Chief Executive Officer

Employer: American Astronomical Society

Location: Washington D.C.

Salary: $400,000- $450,000. Based on the candidates skill's, experience, and qualifications.

Closing date: Jul 19, 2026

Discipline: Physical Sciences, Astronomy/Astrophysics

Position Type: Full Time

Job Type: President/CEO/Director/VP

Organization Type: Non-Profit

Job Details

Founded in 1899, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is the leading professional organization for astronomers and astrophysicists in North America, dedicated to advancing the discovery and understanding of the universe. With a membership of roughly 9,000 individuals, the Society brings together researchers, educators, students, science professionals, and amateur enthusiasts from across astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and closely related disciplines, as well as colleagues in fields such as physics, mathematics, geology, and engineering.

Central to the AAS mission is supporting the professional lives of astronomers at every career stage. The Society organizes a well-defined annual cycle of scientific meetings and conferences that serves as the primary convening platforms for the field. This includes both a winter meeting, held annually and representing the largest gathering of astronomers worldwide, as well as a summer meeting that offers a more focused forum featuring lengthy oral sessions on specific topics. Together with a robust series of topical conferences organized in partnership with the Society’s scientific divisions, these meetings provide essential opportunities for sharing new research, building collaborations, and engaging in dialogue around emerging challenges and opportunities facing the astronomical sciences. Complementing this convening role, AAS provides a broader suite of professional and workforce support services, including the AAS Job Register, professional skills workshops, and targeted programming designed to support career development across academic, industry, and nonacademic pathways.

The AAS also publishes many of the field’s most influential peer-reviewed journals and community resources, including The Astronomical Journal, The Astrophysical Journal, The Astrophysical Journal Letters, The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, The Planetary Science Journal, and Research Notes of the AAS, and has transitioned its journals program to a fully open-access model with support mechanisms to promote equitable participation in scholarly publishing. Separately, the AAS owns and publishes Sky & Telescope, a flagship magazine serving amateur astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.

Additionally, as the field’s principal advocate to the federal government, the AAS maintains a sustained and influential public policy program. The AAS engages Congress and federal agencies on issues affecting astronomical research, education, and the scientific workforce, with a particular focus on research funding, science policy, and the responsible use and protection of the space environment. Through direct advocacy, congressional briefings, coalition partnerships, and structured opportunities for member participation, the Society aims to amplify the voice of the astronomical community and helps shape policy decisions critical to the long-term vitality of the field. In parallel, the AAS connects members and partners to education and public engagement efforts, serving as a conduit for coordinated community action that advances teaching and scientific literacy, broadens participation in astronomy and astrophysics, and strengthens connections between research and the public.

Together, these activities position the AAS as the central institution shaping the scientific, professional, and policy landscape of the astronomical sciences. Deeply member-oriented by design, the Society’s work is guided by a significant volunteer structure, including elected leaders, divisions, committees, and working groups, which reflect the breadth of the community and extend the AAS’s reach well beyond its staff. Through its convenings, publications, career resources, and advocacy, the AAS seeks to influence the culture of astronomy, domestically and internationally, ensuring the field is well-positioned to address future challenges.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

As a nonprofit, nonpartisan scientific society, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is headquartered in Washington, DC with an office in Cambridge, MA. The Society is supported by a professional staff of forty-six employees. In 2025, the AAS reported overall revenues of approximately $23.4M, with an annual operating budget of $20.5M. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and the Strategic Assembly, a leadership body responsible for setting the Society’s long-term strategy. The Board of Trustees is led by President Dr. Dara Norman and President-Elect, Dr. Marcel Agüero.

Amid a period of rapid change across the scientific and research enterprise, the AAS seeks a strategic,mission-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to serve as an inspiring advocate for the discipline, the Society, and its members, ensuring that the astronomical field is effectively championed within an increasingly complex research, education, and policy environment. Partnering closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will help shape and advance the Society’s vision, develop organizational strategy, and support the public policy structure in a way that strengthens the field while elevating the AAS’s visibility and impact – particularly through its leadership in education and public engagement and its ability to connect these efforts to foster community-wide action. The CEO will supervise, coordinate, and direct the activities, programs, and staff of the AAS—including all financial, administrative, and programmatic operations such as meetings, publications, educational and member services, and partnerships. The CEO will also serve as a key spokesperson to members, policymakers, funders, media, and allied organizations.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Direct reports:

• Deputy CEO and Director of External Affairs and Public Policy
• Chief Financial and Operating Officer
• Director of Human Resources and DEI Director of Scholarly Publishing AAS Journals Editor-in-Chief Various other Program Directors

Other key relationships: Current and prospective members, including AAS Division leadership; AAS publishing partner (currently IOP Publishing) Related academic and research institutions; Partner scientific societies and related organizations International authors, researchers, and institutional partners Relevant policymakers and government agencies

