Executive Director

The Opportunity

The Ecological Society of America ( ESA ) seeks a dynamic and engaged Executive Director (ED). The ED provides vision and direction to a vibrant scientific society by connecting scientists across multi‑faceted disciplines and promoting ecological science through publications, events, and educational programs.

The position calls for a dynamic leader and spokesperson who brings proven managerial and organizational leadership skills and outstanding abilities in communication, collaboration, and member service. An understanding of ecology and a passion for the role of science in society are essential.

This position is hybrid in Washington, DC.

About ESA

Established in 1915, the Ecological Society of America is a nonpartisan, nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of ecology, fostering research and communication among scientists, and promoting the responsible application of ecological data and principles to solve environmental problems. ESA is now a diverse global community of more than 9,000 scientists, researchers, decision‑makers, policymakers, and educators who are dedicated to understanding and stewardship of life on Earth.

Committed both to serving members and serving society, ESA fulfills its mission through a wide range of services, programs, and initiatives. Members receive a suite of publications, convene annually for a multi‑day conference to share and discuss research and relevant public policy, and connect with colleagues through over 40 regional and special‑interest sections and chapters. The Society also promotes ecology through policy, media outreach, education, diversity initiatives, workshops, and professional certification. ESA’s suite of respected publications comprises hybrid journals such as its flagship Ecology, Ecological Monographs, Ecological Applications, and Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, alongside the fully Open Access journals Ecosphere and Earth Stewardship.

With its headquarters in Washington, DC, ESA has a staff of 30 and an annual budget of approximately $7 million.

Executive Director (ED) Role

Reporting to the ESA Governing Board and working in close partnership with its President, the Executive Director is the chief staff officer of ESA with oversight of all its activities and responsibility for its financial wellbeing.

Leadership / Governance

• Lead the implementation of the strategic plan and ensure that ESA’s organizational structure and resource allocation are well‑aligned with its direction and goals; continuously review the implementation and set standard metrics to measure progress.
• Provide disciplined organizational vision and management, ensuring long‑term financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with the ESA President and members of the Governing Board to assess and address issues affecting ESA’s mission, vision, goals, and operations.
• Effectively lead ESA staff, promoting high standards of excellence and accountability. Foster a culture of openness, accessibility, inclusivity, and teamwork.
• Raise the profile of ecology as a dynamic, highly impactful and interdisciplinary field of study and to position ESA as an influential voice for the discipline.
• Support and coalesce members as they play more prominent, public‑facing roles. Nurture and develop diverse new and younger leaders for ESA and the profession while still drawing upon and energizing key leaders of the past.
• Maintain the Society’s standards of academic rigor and respect even as it works to influence public policy.
• Set a standard for diversity and inclusion within and among ESA’s membership, board, staff, and partners, and in the field of ecology as a whole.

Communications & Advocacy

Contribute to Member and Organizational Success

Management / Administration

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Personal Qualities and Competencies

Compensation

The starting salary for this position is $225,000 – $275,000. A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.

Sterling Martin Associates

Sterling Martin is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

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