Executive Director

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an international nonprofit, professional association established in 1985 with 1750 members in more than 25 countries organized to develop and promote comprehensive, clinically-effective and empirically-based resources and responses to trauma and dissociation. The main focus of the Society is providing education to mental health clinicians, researchers and students in mental health disciplines through our education programs which include conferences, professional training program courses, webinars and our online learning center of recorded content.

ISSTD is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and mission-aligned Executive Director to lead our nonprofit professional association into its next phase of strategic development. This individual will serve as the chief staff officer, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission and fostering collaboration across stakeholders. This position is being filled following the planned transition of a long-serving chief staff officer who has led the organization for the past eight years, reflecting a period of stability and steady growth.

The Executive Director will be a skilled relationship-builder, a thoughtful decision-maker, and a creative problem-solver with demonstrated success in nonprofit operations, board governance, educational programming, and aligning financial management with strategic goals. This role works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and committees to deliver high-quality membership programs, and events that support the association's members and the broader professional community.

Location

This hybrid position will be based in our office in the Ballston area of Arlington, VA. Applicants must be based within driving distance of the office in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia. Initial training will be conducted primarily in our office, after which this position will be hybrid with an average of one day weekly in the office. Increased office hours may be required leading up to major conferences and events.

Travel
We anticipate that this position will require travel five to six times per year for conferences, trade shows, meetings, and planning. Travel will primarily be within the United States, but international travel may be required.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the President, Executive Committee and Board of Directors
• Support governance structures, committee work, and member engagement across the Society
• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute effective strategic plans
• Coordinate board and executive committee meetings, prepare consent agendas, and manage follow-up on action items
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, policies, and procedures
• Support the nominations and elections process including orientation of new board members
• Oversee organizational compliance with local, state, and federal laws; manage legal matters in coordination with legal counsel, including contracts, risk management, and nonprofit governance

Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Treasurer to manage monthly financials, annual budgets, and audits
• Manage cash flow and oversee day-to-day financial decisions
• Oversee relationship with third-party accounting and audit firms
• Identify opportunities for revenue generation through new programs or updates to existing programs
• Develop and lead implementation of annual fundraising plan for General Fund and four restricted funds

Staff and Organizational Management

• Oversee the hiring, evaluation, and termination of two full-time and contract staff
• Conduct annual staff performance reviews and determine salaries and bonuses in consultation with Society leadership
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven work culture

Education Program Development and Delivery

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for all education programs
• Manage CE accreditation, application, and compliance processes
• Oversee management of logistics of Annual Conference including city selection, contract negotiations, speaker contracts and vendor management

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Five or more years of experience in nonprofit associations with at least three years in executive or director level role
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business or other related areas
• Strong leadership and organizational management skills, including staff supervision and governance experience
• Financial acumen including budgeting, audits, and financial reporting
• Experience managing in-person, hybrid and virtual events
• Skilled in relationship-building with diverse stakeholders including volunteers, staff, vendors, and external partners
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex interpersonal dynamics with professionalism, empathy, and discretion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Able to problem-solve quickly and prioritize/manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Willingness to work a flexible, non-traditional schedule including nights and weekends as required
• Experience with Google suite, association management systems (YourMembership, Higher Logic), education and event platforms (EventRebels, Cadmium, EthosCE) and marketing automation systems (Feathr)

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience managing continuing education programs and accreditations
• Previous experience in a mental health association
• Experience working with international associations or events

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Benefits: We offer a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, professional development funds, and 401(k) without match.

Time Off: Two weeks (10 days) of flexible time off in the first year and increases starting in year three. The ISSTD office is closed three weeks each year (week following annual conference, week of July 4th and week between Christmas and New Years) and on all US federal holidays.

Employment Contract: Must sign an employment contract that outlines job description, performance reviews, resignation policy, termination policy, code of conduct and confidentiality.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.