Chief Executive Officer

Client

Founded in 1955, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, is the premier global society focused on advancing emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, conferences, publications, continuing education, and professional development. Its mission is to partner with researchers, educators, and industry to advance light-based research and technologies for the betterment of the human condition. SPIE represents more than 26,000 members, employs a staff of 177, and operates a robust network in 166 countries worldwide.

SPIE has earned an exemplary reputation for hosting large, well-organized technical conferences and exhibits for the global optics and photonics community, including annual events in the United States, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Society publishes the SPIE Digital Library, containing more than 600,000 research papers from the Proceedings of SPIE and the Society's 16 scholarly journals with around 30,000 new publications added each year, and more than 550 eBooks from the SPIE Press catalog. The SPIE Press publishes print monographs, tutorial texts, Field Guides, and reference books. SPIE also publishes a wide variety of open access content.

The CEO has leadership responsibility for its core functions including such conferences and exhibitions, the publication of scientific journals and books, industry-focused programs, forums for interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, career development, advocacy, and community outreach.

The staff are passionate about the Society’s global mission and its reputation for excellence. Many have built long careers at the Society, and young professionals who have joined in recent years view it as a place worth investing in their futures. Against this backdrop, the new CEO will bring strong business acumen and passion to inspire the SPIE team, its volunteers, and its members to reach new potential. For more information, please view www.spie.org.

Position Overview

The CEO will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, SPIE staff and stakeholders to build upon the organization’s rich legacy and address the evolving trends in optics and photonics. The CEO will provide inspirational leadership and effective management of the organization and staff. At a summary level, the four key responsibilities are:

1. Set the overall vision and strategy of the organization and serve as a global ambassador for the organization.
2. Recruit, hire, motivate and retain the very best talent for the organization.
3. Create a high performance, collaborative culture built on empowerment and accountability.
4. Provide oversight for policy, budget, operations, and sustained financial health.

Key Duties

• Strategic Direction. Develops and implements strategic plans for SPIE responsive to Board direction, ensuring SPIE’s continued relevance and impact.
• Operational Direction. Leads the development and successful implementation of the organization's operational plans to ensure goals are achieved.
• Board Relations. Builds trust and maintains strong, collaborative, and transparent relationships and communications with the Board and its Executive Committee.
• Staff Leadership. Leads a professional team of approximately 200 staff members, who demonstrate a commitment to excellent member service and delivery of high-quality publishing, advocacy, programs and events. Attracts, inspires, and retains a strong, motivated staff while developing future leaders for SPIE.
• Public Policy. Identifies and prioritizes critical global public policy issues and positions impacting optics and photonics in conjunction with the Board, staff and relevant committees.
• External Relationships. Develops strong working relationships with a wide range of global constituencies, in the public and private sectors, to build and support collaborations and coalitions consistent with SPIE’s overall mission. Represents SPIE before key leaders, public groups, regulatory agencies, government policy makers, news organizations, and members of the business community.
• Membership Development. Ensures a clear membership value proposition by delivering relevant offerings, programs, and services, and positions the organization to attract and serve the next generation of members.
• Financial and Operational Oversight. Develops operational budgets, procedures, and other policies for Board approval and subsequent implementation. Applies strong business and financial acumen to identify growth opportunities and increase the Society’s revenues.
• Legal Oversight. Applies knowledge of the legal, regulatory, and policy requirements essential for transnational business activity to ensure ethical operation and compliance with all international, federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to SPIE.

Qualifications

SPIE seeks candidates of high integrity with the relevant experience, background and leadership competencies to advance the mission of the Society and foster a culture that exemplifies the values of the organization. Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of progressive senior-level professional leadership experience in an organization of comparable or larger size, complexity, and scope. Experience with a nonprofit professional society is highly desirable. The CEO will be a strategic, compelling and innovative leader who will advance priority objectives for continued growth. Specific experience and qualifications will include:

• A record of personal and professional conduct free of public disrepute or controversy.
• A strong commitment to advancing the mission and interests of the members of SPIE.
• Demonstrated understanding of SPIE’s organizational culture and the nuances of leading a nonprofit.
• Experience attracting, developing, motivating and retaining strong talent, and building and managing a high-performing team in a results-oriented and fast-paced environment.
• Strong Board relations skills, with a track record of leading the development and execution of a strategic plan in conjunction with a Board of Directors.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills, with the ability to forge and sustain relationships with members, staff, and public groups on a global scale.
• Ability to lead critical initiatives, strengthen current offerings, and pursue product diversification in a changing global environment.
• Ability to critically evaluate new opportunities and invest prudently in promising prospects for growth while understanding the associated risks.
• Strong organizational leadership experience that includes planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
• Demonstrated high-level international diplomacy skills, including humility, integrity, honesty, and cultural respect.
• Appreciation for the value of SPIE’s mix of academic and industry members, and the ability to ensure each has a compelling place and balanced opportunities for interaction.

Engaging interpersonal and communications skills, with experience serving as a spokesperson and advocate for an organization.

• An understanding of the optics and photonics industry and technologies with well-informed insights into broader science, technology and business influences.

Education
An advanced engineering, science, or technical degree, or equivalent experience in these fields. A PhD is valued but not required.

Location
Bellingham, WA

Travel
Significant domestic and international travel is required throughout the year.

Citizenship
Eligibility to work in the United States.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range is $450,000 to $600,000 per year commensurate with experience, education and skills with potential for an annual performance bonus and relocation assistance. A strong benefits package is also offered including Medical, Dental, Vision insurances, HSA, PTO, 403(b) contributions, 457(b) Plan.

How to Apply
Please submit a resume and letter of interest as a Word document to: [email protected]