Executive Director

Executive Director for ASM International

For over a century, ASM International has been the premier materials society that was “…formed for the exclusive purpose of advancing and disseminating scientific, engineering and technical knowledge particularly with respect to the manufacture, processing, characterization, selection, understanding, use and life-cycle of engineered materials, through education, research and the compilation and dissemination of information to serve technical and professional needs and interest and to benefit the general public.” ASM promotes professional advancement and lifelong learning of its members through dissemination of materials information in the form of published content, education, annual events, and local chapter engagement. ASM International also strongly promotes, encourages, and fosters the interrelationships between industry, academia, government and partnering with societies that work in allied fields of science and engineering.

The Mission of the Position

We are searching for an Executive Director with the experience and qualifications to lead the organization in the achievement of our most critical priorities: (1) Increased membership and membership engagement, including early and mid-career professionals worldwide, (2) Increased focus on materials-related technologies, their application and dissemination of information related to these technologies, (3) Successful achievement of results within guidelines and strategic objectives set by the Board of Trustees.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Exceptional leader, over ten years of experience in a professional association, professional services firm, or technically oriented medium scale ($25 million plus) business enterprise.
• Organizational collaborator, able to model and foster a culture of team performance through strong ethics, integrity, trust, recognition, and respect by working with talented employees, active volunteers, and members worldwide.
• Change leader and innovator, with focus on the Customer need for products and services through innovative approaches including the embracing of new IT related technologies.
• Strong technical and communication skills, able to make compelling public talks, comfortable speaking to all levels of the organization, senior business leaders, academia, and practicing engineers/scientists.
• Broad based executive skills, including talent selection, staff delegation and coaching, fiscal discipline planning, budgeting, management, and fundraising/corporate relationships.
• Academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree ideally in materials or mechanical engineering; a graduate degree in materials or mechanical engineering, business administration or non-profit management would be a significant plus.
• Focus on excellence. Demonstration of accountability for excellence in the tasks performed with transparency and accuracy.
• External relationships. Enhancing society’s position/ reputation with external stakeholders.
• Other skills desired include understanding and experience in how to grow membership and experience and familiarity with the management and applicable rules pertaining to the operation of not-for-profit organization.

Specific Job Responsibilities

The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Trustees and is charged with consistent achievement of strategic, and tactical objectives. The Executive Director is the administrator and manager of operations, directs the activities of team members, and performs duties delegated by the President of the Board of Trustees within the framework and intent of the constitution and bylaws.

In program development and administration, the Executive Director will:

• Assure consistent, timely and measurable progress towards the strategic and tactical objectives of the society to achieve the mission and the vision of the society.
• Provide leadership in developing new programs and growing existing programs.
• Drive disciplined implementation of plans and policies authorized by the Board.
• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain a working knowledge and appreciation of the significant developments in the field.
• Promote active and healthy interactions worldwide with member volunteers and committees.

In communications, the Executive Director will:

• Keep the board fully informed of the condition of the organization and all-important factors.
• Publicize activities, programs, and goals globally.
• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups, affiliate societies and other related associations and organizations.
• Represent programs and views of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the public.

In relations with staff, the Executive Director will:

• Be responsible for setting KPI’s, recruitment, employment, and release of staff and contractors.
• Develop job descriptions, conduct systematic annual performance evaluations, and ensure sound human resource practices.
• See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is always in place.
• Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality people, through listening, encouragement, and team support.
• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education and assist staff in relating their specialized work to the mission.

The Executive Director is also responsible for the following:

Strategic Direction

• Develops and implements a comprehensive strategic plan in conjunction with the Board, ensuring continued relevance and evolution tied to changes in the industry.
• Facilitates and drives the development and successful implementation of the organization's operational plans to ensure alignment with operational goals.

Board Relations

• Builds and maintains strong, collaborative, and transparent relationships and consistent communication with the Board of Trustees. This includes working with and at the direction of the Board to develop operational tasks, procedures, strategic and tactical plans, and other policies for Board review, approval, and subsequent implementation.
• Provides regular feedback and reports to keep board appraised of progress and success in meeting key targets of strategic and operational plans.

Staff Leadership

• Provides effective leadership of a professional staff who demonstrate a commitment to excellent member service and delivery of high-quality educational programs, cutting-edge publishing, programs, and events.
• Sets a clear vision for goals and expectations, while encouraging an atmosphere that promotes collaboration and teamwork to support the mission and programs of the organization.
• Attracts, inspires, and retains a strong, motivated staff while developing future leaders for ASM.

External Relationships

• Develops strong working relationships with a diverse, wide range of constituencies, in the public and private sectors, to build and support partnerships and coalitions consistent with ASM’s overall mission and core values.
• Represents ASM before membership, government leaders, public groups, media outlets, and key leaders in the materials science community.

Enhancing Membership Base and Value to Member

• Provides leadership to ensure delivery of relevant conferences and meetings, scholarly journals, and other services and programs that drive member value.
• Develops targeted programs to attract and retain new members.
• Builds upon current revenue sources and identifies new value-added services/products.

Operational Oversight

• Ensures that the organization’s governance structures, policies, and procedures are effective and compliant with all legal requirements.
• The Executive Director should demonstrate strong business acumen and ability to grow the Society’s bottom line, inspire action and achieve results.

Membership Development

• Engage with members, staff, and other stakeholders to find new or enhanced opportunities to address member and professional needs, programs, strategy, outreach, and meeting opportunities.
• Ensures ASM is positioned to proactively pursue and meet the expectations of next generation members and develop future leaders.