Executive Director

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Association for Death Education and Counseling to recruit the organization’s new Executive Director.

The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) was formed in May 1976, when a group of interested educators and clinicians organized the Forum for Death Education and Counseling. Over the years, the organization grew to become the Association for Death Education and Counseling®. ADEC is the first interdisciplinary organization in the field of thanatology: the study of dying, death, and bereavement.

ADEC promotes excellence and diversity in death education, care of the dying, grief counseling, and thanatology research by advancing and sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. Through its international, multidisciplinary membership and Credentialing Program, ADEC supports professional development, recognizes specialized expertise, and provides valuable information and resources to its members and the public.

As an international nonprofit organization, ADEC’s members are cross-disciplinary specialists who practice within the scope of dying, death, loss, and bereavement. Members and credentialed colleagues include front-line care providers, clinicians, practitioners, educators, researchers, administrators, and others emerging from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, professions, and occupations.

The ADEC Board of Directors seeks an experienced Executive Director to work collaboratively with the Board, staff, and membership to provide organizational leadership and support ADEC’s operations and infrastructure. Key responsibilities include overseeing event planning and management, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and maintaining and enhancing ADEC’s financial sustainability.

As the administrative leader of ADEC, the Executive Director has the responsibility to effectively represent the organization and ensure all functions and services of the organization are focused on the ADEC mission:
The Association for Death Education and Counseling® is an international, professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence and recognizing diversity in death education, care of the dying, grief counseling and research in thanatology. Based on quality research, theory and practice, the association provides information, support and resources to its international, multicultural, multidisciplinary membership and to the public.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate transparent, high-integrity leadership, strong organizational and financial management skills, and experience in nonprofit fundraising, membership growth, and event planning and management. The Executive Director must have a proven ability to collaborate with a volunteer Board of Directors, lead staff and contractors, and support committees and volunteers in advancing ADEC’s mission and strategic goals. Proficiency with membership and meeting management software, along with a strong commitment to serving ADEC’s membership, is essential.

A master’s degree or equivalent work experience and five or more years of senior nonprofit management and leadership experience are preferred, with additional preference given to candidates holding the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification.

The ADEC Executive Director will receive a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. Salary is expected to be in the $100,000 range. The compensation rate does not include benefits; additional compensation may be provided that can be used to access benefits. Paid time off and holidays will be included in the employment contract.

Screening interviews for selected candidates are scheduled to take place approximately October 22nd – 23rd, 2026.