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Job Opportunity: Director of Science Affairs

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SRCD is hiring a Director of Science Affairs. Join our dynamic team or share if you know of any strong candidates.
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About the Organization:

The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) is a professional research society established in 1933 by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. SRCD is dedicated to serving as a respected source of scientific knowledge about human development and the application of this knowledge to policies and practices for improving human well-being. Its membership of more than 5,700 scientists is representative of the various disciplines and professions that contribute to the production and use of knowledge about child development, with members from academic institutions, research firms, professional services, government, and more.

Position Description:

The Director of Science Affairs will work closely with the Executive Director, Society Leadership, and membership of the Society to support SRCD’s core scientific mission, to advance developmental science and promote its use to improve human lives, and further its strategic goals.

Core duties of the position include oversight of the publication of the Society’s four journals, solicitation and review of proposals from SRCD members for various science-based initiatives including the special topics meetings and the small grants program, preparation of grant applications, management of externally funded grants, and building relationships with SRCD funders.

Alignment of activities with SRCD’s strategic plan is critical, including opportunities to build capacity and foster diversity, international, and interdisciplinary initiatives. The ideal applicant will have a vision for how best to support the membership’s research interests, will possess the motivation and insight to identify needs of the developmental science research community, and will have the knowledge and skill to develop initiatives that address those needs. The Director of Science Affairs will supervise a small team to support this work.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Oversee publication activities and other science dissemination work:
    • Manage SRCD’s journal publications program. Work with Publications Manager on special projects (e.g., editor transitions, reporting). Handle problems/issues (e.g., author/editor misconduct/errors).
    • Represent the society in negotiations and problem-solving with journal editors and the Society’s publisher, work closely with SRCD’s Publications Committee
    • Provide strategic leadership for securing the future of SRCD’s journals/publications, especially in the areas of open access and open science.
    • Work with publisher on new initiatives (e.g., marketing).
  • Provide scientific expertise and guidance to various communications:
    • Collaborate with communications team to be responsive to media and other developmental science inquiries.
    • Review journal-related press releases and other relevant materials.
  • Manage awards, grants, and other special projects that support research and member professional development:
    • Supervise Science staff to issue solicitations, convene and coordinate review committees, and communicate decisions regarding award nominations, special topics meetings, small grant programs, and other competitive applications.
    • Work with Governing Council and Committees to establish, review, and prioritize awards, grants, and residency.
    • Manage and organize Presidential, GC, and Committee-initiated projects (e.g., State of Science Reports, Scholar Development, Jacobs workshops).
    • Identify strategic initiatives to increase member engagement.
    • Solicit GC and Committee input/partnership.
  • Design programming to engage members:
    • Manage elements of biennial conference program (professional development and special project -related sessions)
    • Arrange off-year Special Topics Meetings: Develop solicitations and proposal review. Coordinate with Meetings team on program.
    • Identify opportunities for virtual education (webinars, workshops, leadership seminars)
  • Build Strategic Partnerships to Support the Mission of SRCD
    • Develop relationships with external funders and others to secure external funding.
    • Lead and/or co-develop grant proposals to support SRCD’s mission, goals, and future strategic directions.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a child development-related discipline
  • Significant experience with SRCD and its members: History of membership or at least meeting participation.
  • Experience in securing funding from funding agencies and/or foundations
  • 2+ years of project, program, or partnership management
  • Understanding of non-profit governance
  • Ability and willingness to travel to SRCD and sibling society meetings

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Service as a reviewing editor or other experience with publication of academic periodicals
  • Science Policy experience
  • Strategic planning and implementation experience
  • Experience in program innovation and evaluation

To apply, please send a resume/CV and cover letter to hr@srcd.org.

The Society for Research in Child Development is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.