OPEN POSITION FOR ASGSR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Accepting Applications 5 June through 24 June 2025

The American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) is seeking a dynamic, self-driven individual to serve as the next Executive Director for the Society and provide leadership and advocacy for space life and physical sciences. 

About ASGSR: Founded in 1984, the ASGSR is a nonprofit organization that represents a community of research scientists, technology developers, industry partners, and science educators with a passion for exploration-relevant and fundamental space science. Highly cross-disciplinary by design, the Society focuses specifically on understanding how biological and physical systems respond to all aspects of the spaceflight environment, including variable gravity conditions, radiation, isolation and others. ASGSR connects scientists, engineers, and students from all career stages to share research, encourage professional development, build collaborations, and discuss emerging issues in the field through annual conferences, publications, analysis, working groups, and advocacy efforts. With approximately 800 members spanning academia, government, and industry interests, ASGSR is a leading professional Society in the space sector.

Position Summary: The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of ASGSR who coordinates, implements, and executes all aspects of ASGSR’s business, including management of daily operations in cooperation with the Governing Board of the Society. The Executive Director is the main public contact and spokesperson for the Society. She/he advances the Society’s mission through strategic leadership, advocacy, communication, and operational excellence. The Executive Director reports to the ASGSR President and works closely with the Governing Board of Directors, Student society, staff, and committee leadership to ensure sustained growth, financial stability, and expanded impact within the space research community.

Executive Director Responsibilities: The Executive Director position at ASGSR offers a unique opportunity to lead a distinguished scientific Society dedicated to advancing research in gravitational and space sciences. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space research through strategic leadership, advocacy, and organizational excellence.  Key duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

  • Strategic Leadership & Governance: Support the ASGSR President and Governing Board to develop organizational strategy, vision, goals and implementation plans, and lead the Society to achieve what it has set out to do; drive innovation by identifying industry trends, utilizing technology, and developing long-term solutions to enhance ASGSR’s influence, membership, and programs; lead with impact by inspiring and managing ASGSR’s diverse internal and external teams, ensuring operational excellence and a strong organizational culture.
  • Resource Management & Development: Optimize the financial functions of ASGSR to maintain sound financial practices and ensure long-term sustainability; develop, track, and manage fundraising and financial strategies, including maintaining, identifying, and establishing new sponsors, and overseeing development of grants in support of ASGSR functions; build corporate relations and investment opportunities for growing non-dues revenue base, and expand fundraising and philanthropic revenue generation for the Society.
  • External Relations & Advocacy: Serve as the main public contact and spokesperson for ASGSR in all business capacities; build positive relationships with NASA and other internal and external stakeholders of ASGSR; expand strategic partnerships with other scientific societies, healthcare organizations, and corporate partners to amplify ASGSR’s reach and advocacy efforts; coordinate with the External Affairs Committee to prepare and organize ASGSR policies, positions and key issues, and support annual congressional visits to promote ASGSR’s mission and priorities.
  • Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day business operations of ASGSR in coordination with the Governing Board; manage the recruitment and supervision of staff, both paid and volunteers; plan and coordinate the annual ASGSR meeting with the ASGSR Meeting Coordinator, and the organizing committee for the ASGSR annual conference; oversee the Society email, newsletter and website postings and communications; manage annual meeting abstract submission & review, membership/meeting registration, and on-site meeting support; ensure IT systems security and compliance are up-to-date.
  • Board & Committee Relations: Serve as liaison between the Board of Directors and the ASGSR organization’s staff, providing regular updates to the board and ensuring board directives are implemented effectively; support board functions, including facilitating meetings, ensuring policy compliance, and aligning the work of board committees; support and work with committee chairs to implement committee activities throughout the year.

Qualifications & Skills Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field preferred (e.g., science, business)
  • Minimum 5 years of executive management experience, preferably in scientific, educational, or nonprofit organizations
  • Demonstrated organizational leadership, financial management, and operational expertise
  • Experience with NASA-related research, educational, and/or technology transfer activities preferred
  • Proven track record in fundraising, grant writing, and securing resources, preferably for nonprofit organizations
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills at all organizational levels
  • Strong understanding of the scientific research community, preferably in space sciences
  • Experience in advocacy and policy within the scientific and space research sectors
  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute with precision

Work Environment:

  • Work is performed remotely or on-site at face-to-face meetings and events for the Society
  • The level of effort required varies throughout the year, with the highest leadership workload taking place around the annual ASGSR Conference in the October-December timeframe and around the mid-year face-to-face Board meeting, typically held in Washington D.C., in the spring/summer timeframe.  
  • Regular monthly work activities are estimated to require between 5-15 hours per week and include management of the monthly virtual Board meeting, support to the Executive Committee and other ASGSR Committees, supervision, communication, and coordination with ASGSR Staff, fundraising activities, strategic planning, reporting, and maintaining organizational records. 
  • Some travel is required to support Society in-person meetings and events
  • Compensation includes $48,000 USD, paid in monthly installments, plus commission.

Application process:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to HiringManager@asgsr.org by June 24, 2025.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.  For questions or additional information about this position, direct inquiries can be made to: HiringManager@asgsr.org.