Compensation benefits include retirement matching, paid time off, sick leave, annual holidays aligned with company policy, and participation in health benefits.
Preferred Education:
Doctorate
Ballinger | Leafblad is proud to partner with the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) in the search for its next Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization dedicated to advancing Family Science, shaping national policy, and fostering a vibrant community of researchers, educators, and practitioners. The next Executive Director will drive strategic growth, champion inclusivity, and elevate NCFR’s impact—ensuring Family Science continues to inform and inspire meaningful change for families everywhere.
POSITION PROFILE – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Executive Director of NCFR is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing the field of Family Science and ensuring that research, education, and practice empower families to thrive. This role requires a dynamic, strategic thinker who can bridge academia, policy, and practice— championing NCFR’s mission while fostering innovation and inclusion. The Executive Director will inspire and mobilize staff, member-owners, and key stakeholders to enhance the organization’s impact, elevate the visibility of Family Science, and drive financial and programmatic growth.
With a commitment to public scholarship, advocacy, and thought leadership, the Executive Director serves as the voice of NCFR’s diverse membership, engaging with policymakers, educators, and practitioners to influence the national dialogue on family well-being. This leader will guide the organization with integrity and a deep sense of purpose, strengthening NCFR’s position as the premier professional association for Family Science while fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking culture.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. Direct reports include: Director of Governance, Board and Section Operations; Director of Constituent Engagement; Director of Finance; Director of Marketing and Communications; and Director of Public Scholarship. The annual operating budget is $2.8 million.
RESPONSIBILITIES
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
In conjunction with the Board, staff, and committees develop strategic work plans to advance the vision, mission, and Ends articulated in NCFR’s Guiding Principles.
Clearly articulates the organizational goals for financial and programmatic stability as well as growth for the future.
Motivates and inspires others to act by supporting and clearly articulating the organization’s Principles of Governance and Management.
Upholds and further NCFR’s commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity.
ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY
Oversees NCFR’s public policy development process by monitoring and analyzing key public policy initiatives relevant to our work, identifying opportunities for engagement, advocacy, and alignment with organizational priorities
Develops and leads work to develop a plan to maximize the implementation of the policy priorities, including advocacy and policy education strategies; public engagement in key issues; and building coalitions with members, academy, practitioners, Family Science partners, and other organizations.
Interprets policies to member-owners, policy makers, the general public, and media. This could include travel around the country to meet with members, institutions, and policy partners.
SPOKESPERSON
Serves as principal spokesperson for NCFR in all venues, with a goal to enhance the overall brand and image of Family Science across the country.
Engages in public scholarship by making complex ideas relevant and digestible for general consumption.
Speaks on behalf of the 2,400 members of NCFR and as such is authorized by the Board of Directors to issue public statements and make frequent personal appearances on behalf of NCFR.
BOARD & COMMITTEE RELATIONS
Builds and maintains strong relationships and communications with the chair, officers and Board of Directors.
Provides leadership necessary to garner full engagement of board members.
Operating under the principles and practices of the Policy Governance model, prepares Board meeting agendas and associated reports in cooperation with the Director of Governance, Board and Section Operations and President of the NCFR Board of Directors. Attends Board meetings.
Oversees a governing structure, with support from the Director of Governance, Board and Section Operations of that spans 10 committees that can include 60-80 members in total.
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Provides leadership in membership growth and development to ensure there is a compelling value proposition that attracts and retains members. Personally engages in new member recruitment and current member retention.
Provides leadership on membership services to ensure there is a compelling value proposition for current and prospective members.
NCFR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Leads the organization-wide effort to produce a dynamic and impactful annual conference.
Collaborates with the conference chair and planning team to engage key constituencies and ensure a well-designed, inclusive, and engaging event.
Drives innovation and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, attendee experience, and financial sustainability.
JOURNALS
Oversees business relationships between NCFR, journal editors, and university-supported editorial offices to ensure smooth collaboration and operational success.
Manages the partnership with the journal publisher (currently Wiley) to maintain high-quality publication standards and financial sustainability.
Ensures NCFR staff provide the necessary resources and support for the continued success and impact of the journals.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Oversees excellence in the financial and operational management of the organization. Assess and improve infrastructure, processes and procedures. Consider new sources of revenue to contribute to financial sustainability, stability and growth.
Along with the Board and Finance and Audit Committee, develops short-and long-term business and investment strategies, evaluates and updates membership dues model and annual conference profit models as necessary, and partners in leading new revenue growth activities.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
Develops and retains a high performing staff, particularly supporting and strengthening the senior management team, the capacity of core internal functions, and the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Understands and supports a healthy organizational culture. Respect and uphold the positive aspects of the culture from the past while modifying and enhancing the culture as the organization moves into the future.
Creates and continuously fosters a positive work environment and culture within the organization.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A passion to lead a scholarly and member-services organization and a commitment to ensure that researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers are positioned to promote every family thriving—referring to the broadest possible definition of families.
Knowledge and past experience in the field of Family Science from an academic, research, educator, practitioner, policy or advocacy lens.
Background in advocating for public policy. Not essential, but desired public policy experience including policies that support LGBTQ+ families, immigrant family rights, gender equity, parental leave, reproductive justice, family economic security, and protections against family violence, with a focus on strengthening families and promoting social justice.
Experience working in or partnering with higher education institutions, with an understanding of their unique operational, financial, and cultural dynamics.
Experience leading across functions and is viewed as a leader amongst peer groups.
Ability to align diverse interest groups on issues and opportunities that will benefit the overall Family Science community; a consensus builder with a personal style that engenders confidence.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects. Skill in monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing program activities in a spirit of continuous improvement and exceeding member expectations.
Proven ability to manage and direct complex operations, ensuring seamless coordination across multiple stakeholders, processes, and systems to drive efficiency, innovation, and organizational success.
Values the diversity of NCFR’s membership, which is shaped by its historical, cultural, economic, and social contexts. This diversity strengthens its research, scholarship, and practice.
A commitment to NCFR’s Guiding Principles for Inclusion and Diversity.
10+ years of management experience and/or leadership experience; Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, PhD preferred.
Ballinger Leafblad works exclusively in the civic sector with organizations that do good—foundations, nonprofits, higher education institutions and professional associations.
