Executive Director

American Meteorological Society

Boston, Massachusetts

The American Meteorological Society (“AMS” or “the Society”)—the nation’s preeminent scientific and professional organization committed to convening, strengthening, and elevating the weather, water, and climate enterprise—welcomes applications and expressions of interest in the search for its next Executive Director. This is a pivotal moment in the history of the Society. With an escalation in extreme weather events that impact public safety, and with shifts in federal science agencies’ staffing and external funding for research, there is an urgency for the Society to leverage the unique public-private composite of its membership, apply its considerable expertise, and evolve to meet the current moment. As such, this is an especially compelling opportunity for a strategic, relationship-oriented, and entrepreneurial leader to guide the Society forward into its next era of impact.

With more than 12,000 members spanning the private, academic, and government sectors, AMS is singularly positioned to champion scientific innovation, inform policy, educate the public, and elevate the collective voice of the weather, water, and climate community, all for societal good. AMS produces and sponsors a broad array of programs including major meetings, publications, a policy program, educational initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Signature programs include but are not limited to the annual meeting, which is one of the largest yearly gatherings for the weather, water, and climate community; twelve scholarly journals, which are among the most prestigious in their fields; and four professional certification programs that recognize those who meet high standards for technical and scientific competence, character, and experience. All AMS programs help to increase scientific understanding among the public, especially with respect to weather and environmental issues. The ability of AMS to draw on the collective strength of its public, private, academic, and non-governmental membership to provide essential information and resources in service to public health and safety, the economy, and the environment has never been more consequential.

The Executive Director will engage meaningfully with a deeply committed membership—including more than 1,500 volunteers—and a talented staff of 72 professionals to shape the future of the Society. This will involve collaboratively crafting an identity, vision, and strategy to guide AMS forward through the current period of immense change and innovation, broadcasting the value proposition of the Society to new constituencies, envisioning and actualizing new strategic partnerships, enhancing fundraising efforts, and innovating programming to meet emerging challenges and societal needs. The successful candidate will be a values-driven organizational leader with the ability to manage high-performing teams, communicate effectively with many different constituencies, and ensure the Society’s financial health and sustainability. They must have the credentials and experience to raise the profile of the Society and garner the confidence, respect, and trust of all constituencies involved, preferably with experience working within the weather, water, and climate enterprise.

AMS has retained the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in the recruitment of its next Executive Director. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Applications (including a resume/CV and cover letter), inquiries, and nominations should be submitted through the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/american-meteorological-society/executive-director.

AMS EEO Statement: It is the policy of the American Meteorological Society to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment based solely upon the individual’s qualifications and ability to perform the work assigned, without regard to any personal identity, status, or condition. These include, but are not limited to the following: race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, gender identity and expression, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, and natural and protective hairstyles.