Executive Director - Society for Social Work and Research

Organizational Overview

The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), founded in 1994, is the premier academic and professional society for social work researchers. SSWR supports social workers, scholars, and students committed to advancing social work research and evidence-based practice that informs policy and improves lives.

With over 1,800 members and a flagship Annual Conference that draws more than 2,000 attendees, SSWR provides a vibrant intellectual community and professional home for social work researchers. SSWR is entering a new chapter, investing in leadership and infrastructure to support its next stage of strategic growth.

The Opportunity

SSWR is seeking its first full-time Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into a new era of professionalized management and strategic advancement. With a newly adopted strategic plan, strong financial stability, and an engaged Board of Directors, the next Executive Director will shape the organization's future in collaboration with a newly hired Association Management firm.

The Executive Director is the chief executive of SSWR and reports to the Board of Directors. The ED leads strategy execution, fosters partnerships, oversees member programming, and ensures operational and financial integrity in collaboration with the Association Management firm. This person will also have the support of the Director of Membership and Conference Planning.

The position is fully remote, with travel to Washington, DC, and additional travel to the Annual Conference and other convenings.

This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven leader who is passionate about advancing social work research and who thrives in a dynamic, relationship-centered, and intellectually rigorous environment.

Strategic Priorities

1. Operational Excellence - Build internal systems and staffing to ensure continuity, innovation, and growth
2. Membership Growth & Engagement - Strengthen the pipeline of scholars and practitioners and broaden engagement opportunities.
3. Research Capacity Building - Support scholars at all career stages and promote diverse research methods and dissemination pathways.
4. Communication & Publication Enhancement - Increase visibility and impact of social work research.

Want to know more? Visit SSWR's website at .

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and collaborative leadership aligned with SSWR's mission and strategic plan
• Serve as a trusted partner to the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance and strategic alignment
• Collaborate closely with the Association Management firm to oversee operations, finance, compliance, and membership support
• Lead planning and execution of the Annual Conference in partnership with volunteers and professional staff
• Represent SSWR externally and build relationships with funders, academic institutions, peer organizations, and global partners
• Lead fundraising strategy and diversify revenue streams beyond the Annual Conference

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring a mix of strategic vision, relationship-building skills, and operational expertise to lead SSWR into its next chapter. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who possess the following qualities and experiences:

Leadership & Strategy

• Demonstrated success in nonprofit leadership, association management, and/or academic/research-based organizations
• Experience managing strategic growth, partnerships, and high-level collaboration with Boards and stakeholders

Professional Background

• A graduate degree in social work or a related social science is preferred
• Experience in social work or social science research is desirable but may be balanced with other executive competencies (e.g., association leadership, systems-building, fundraising)
• Familiarity with the academic and professional landscape of social work is essential

Key Competencies

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strategic and systems thinking and i