Description

The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) is seeking a Managing Director to lead the Society’s day-to-day operations and its signature annual meeting. 

The Managing Director is responsible for overseeing the SETAC North America operations under the oversight of the North America Board of Directors. The Managing Director also has a dotted-line relationship with the Global Executive Director and may also support programs under global purview and reports to the Global Executive Director on those responsibilities. The Managing Director should be committed to advancing SETAC’s mission, priorities and scientific impact, while maintaining compliance with applicable laws.

Working closely with Society leadership, the Managing Director will oversee financial administration, keep operations running smoothly and effectively, and shape and coordinate the Society’s annual meeting, which draws about 2,000 participants. The ideal candidate is organized, enjoys bringing people and priorities together, thrives on planning and negotiations, and takes pride in turning complex projects into successful outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for an association professional ready to step into a leadership role, take ownership of the big picture, and support a community dedicated to Environmental Quality Through Science®.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Management

• Lead and manage SETAC North America operations, including three staff members, programs, systems, infrastructure, budget, and contracts, ensuring efficient and high-quality service to members and volunteers.
• Nurture relations with SETAC North America Partners, supporters, exhibitors, and members.
• Ensure effective coordination with global SETAC operations.

Programs

• Direct the premier SETAC North America program – the Annual Meeting.
• Lead and execute of all SETAC North America programs, including meetings, workshops, advocacy, awards, and grants.
• Manage and execute select global SETAC programs (e.g., webinars, meetings, topical meetings, workshops), as needed.

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Provide strategic leadership to advance priorities at the regional level that are in alignment with global SETAC mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Advise on and support agile and effective governance and development of strategic plans.
• Support the SETAC North America Board of Directors, including assembling agendas, preparing reports, developing and archiving documents, and coordinating meeting logistics.
• Implement SETAC policies while ensuring organizational compliance with legal, ethical, and fiduciary responsibilities.

Financial Stewardship

• Support governance in ensuring sufficient financial resources for programs by nurturing alliances with partners, sponsors and exhibitors.
• Develop and control budgets. Oversee financial reporting, audits, risk management, and internal controls.
• Ensure funds are disbursed in accordance with Board-approved budgets, contract requirements and donor designations.
• Oversee the maintenance of official financial records and documents to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Staff Administration

• Manage staff responsibilities for day-to-day operations by setting staff development and education priorities along with professional goals and conducting regular performance evaluations.
• Contribute to the SETAC Continuity of Operations Plan.
• Ensure compliance with personnel policies and state and federal regulations on workplaces and employment.

External Relations and Regional Representation

• Serve as a SETAC regional ambassador, representing the Society to members, partners, sponsors, policymakers, and the broader scientific and environmental community, in collaboration with the Global Executive Director.
• Strengthen SETAC’s regional visibility, credibility, and influence in advancing science-based environmental policy and management.
• Foster strategic partnerships with regional academic institutions, industry, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations that align with SETAC’s strategic priorities.

Proportion of Effort

This is a full-time position. Approximately 10% of effort would be devoted to operations, 40% to programs, 20% to leadership, 5% to staff administration, 5% to finance, 10% to external relations, and 10% to other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications

• Proven track record as a program and project manager with skills including planning, scheduling, budgeting, contract negotiations, problem solving, driving results, and willingness to take ownership.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budgeting and financial oversight.
• Willingness to learn new technologies via experimentation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Events management expertise.
• Leadership experience in a nonprofit organization.
• Business administration experience.
• Experience working with scientists or scientific society.
• Familiarity with environmental science.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary, collaborative, and results-oriented leadership style.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and geographic regions.
• Adept at handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and diplomatic skills.

TERMS AND BENEFITS

• Location is flexible, with the expectation of some international travel (5-10% of the time).
  Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
• The hiring salary range is between $100,000 and $130,000.
• SETAC offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package which includes:
  • Flexible work arrangements under remote work conditions
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, majority employer paid
  • 401(k) with immediate employer contribution
  • 20 days of paid time off annually and 10 paid holidays 

PROCESS

• Rolling recruitment. Position will be closed once filled.
• To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hiring@setac.org.
• For inquiries, please email hiring@setac.org.