Executive Director

## SWS Executive Director
**Job Ad**

**ORGANIZATION NAME:** Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS)
**TITLE OF POSITION:** Executive Director
**POSITION TYPE:** Full time, **REMOTE**. 40 hours per week on average. Domestic travel required 2–4 times per year.
**DEADLINE TO APPLY:** For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by 5 PM Pacific Standard Time on April 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
**PAY RANGE:** $95K–$115K; salary commensurate with skills, qualifications, and experience. Eligible for supplemental salary upon securing external grants.
**BENEFITS:** Health benefits allowance, 401k, negotiated home office equipment & supplies reimbursement and/or coworking space membership, paid federal holidays and end‑of‑year closure (Dec 26–Dec 31), plus 18 days of PTO.
**SCHEDULE:** Typically Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm (depending on employee’s time zone) with occasional weekends and evenings.
**REPORTS TO:** SWS Council, with regular coordination and oversight designated to the SWS President and Treasurer.
**START DATE:** Immediately; preferably no later than June 15, 2026.
**DURATION:** 3‑year contract, renewable upon positive annual performance reviews.

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## ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
SWS is a non‑profit professional association of feminist sociologists based in the United States.

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## POSITION OVERVIEW
The SWS Executive Director (ED) provides collaborative feminist leadership for a diverse non‑profit professional association of sociologists. The ED is an accomplished non‑profit and/or higher education leader with a deep commitment to feminism and social justice. They are an agile leader who anticipates needs, recognizes opportunities, and foresees challenges.

The ED occupies a central role in a shared governance leadership model. They cultivate and sustain supportive and collaborative relationships with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders to develop strategic partnerships, create and deliver programming, and provide fiscal oversight aligned with commitments to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The ED supervises and mentors a small remote Executive Office team, including an Executive Assistant, and coordinates the work of several professional consultants (e.g., accounting, financial planning, legal). They routinely collaborate with more than 40 volunteer leaders including the SWS Council, Committee Chairs, Group Directors, and other member‑leaders. Familiarity with academic and applied work settings is essential.

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## CORE AREA RESPONSIBILITIES

SWS member engagement is central to the organization’s identity and impact. While much work is accomplished through substantial volunteer labor, the ED anticipates, schedules, coordinates, and monitors all association activities. They ensure seamless processes across operations and programming, align activities with budget realities, and reinforce SWS’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

The ED offers bold, forward‑thinking ideas and leads transparent, collaborative processes to set priorities, communicate openly, and foster trust.

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## (50%) Strategic Planning & Executive Leadership
– Lead annual collaborative processes with SWS leadership to plan and set priorities.
– Develop mid/long‑term strategic vision and planning with SWS Council.
– Identify, cultivate, and sustain relationships with external organizations, NGOs, and government entities.
– Provide comprehensive fiscal management oversight.
– Lead long‑term financial planning with consultants and the SWS Investment Group.
– Ensure budget decisions align with strategic priorities and values.
– Develop and manage new revenue streams (partnerships, fundraising, donations, grants, fee‑based programming).
– Propose programs and initiatives that advance SWS’s purpose.
– Foster a supportive, collaborative, respectful environment aligned with the SWS Code of Ethics.
– Navigate professional challenges with courage and clarity.

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## (25%) Operations, Procedures, Financial Management & Communications

### Operations, Supervision, and Workflow
– Manage daily operations of SWS.
– Supervise and mentor the Executive Assistant.
– Coordinate and oversee professional consultants.
– Maintain and adapt workflows, policies, procedures, and processes.
– Regularly update operations manual documentation.

### Procedures, Compliance, and Digital Security
– Maintain comprehensive knowledge of SWS Bylaws, policies, and procedures.
– Maintain secure digital records and systems for privacy and confidentiality.
– Establish systems for identifying, organizing, and retaining records for archival transfer to the Schlesinger Library at Harvard University.
– Ensure compliance with financial policies, IRS requirements, grant funders, and accounting practices.

### Financial Processes and Oversight
– Monitor operating revenue and expenditures; ensure timely payment of bills.
– Develop annual operating budget with the Operating Budget Management Subgroup.
– Ensure transparent financial management through regular member communications.

### Communication
– Produce and oversee inclusive association communications (email, website, social media).
– Oversee website and Member Portal updates.

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## (25%) Volunteer Leadership Development & Programming Support

### Leadership Transition and Development
– Coordinate nominations, appointments, and elections for volunteer leadership roles.
– Plan leadership transitions and onboard new leaders.
– Identify and pursue professional development opportunities for volunteer leaders, including the Summer Leadership Retreat.

### Annual Conference and Leadership Retreat
– Negotiate and finalize contracts with conference and retreat sites.
– Collaborate on all aspects of annual conference planning.
– Develop and oversee the Winter Conference program and related materials (app, website).
– Collaborate with SWS Council on the summer leadership retreat agenda.

### Committee Programming and Initiatives
– Collaborate with committees to develop year‑round programming (virtual and in‑person).
– Ensure programs align with SWS values and achieve intended outcomes.
– Serve as primary contact for the *Gender & Society* editorial team and publisher (Sage).
– Oversee preparation of applicant files for SWS awards and facilitate committee review.
– Review and improve the awards cycle annually.
– Oversee administrative support for the Global Feminist Partner Program and The Natalie Allon Discrimination Defense Fund.

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## PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

### Minimum Qualifications
– Appreciation for SWS’s mission and demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.
– Master’s degree in a related field.
– Non‑profit and/or academic administrative leadership experience.
– Competence in independent judgment, executive decision‑making, discretion, and confidentiality.
– Strong budgeting and financial oversight skills; potential for fundraising and grant writing.
– Effective oral and written communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
– Experience creating and publicizing events and programs (virtual and/or in‑person).
– Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
– Evidence of success working with diverse populations.
– Ability to collaborate effectively within shared governance.
– Proficiency with digital tools (Google Workspace, Zoom, member management software).

### Preferred Qualifications
– Advanced degree (e.g., J.D., Ph.D.).
– Experience supervising remote staff.
– Demonstrated success in fundraising and securing external grants.

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## SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
– US domestic travel, including outside normal business hours.
– Successful background check.
– Must be eligible to work in the United States.

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## EOE STATEMENT
SWS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

SWS recognizes that individuals from structurally marginalized groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. If this role excites you and you believe you can contribute, you are encouraged to apply.

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## HOW TO APPLY
Prepare a single PDF including:
1. A cover letter addressing required responsibilities and demonstrating competencies.
2. A resume.
3. Contact information for three professional references (name, email, phone).

Submit the PDF via the online submissions form.

For full consideration, materials must be received by **5 PM PST on April 15, 2026**. Position remains open until filled.

**Questions:** Email the SWS Hiring Committee at **[email protected]**.
**More information:** Visit the SWS website at **sws.memberclicks.net**.