DESIRED OUTCOMES

Maintain the Society’s reputation as the leading professional society for astronomy and astrophysics, and as a trusted thought leader advancing scientific discovery, research integrity, education, and professional growth across the astronomical community. Partner with Board leadership and the Strategic Assembly to help guide the Society’s vision and priorities, anticipating and responding to evolving organizational needs and advancing short- and long-term goals. Ensure the AAS continues to have a strong public voice and external presence by advocating effectively for federal science funding, research infrastructure, education, and policies that support astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields. Strengthen and expand the Society’s programs, services, and convenings, including scientific meetings, publications, and career development initiatives, to support astronomers at all career stages and advance excellence in research and education. Advance the Society’s publications enterprise by ensuring effective oversight of AAS publications and its partnership with IOP Publishing. Remain actively engaged with the broader STEM publishing community to stay ahead of evolving trends related to policy and sustainability. Ensure the Society’s offerings reflect the priorities of members across the career spectrum, including, early-career astronomers and astrophysicists, senior and emeritus leaders, and dedicated amateur astronomers by strengthening pathways for engagement, mentorship, professional development, recognition, and service. Translate strategic direction from the Board, Strategic Assembly, and committees into clear priorities, accountable workplans, and consistent follow-through, ensuring decisions are implemented, progress is tracked, and updates are communicated transparently. Increase engagement, retention, and growth of the membership by staying attuned to evolving member needs and broader membership trends across peer scientific societies. Collaborate effectively with allied scientific societies, educational institutions, observatories, publishers, and industry partners to advance the Society’s mission. Advance a holistic approach to programmatic and financial sustainability by strengthening and diversifying revenue streams through innovative programs, products, publications, educational offerings, meetings, and services that deliver clear and lasting value to members. Strengthen fundraising and philanthropic efforts to advance the Society’s mission and strategic priorities. Build, support, and retain a highly skilled and mission-driven staff who are committed to advancing the AAS’s strategic priorities and serving the needs of the astronomy and astrophysics community.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• Senior Executive Leadership Experience
  Demonstrated senior-level leadership with responsibility for organizational strategy, operations, and financial stewardship, including direct leadership of a team and budget of complexity and scale.
  A proven track record of success delivering measurable outcomes, leading organizational change, and sustaining long-term financial health across complex, multi-stakeholder environments with diverse revenue streams.
• Experienced Communicator and Public Spokesperson
  Experience serving as a visible spokesperson and advocate, with the ability to clearly and persuasively represent the interests of the astronomical community to diverse audiences, including policymakers, funders, trustees, members, staff, allied scientific organizations, the media, and the broader public.
• Research Enterprise Expertise
  A strong understanding of the higher education and scientific research ecosystem, including the challenges facing universities, research institutions, observatories, and federally funded science programs, and the role professional societies play in advancing scholarship, education, and workforce development.
• Collaborative Governance
  Experience collaborating with boards, advisory committees, councils, or similar bodies, through senior leadership roles, committee leadership, or service, to foster shared understanding around strategy, governance, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.
• Academic and Professional Qualifications
  An advanced degree in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a related scientific field is preferred; at minimum, a demonstrated ability to learn the nuances of new communities and build credibility within them.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

• Acting Strategically
  Partners with the Board to advance a clear and compelling vision for the AAS, strengthening its leadership role in astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science, while positioning the Society to meet the evolving needs of the scientific and higher education research ecosystem.
  Converts strategic priorities into focused, executable initiatives that strengthen member value across the AAS’s scientific, professional, policy, and public engagement functions, including meetings, publications, career development, education, media, and external advocacy.
  Safeguards the Society’s long-term financial health by balancing mission-driven investments with disciplined stewardship, diversifying revenue, and aligning staff and organizational resources to strategic goals.
  Stays ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities for the astronomical community—such as funding for members, workforce development, research infrastructure, and technological change—and partners with the Board to adapt strategy and programs accordingly.
• Collaborating and Influencing
  Articulates the importance and impact of astronomy and astrophysics with authority and enthusiasm, positioning the American Astronomical Society as a respected and persuasive voice with members, policymakers, federal agencies, partner organizations, funders, and the broader public. Quickly establishes credibility and rapport within the AAS community, fostering strong relationships with scientists, educators, students, and professionals across career levels, disciplines, and institutional settings. Engages across a range of external partners, strengthening alliances with scientific and professional societies, research institutions, observatories, publishers, and other stakeholders to advance common objectives. Approaches partnerships with curiosity and attentiveness, actively soliciting and valuing input from members, the Board of Trustees, the Strategic Assembly, staff, and external collaborators to inform sound decision-making and enhance the Society’s effectiveness.
• Leading People
  Clearly articulate the AAS’s long-term direction and priorities, developed in partnership with the Board of Trustees and Strategic Assembly, to staff and other stakeholders, and work collaboratively across the organization to align efforts and determine the best path forward. Empowers leadership and staff by setting clear strategic expectations, distributing responsibility thoughtfully, and encouraging individuals and teams to contribute their expertise while supporting ongoing professional growth and development. Cultivates an organizational culture grounded in mutual respect, accountability, and inclusion, ensuring that the AAS’s internal operations and member-facing activities are consistent with the Society’s values and programmatic commitments. Inspires and motivates teams to deliver high-quality results, fostering engagement, shared purpose, and a sense of ownership in advancing the Society’s mission. Establishes clear benchmarks and uses data to assess progress, promoting transparency, learning, and continuous improvement across the organization.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Intellectual curiosity and appreciation for scientific inquiry. Integrity and credibility, demonstrated through consistent ethical leadership, honesty, and transparency.
• Exercises sound judgment, upholds high standards of accountability, and earns trust among staff, volunteers, partners, and governing bodies.
• Deep commitment to the mission of the AAS and its vibrant and engaged community. High emotional intelligence and a collaborative, collegial leadership style.

COMPENSATION

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $400,000 to $450,000. Actual compensation will be dependent on the individual’s skills, experience, and qualifications.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

If you wish to submit application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next CEO of the American Astronomical Society, please email: AASCEO@SpencerStuart.com.