Executive Director, Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality

Overview

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality

Executive Director

Fostering diverse, inclusive, and interdisciplinary communities

OPPORTUNITY

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) seeks an engaged and collaborative Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization in achieving its mission of advancing the scientific study of sexuality. This is a remote, 80%-time position, offering flexibility to work virtually while maintaining close collaboration with constituents. The next ED will help SSSS to expand membership and partnerships that will bring science-based information to educators, advocates, health professionals, and public policy makers worldwide.

The mission of SSSS is to foster a diverse, inclusive, and interdisciplinary community where established and emerging scholars, practitioners, and organizations collaboratively cultivate, curate, and communicate sexuality science. SSSS envisions communities in which sexuality science inspires justice, health, well-being, and pleasure. Founded in 1957 to encourage the rigorous systematic study of sexuality, SSSS is “home” to hundreds of professionals and students dedicated to advancing knowledge of sexuality and communicating scientifically based sexuality research. SSSS’s interdisciplinary approach provides both a launching place for new work and a long-term community.

ORGANIZATION

SSSS is a virtual international non-profit matrix membership organization with an annual operating budget of $450,000, 11-member Board of Directors, and two staff members. The organization serves students, early career researchers (ECRs), and professionals, and relies on a significant volunteer base and dedicated partnerships to achieve its mission. SSSS activities are supported largely by funds raised through membership dues (over 1,000 members), royalties from the Journal of Sex Research publication, and profits from the annual conference. The annual conference is a major gathering for researchers, clinicians, and educators in the field of sexuality science. As a society, SSSS believes that freedom of inquiry is essential for the promotion of human welfare and the reduction of ignorance and prejudice about sexuality.

THE ROLE

Currently led by an Interim ED, the new ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, and members to secure SSSS’s relevance, sustainability, and growth. The position is a newly created opportunity for creativity, transitioning from a managing director model back to an ED model. The position requires strategic planning and leadership, fiscal responsibility, community building, incorporation of a justice lens, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The ED will also build institutional memberships and conference sponsorships, promote competitive compensation for key staff, and hire a communications specialist to help manage outreach.

Priorities for the next ED include:

• Expand fundraising capabilities, including exploring international partnerships andgrant opportunities
• Help recruit more diverse leadership, create and strengthen partnerships with minority-serving organizations, ensure representation at events, and create scholarships to support underrepresented groups of members
• Translate big picture strategic initiatives into actionable steps
• Focus on engagement and inclusion, with more representation, activities, and accessibility
• Ensure a smooth leadership transition, especially for the upcoming conference in November.

ResponsibilitiesA recent environmental scan and strategic visioning work conducted by the Board of Directors in October 2024 evaluated the current position of SSSS, its future potential, and the qualities, skills, and experiences needed in a new ED. The resulting interdependent criteria identified by the working group is reflected in the following list of ED responsibilities.

Fiscally Responsible Leadership

• Ensure responsible budget management and financial planning to achieve marginal profit annually.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes membership dues, Journal of Sex Research (JSR) royalties, conference registrations, endowments, grants, sponsorships, etc.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue to sustain competitive salaries and benefits for staff.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and funders, identifying opportunities for new funding sources.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, and reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Commitment to Justice and Diversity

• Ensure that the SSSS professional community and organizational structure reflect SSSS’s Statements across all activities and initiatives.
• Build inclusive practices and prioritize representation of marginalized communities in leadership and membership.
• Exhibit comfort and expertise in the field of sexuality and in working with diverse communities.
• Partner with the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.

Strategic Planning and Vision Execution

• Carry forward SSSS’s new mission and vision, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Work with the Board, committees, and volunteers to implement future-focused strategies.
• Drive organizational innovation and ensure SSSS remains relevant and sustainable in a changing world.

Community Building and Communications

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for SSSS, building relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, and constituents.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase visibility and awareness of SSSS.
• Foster a strong sense of community among members and volunteers.
• Lead strategic initiatives including creating a modern, accessible, and engaging website.

Organizational Management

• Collaborate with the Board to set and achieve strategic initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports and updates to the Board, fostering strong communication and engagement.
• Supervise and support SSSS staff responsible for operations.
• Oversee and support a wide array of volunteer-driven initiatives and committees.
• Maintain organization and communication to keep all moving parts of SSSS aligned and effective.
• Track strategic metrics in key areas for ongoing review.

Qualifications

SSSS understands that candidates rarely meet 100% of the qualifications and strongly encourages all candidates to apply if they meet many of the qualifications.

SSSS is committed to fostering a culture of belonging and inclusion, and through its programs aims to support the growing diversity of people who participate in the sexuality science community. Candidates who represent marginalized or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience.
• Track record of success in nonprofit management.
• Fundraising expertise and experience securing grants.
• Ability to manage and implement change necessary to guide an organization.
• Strong technology and digital skills; technological proficiency, including website development oversight and modern communication and operational tools.
• Community engagement; experience working with diverse populations, including academia.
• Proven experience working with and developing a Board of Directors, with an ability to foster collaboration and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and develop sustainable financial strategies.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with experience working with marginalized communities and incorporating a justice lens.
• Experience in strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships across a matrixed, volunteer-driven organization.
• Familiarity and comfort with the field of sexuality and associated scientific research.
• An advanced degree in a related field (i.e., psychology, public health, sociology).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in membership-based organizations or professional associations.
• Knowledge of trends and challenges in the field of sexuality studies.
• Ability to work virtually and independently while maintaining strong connectivity with constituents.
• Multilingual abilities and international collaboration experience.

In addition to the above qualifications, key attributes of the next ED include cultural humility, critical thinking, and creativity; an openness to learning about the organization's history and operations; ability to navigate the current political landscape and advocate for the organization.

The ED position is a fully remote, 80%-time position (0.8 FTE; 32-hour week) offering both location and scheduling flexibility mutually beneficial to the ED and the organization. SSSS recognizes the importance of providing appropriate compensation and benefits to attract and retain high-quality staff. SSSS offers a health care reimbursement package, 3% match contribution to an IRA, “home office” stipend, and paid time off (PTO) benefit commensurate with other small nonprofits. The salary for this position is competitive and reflective of the experience and qualifications required for the role and in the approximate range of $90,000-100,000.

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in all its forms. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

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