ASA Is Hiring: RPA Director

Director of Research, Professional Development, and Academic Affairs
American Sociological Association

Are you committed to advancing sociology as a science and profession?  Would you enjoy conceptualizing and organizing professional development opportunities for sociologists in all sectors, conducting research on the discipline, and supporting sociology departments?  Are you good at working collaboratively with teams to develop and implement programmatic initiatives?  Are you a detail oriented, effective, and experienced leader who is ready to embark on a new challenge in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?  If so, the American Sociological Association (ASA) invites you to apply to become the Director of Research, Professional Development, and Academic Affairs.

ASA has a membership of over 11,000 sociologists who are scholars, teachers, and practitioners.  Among many other activities, ASA publishes 14 journals and offers a large annual meeting.  ASA’s office is in Washington, DC.

Essential Functions:

• Identify new and innovative opportunities for the association to support the teaching, research, practice, and professional development of sociologists; develop and implement a strategic portfolio of relevant initiatives.  
• Oversee the strategic direction and management of the Department Affiliates Program, the Program Reviewers and Consultants group, the High School Program, ASA’s webinar series, TRAILS, the Howery Teaching Enhancement Fund and the Annual Meeting Travel Fund.
• Oversee the association’s portfolio of research about the discipline and lead organizational research efforts.
• Liaise with relevant membership committees and task forces.
• Manage relevant website content.
• Work with the Communications Department to develop and distribute information regarding research on the discipline, professional development, and academic affairs through channels such as newsletters and social media.
• Manage a substantial departmental operating budget.
• Respond to relevant requests for assistance from members and staff.
• Serve as a member of the staff leadership team and the team of staff sociologists and manage additional responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Director.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Deputy Director; Supervises three Research, Professional Development, and Academic Affairs department staff members: the Assistant Director, Senior Research Associate, and Assistant.

Job Classification: Exempt

Preferred Qualifications: It is important to note that these qualifications are preferred.  We recognize that there are several professional profiles that could be well suited to this position.  Should your profile vary in some ways from the qualifications listed and you think you can be successful in this endeavor, please do not hesitate to apply.  Additionally, this position could be filled on an ongoing employment basis or as a two-year temporary position.

• PhD in sociology or closely related discipline.
• A commitment to serving the discipline by supporting sociologists in teaching and learning, research, practice, and professional development across the broad range of employment sectors and institution types where they are employed.
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and administrative abilities. 
• Exemplary writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and move forward on simultaneous initiatives across a broad portfolio.
• Maturity and organizational savvy; ability to work independently and in collaboration with teams; excellent interpersonal skills.

Compensation: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.  A full benefits package is provided to all ASA staff members.

To apply: Please submit a substantive cover letter and a resume to Margaret Weigers Vitullo, ASA Deputy Director, at mvitullo@asanet.org. Your letter should indicate if you are applying for an ongoing position or a two-year temporary post.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

ASA is an equal opportunity employer.