The American Association of Physicists in Medicine » Sterling

Executive Director

The Opportunity

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is conducting a search for its next Executive Director (ED). Reporting to the President, the ED serves as the executive officer of this member-driven organization and carries out the administrative, financial, and operational functions of the Association on behalf of the Board of Directors. The ED collaborates with the Board to determine AAPM’s strategic direction and objectives and uses the resources allocated to direct the staff in their implementation. Coordinating with elected Officers and volunteer member-driven groups, the ED directs the staff to carry out the programs and activities of the Association to assure that objectives are attained and member needs met. A key responsibility of the ED is to maintain effective internal and external relationships. The ED ensures that AAPM is operating in compliance with applicable laws and adheres to AAPM’s bylaws and policies as established by the Board of Directors.

About the American Association of Physicists in Medicine

Since 1958, AAPM has been improving medical outcomes for patients by driving scientific and clinical innovation in medical physics and its application to medical imaging diagnostics and radiation treatments. This broad-based scientific and professional discipline encompasses many applications in medicine. Over its 65 years of history, the Association has had a defining role in the formation of the field of medical physics, both nationally and globally.

Today the Association’s 10,000 members from across the world work together to fulfill the mission of advancing medicine through excellence in the science, education, and professional practice of medical physics. AAPM members possess an earned graduate degree in the Physical or Biological Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, or Engineering and are engaged in clinical, research, or academic work related to applications of physics in medicine. With approximately 1,550 members residing outside the United States, the AAPM’s activities have a global impact. AAPM has an active and engaged membership, with over 1700 member volunteers serving on 400 committees and other groups to carry out much of the scientific, professional, and educational mission of the Association.

Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, the 501(c)(3) organization has a staff of 35, annual revenues of approximately $10M, and net assets of nearly $25M. AAPM’s Board of Directors is made up of professionals who work at the intersection of physics and medicine. The President leads an Executive Committee of the Board, which is comprised of the President, the President-Elect, the Chair of the Board, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Executive Director.

Learn more about what medical physicists do.

The Executive Director Role

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures that the Board and Executive Committee are kept fully informed on the conditions within the Association, and on all important factors influencing them. Attends all meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee as an ex-officio member without a vote.
Executes all decisions and implements policies of the Board of Directors in concert with elected Officers and volunteer member leaders of established committees and groups.
Participates in deliberations and provides recommendations to the Executive Committee and to the Board on the present and long-term directions and needs of the organization and headquarters.
Establishes organizational structure and provides overall direction to headquarters staff for work on all approved programs, projects, and major activities of the staff, ensuring that organizational objectives are met. Responsible for hires, terminations, and setting the terms and conditions of employment.
Works collaboratively with volunteer-member leaders of the five Councils and various committees, task groups, and working groups to see that the primary activities of the Association are coordinated, supported, and resourced appropriately.
Assigns the necessary staff liaisons to AAPM groups and provides authority to staff members to enable them to perform their liaison functions.
Negotiates and executes such contracts and commitments as may be authorized by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
Maintains effective relationships with other organizations and enhances the reputation of the Association and its members in accordance with AAPM’s policies and objectives.
Continuously works to implement AAPM’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to bring them to fruition and to expand on them where possible.
In cooperation with the Finance Committee and the Treasurer, develops, recommends, and operates within an annual budget. Ensures that all funds, physical assets, and other property, including intellectual property, of the Association are appropriately safeguarded and administered.
Exercises control of all major budget activities to meet financial objectives.
Oversees the management of the headquarters office building in Alexandria, VA.
Other responsibilities as directed by the President, Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors.

Leadership/Governance

Assists and supports the Board in establishing the strategic direction of AAPM.
Provides support and guidance to Executive Committee members and AAPM volunteer leaders to aid them in understanding and executing responsibilities and ensures adherence to governance policies; works with volunteer leaders to develop and establish appropriate governance processes and procedures.
Facilitates the maintenance of AAPM bylaws and ensures that AAPM is in compliance with legal requirements; advises on how to mitigate exposure and risk to the Association.
Ensures Chapters and Headquarters maintain constructive working relationships.

Administration and Operations Management

Ensures that appropriate fiscal controls and procedures are in place for transparency and accountability. Provides oversight for financial reporting, audits, and proper accounting procedures.
Ensures the Board of Directors is provided appropriate financial reports and analyses.
Ensures that financial and other assets are protected and adequately maintained without unnecessary risk.
Collaborates with Board to create strategies to support AAPM’s mission and diversify revenue streams through its programs, products, services, events, and industry standards, licenses, and certifications.
Oversees and approves the appropriate expenditures, in keeping with the budget, for
Association activities; ensures all funds and assets are appropriately stewarded and accounted for.
Assesses staff members’ strengths and identifies talent gaps; develops plans to ensure necessary organizational structure, staff development, recruitment, and retention activities are in place to build and maintain high-performing team.
Continuously evaluates and, where possible, improves operations; recommends potential changes.
Oversees contracts with third-party service providers and ensures deliverables meet objectives; negotiates and enters into agreements for AAPM as authorized and approved by the Board.
Ensures safekeeping and confidentiality of records and AAPM intellectual property.
Conducts or oversees technology assessments and upgrades to ensure operational efficiency.

Contribute to Member and Organizational Success

Continuously seeks out and evaluates opportunities to grow AAPM’s reach and impact.
Provides strategic direction to staff to ensure AAPM is providing value and service to members.
Oversees and directs functional areas, such as Membership, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Human Resources, Information Services, Meetings and Programs.
Establishes and oversees the execution of communications plans designed to effectively define and articulate AAPM’s value proposition to professionals within the appropriate fields.

Advocacy

Serves as spokesperson in conjunction with the President and Board representatives.
Works with AAPM’s Board and appropriate committees and working groups to coordinate efforts to plan and implement strategic advocacy initiatives.
Effectively partners with allied organizations to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and build coalitions.
Fosters relationships with industry, government, and public service organizations to enhance the image of the Association and attain its objectives.

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

College graduate (advanced degree desirable).
Five years of senior management experience in nonprofit management.
Experience and skill working with volunteer Boards and committees.
Experience developing organizational structures, systems, and processes that support efficient operations and continuity through changes in volunteer leadership.
Track record of successfully building high-performing teams and a positive office culture.
Solid organizational abilities, including planning, resource allocation, staff management and delegation, program development, task facilitation and constructive review.
A proven track record of successfully creating new revenue streams.
Ability and willingness to be the face of the organization in coordination with the President and the Board.
Domain knowledge, interest, or experience; a background in the STEM fields or medicine preferred.
Proficient in an electronic work environment and able to use available tools for communications, information management, and analysis.
Ability and willingness to travel both internationally and domestically as needed for the Association. Will regularly attend the primary yearly meetings of the Association; will attend meetings of the Councils and various key committees as needed.

Personal Qualities and Competencies

Inspirational, collaborative leader who is skilled at building relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Strong and ethical executive leadership abilities, including judicious decision making and adaptive leadership skills.
Strong strategic-thinking, critical-thinking, and analytical skills.
Executive presence complemented by excellent oral and written communications skills.
Positive business demeanor that engenders respect and confidence.
High emotional quotient — the ability to understand, use, and manage emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, defuse conflict, and build trust.
Candidates from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities are encouraged to apply. AAPM places a high value on attracting an outstanding and diverse staff of qualified professionals.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.

To Apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and current resume (Microsoft Word® format preferred) here. The cover letter should outline how your experience fits the requirements of the position as this will be an important factor in considering your candidacy.

Sterling Martin Associates 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.