Executive Director of the Psychonomic Society

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FACING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Executive Director will capitalize on the Society’s successful 66-year history, shepherding the organization through this next phase of evolution. The Executive Director will provide the skilled and vibrant leadership necessary to drive the mission and strategy of the Psychonomic Society, grow its programs, and enhance its influence in the field of cognitive psychology and sciences. They will work closely with the management group to achieve these goals. They will serve as the main contact for all inquiries from members of the public, press, and other interested parties. This position provides an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to work collaboratively with the Psychonomic Society’s leadership to advance scientific research in psychology.

The Executive Director will engage in the following opportunities and challenges in the role:

Collaborate with the Governing Board members to articulate and implement our vision for the future of the Society

The Executive Director will work closely with the Chair and Governing Board members in guiding the Psychonomic Society. They will actively engage and serve as thought- partner and facilitator to the board in advancing the organization’s mission and strategically aligning resources to most effectively fulfill the mission. Guided by the recent strategic plan, they will work transparently with board members on strategic and operational priorities, initiatives, and challenges.

Maintain strong working relationships with external partners

The Executive Director will also serve at times as a representative for the Society to external partners, including scientific organizations, academia, nonprofits, and other public and private partners. They will be expected to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships that provide long-term benefits for the Society.

Provide operational leadership and prudent financial stewardship

The Executive Director will oversee the Society’s day-to-day operations and financial administration and ensure that resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with Governing Board–approved budgets, policies, and strategic priorities. They will identify critical needs and regularly report on those issues and the overall financial health and direction of the organization. The Executive Director will have demonstrated acumen in monitoring the annual budget and ensuring sound controls and investment strategy, with a focus on overseeing the Society’s financial health.

Work with the Membership Committee to strengthen member engagement, retention, and continued success

The Executive Director will develop strategies to improve member engagement and retention, evaluate and enhance member benefits, and recommend new initiatives to support sustainable membership engagement. The Executive Director will work with the Governing Board to navigate an increasingly complex environment for science.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CANDIDATE

• Ability to work effectively with Governing Board and committees
• Ability to manage a productive relationship with the management company
• Strong relationship-building skills with external partners
• Proven experience with operational and financial oversight
• Demonstrated success in member engagement, retention, and growth
• Incorporation and prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Executive Director will be a dynamic individual who will build on the Society’s strengths, while identifying opportunities for membership and financial growth. The successful candidate will possess the vision and drive to lead the organization paired with the collaborative skills to leverage the considerable resources of the PS and its volunteers. While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

• Prior experience in non-profit management
• A Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, or comparable experience in association or nonprofit leadership
• Keen understanding of current nonprofit management trends; familiarity with the structure and function of scientific membership organizations
• Proven track record in execution of strategic planning and moving from concept to implementation
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to understand, translate and adapt content for multiple audiences
• Aptitude to engage in strategic, creative, intellectual, conceptual and theoretical thinking and discourse
• Familiarity with the scientific process; ability to grasp technical subject matter quickly
• Exceptional personal initiative and follow-through, including supporting and motivating volunteers in attaining those goals
• An executive and professional presence that enhances the representation of the Society to a variety of constituencies
• Experience leveraging industry partners for conference engagement
• Previous experience in the psychological sciences or related disciplines