Director, Professional Development Programs Executive Overview The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is the world’s largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to advancing understanding of the brain and nervous system. Neuroscience is a rapidly evolving and a diverse field of study; our members consistently achieve breakthroughs in our understanding of how the brain works. As we grow, our demographic composition is changing - we are increasingly drawing younger and more international members. Since its inception in 1969, the Society has grown from 500 members to over 40,000 this year, our landmark 40th year. A recent survey found 45 percent of respondents were 35 years old or younger, 43 percent of respondents were women and 36 percent of our membership now lives outside of the United States. Naturally, SfN is adapting services to meet the needs and expectations of our diverse membership including women and underrepresented minorities. While you don’t need to already be familiar with neuroscience, your success lies in your ability to rapidly understand the professional development needs of neuroscientists. You will work closely with SfN’s Professional Development Working Group (committee chairs and Councilors) to support and facilitate design of a three-year strategic plan for professional development programs. We will count on you to continue our legacy of providing robust programs and services at our annual meetings, as well as develop new professional development opportunities outside of our annual meeting (e.g., webinars, social forums, etc.). You will be a key partner to our volunteer committees, serving as the staff liaison for the newly created Committee on Neuroscience Departments and Programs and the Professional Development Committee (this includes two recently merged groups – the Committee on Women in Neuroscience and the Committee on Diversity in Neuroscience), which has a mandate to address the broader set of professional development needs of SfN members across the entire career life cycle. You will report to the Senior Director of Education and Member Development, and mentor a staff of four. You will also work in close collaboration with ten other department directors, who meet regularly and engage with and provide strategic input to SfN’s executive leadership. You will manage a department budget of approximately $1.2MM and oversee three important government grants, including a newly awarded three-year grant from the National Science Foundation. As we strategically grow our programs, you will assist in content development for grant proposals and in the strategic implementation of those programs. Additional Responsibilities of the Director of Professional Development Programs In this role you will: - Serve as staff liaison to the Professional Development Working Group and lead the development and implementation of expanded set of PD programs and activities approved by SfN Council.
- Provide oversight and facilitation of meetings of the Committee on Neuroscience Departments and Programs (CNDP) and the Professional Development Committee (PDP). Coordinate with and help facilitate meetings of the Professional Development Cluster, which also includes SfN’s International Affairs Committee and Membership & Chapters Committee.
- Ensure smooth planning and implementation of workshops, courses, committee activities, and related events at the SfN annual meetings.
- Lead further development and marketing of SfN’s online neuroscience career center/job bank (NeuroJobs), working closely with the Membership & Marketing department.
- Ensure successful implementation and management of grant-funded projects and programs.
- Coordinate with designated monitoring and evaluation staff to track and report on progress and outcomes for department activities and programs.
- Work closely with SfN’s Grants & Development department - seek external funding opportunities to support existing and new professional development programming.
- Coordinate with the Membership & Marketing department on implementing professional development programs related to SfN chapters.
- Develop department goals and participate in strategic planning and other organizational planning activities in collaboration with other department heads and senior staff.
- Establish and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues at partner organizations including the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience, Association for Women in Science, and others. Manage collaborative activities with partners.
- Stay current on knowledge of state-of-the art methods and best practices related to professional development delivery mechanisms and programs.
- Develop and maintain annual department budgets consistent with organizational plans and established financial guidelines.
- Supervise department personnel, including development of training plans, performance evaluations, and mentoring.
- Provide semi-monthly department updates to the Senior Director.
Experience, Skills, and Attributes Experience: - Ten years related and proven experience developing professional development programs and services, as well as implementing and managing new programs and services.
- Four years of proven experience managing continuing/higher education programs.
- Demonstrated high-level project management skills in developing and overseeing a diverse range of professional development vehicles.
- Proven experience designing programs specific to diversity issues.
- Four years of proven supervisory, mentoring skills and organizational leadership.
- Experience with associations or professional societies preferred.
- Proven experience in developing a budget, tracking and measuring results.
- Experience with federal, corporate and/or private grants.
- A four-year degree is required for consideration. A Master’s degree or equivalent is preferred.
Skills: - Superior written and verbal communication.
- Proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet-based applications.
Attributes: - Self-assured, direct and collegial: You keep the pulse of the Department, keep the Senior Director well informed and delegate confidently to your staff. You are responsive and respect the viewpoints of everyone involved in a decision. You share your insights and seek out the opinions of others.
- Effective Communicator: You communicate and coordinate effectively at every level, both orally and in writing You easily adjust your style based on audience, culture or location, without sacrificing content, consistency or service delivery.
- Strategic problem solver: Whether you are working with a committee to achieve consensus, coordinating projects with other SfN departments or designing programs to address our member needs, we’ll rely on your problem-solving skills and ability to implement solutions with an attention to detail. You work with a sense of urgency and dive in without being asked.
- Firm and fair leadership: You will be working with a wide range of staff and colleagues; this requires a firm, fair and flexible style that both complements the efforts and supports the needs of others. You are seen as accessible and foster trust while promoting an attitude of accountability. Leadership, poise, tact and diplomacy will be vital to your success.
- Flexible: You are adaptable to diverse experiences and requirements and have a proven track record of responding nimbly to changing situations and needs.
- Rapport builder: You are respected, not only for your knowledge and abilities, but because you are approachable and responsive and have a track record of building strong relationships and partnerships.
- Quick study, intellectually curious: You are hands-on, dive into details, ask questions and “come up to speed” quickly. Your willingness to jump in and learn the world of science will significantly enhance your capability to provide quality programs and services to our members.
What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate? - Opportunity: We are a member-driven organization. Your input and ideas will advance our ability to ‘meet our members where they are,’ regardless of their career stages or physical locations. Members will be deeply appreciative of the opportunities afforded them as they become better connected and have increased opportunities to develop professionally.
- Stimulating environment: You will be exposed to a diverse group of leading academics and scientists from around the world. Our members represent an expanding field that includes some of the most exciting areas within biomedical research.
- Leadership: You will work closely with other decision makers and reap the benefits of collaborating in a team environment where everyone’s expertise is valued. You will also enjoy a close working relationship with a seasoned Senior Director of Education and Member Development, who is supportive, won’t micromanage, and will give you the latitude to lead your department and implement decisions.
- We are located in a beautiful new headquarters (built in 2006) in downtown Washington, D.C.: designed with internal staircases, open access to outside light on each floor and art throughout the offices that reflects achievements in neuroscience, and yours is a window office – you will find this to be an inspiring and enjoyable place to work.
Employee Benefits Society for Neuroscience offers a generous benefits package: medical, dental and vision insurance; retirement plan options (SfN matches 12% w/ 4% employee contribution, subject to a vesting schedule 50% at 2 years and 100% at 3 years of service); disability; 18 days vacation (accrued monthly), 10 paid holidays, and up to 3 personal days per year; educational assistance benefit; flexible spending account option; gym membership contribution. To Apply for the Director of Professional Development Programs The fastest way to apply for this position is to create a profile. Please apply through the link at the top of this page.
If you prefer, simply email a Word version of your resume and cover letter to Jennie Kinsfather at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with the title of the position in the Subject line of the email. (We do acknowledge every resume received, but please note that it may take us an extra day or two to get back with you if you choose to apply via email).
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