Executive Director or Management

The Environmental Research Design Association is searching for a visionary, strategic, and service-oriented Executive Director OR Management Company to lead the organization into its next phase of growth advancing its mission and run our Central Office beginning March 30, 2026. Please see below for the job descriptions and Final date to receive applications. Please note, that for Association Management Company (AMC) proposals, all references to ‘Executive Director’ refer to the lead point of contact or assigned executive responsible for the EDRA contract.

The selected individual/company will need to provide central office, membership, website, financial and conference management services. Full‑time services would begin September 1, with appropriate advance time to become acquainted with EDRA’s current procedures and needs and to ensure a smooth transition. The transition period will include EDRA’s 2026 International Meeting, to be held in Amherst, MA.

All proposals will be carefully considered, but preference will be given to proposals from companies that have experience in managing small/medium associations. The first conference the AMC will need to manage will be the May/June 2027 conference, whose location is still being determined.

TITLE: Executive Director

LOCATION: Remote

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair.

ROLE

SUMMARY:

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of the association and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, managing day‑to‑day operations, and offering guidance to ensure the organization’s success and growth in line with its strategic plan. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors and staff to fulfill the organization’s mission, deliver member value, and ensure fiscal sustainability.

• Governance Support:
  • Provide an Executive Director and associated administrative support to ensure the organization operates effectively.
  • Foster a collaborative partnership with EDRA’s Board of Directors.
  • Attend Board Meetings, unless otherwise notified by the Chair.
  • Coordinate the onboarding of new members of the Board.
  • Any change in the Executive Director responsibilities is subject to Board approval.
  • Collaborate with the Board in developing and refining a strategic plan/framework. Provide regular updates, data, reports, and recommendations for informed decision‑making and long‑term planning.
• Board Meetings:
  • Facilitate and provide administrative support (such as developing a draft agenda, setting up a Zoom meeting link for remote synchronous meetings, circulating meeting minutes for board feedback, and managing their organization and archival, etc.) for 12 annual Board meetings, including:
    • May (in‑person at the annual meeting)
    • September/October (in‑person at a potential future convention location)
  • Provide support for monthly Executive Committee meetings (1.5 hours per meeting, virtual).
• Committee Meetings:
  • Attend and participate, as needed, in committee meetings.
    • Mandatory, regular attendance:
      Program/Conference Committee, Governance Committee, and Finance and Fundraising Committee
    • Non‑mandatory, periodic attendance:
      Communications committee, Members and Partners Committee, Student Affairs committee,

• Administrative and General Office Support:
  • Maintain an effective and motivated professional staff structure. With Board approval of budget, lead the hiring, development, review, and termination of staff members.
  • Foster a team‑oriented culture of trust, support, and collaboration and cultivate a staff culture that prioritizes innovation, continuous improvement, career‑long learning, and professional development.
  • Maintain a headquarters office with a permanent mailing address to process incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Respond to general inquiries about EDRA within 48 hours via a dedicated telephone line.
  • Forward mail to designated EDRA contacts as needed.
  • Manage insurance coverage and maintain governance documents, including Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Policies & Procedures.
  • Maintain administrative, historical, and corporate files for EDRA,…