive Director works closely with the President, Vice President, and Past President as well as the broader Executive Council to help define and realize initiatives. The Executive Director and staff will collaborate with and assist Council members in carrying out their elected duties.

Key among these functions is the annual meeting, which is central to AAPOR’s culture and success. The Executive Director and staff will play central roles in planning and convening this meeting and the adjunct educational sessions.

This is a full-time position based in the United States with a renewable three-year contract, subject to annual performance review. Occasional travel for programs and meetings and flexible hours will be required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate has at least five successful years as an executive or senior manager at an academically oriented nonprofit organization of similar size with experience negotiating, planning, and implementing successful conferences. Highly relevant and equivalent experience also will be considered. The successful candidate is a powerful connector and skilled people manager who can align the staff, governing council, members, and contractors around the organization’s compelling mission, vision, and values. The candidate will be equipped to lead AAPOR, implementing programmatic innovation, and ensuring timely execution. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong commitment to the mission and core values of AAPOR.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Certification as an association executive (US CAE preferred) or equivalent experience;
• A bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience, including 5+ years as an executive or senior manager;
• Experience in leading or managing a similar sized organization or project, both in terms of staffing and operational budget;
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and coaching a small staff (less than 10), with a clear understanding of how to help staff grow and develop within their roles in a small organization.
• Experience with the operational requirements of a conference or more than 1,000 attendees or functional equivalent;
• Nonprofit development/fundraising experience;
• Understanding of the social-science arena;
• Ability to interact effectively with academia, government, industry, media, and other nonprofit leaders;
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Demonstrated leadership ability;
• Experience in overseeing responsibilities of highly committed volunteers;
• Strong organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of surveys and public opinion research;
• Experience managing a diverse membership;
• Experience working directly with academics and the social-science sector;
• Experience leading in a nonprofit setting;
• Experience executing contracts and agreements; and
• Experience working with and overseeing the activities of a variety of vendors.

AAPOR is open to highly qualified candidates who bring cross-sector leadership experience; such candidates should use the list above to translate their relevant experience with specific examples in their cover letter and resume. AAPOR has an office in Alexandria, VA, and the Executive Director is required to work in the office a minimum of one day per week.