ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The mission of the Psychonomic Society (“PS”) is to promote the communication of scientific research in cognitive psychology and allied sciences. It achieves this goal through two main mechanisms: (1) an annual meeting devoted to the presentation of scientific papers; and (2) the publication of scholarly journals in a variety of domains
relating to cognition.
The Society’s eight journals are highly influential venues for scientific communication. The PS Annual Meeting is a premiere venue for presenting the latest research in experimental psychology and is a highly regarded scientific meeting. The Society has a membership of over 4,000 researchers.
The Society is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of twelve members as well as a Secretary and Treasurer. The Society has 12 standing committees.
The Society is currently managed by The Rees Group, Inc. (TRG) based in Madison, WI.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FACING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Executive Director will capitalize on the Society’s successful 66-year history, shepherding the organization through this next phase of evolution. The Executive Director will provide the skilled and vibrant leadership necessary to drive the mission
and strategy of the Psychonomic Society, grow its programs, and enhance its influence in the field of cognitive psychology and sciences. They will work closely with the management group to achieve these goals. They will serve as the main contact for all inquiries from members of the public, press, and other interested parties. This position provides an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to work collaboratively with the Psychonomic Society’s leadership to advance scientific research in psychology.
The Executive Director will engage in the following opportunities and challenges in the
role:
Collaborate with the Governing Board members to articulate and implement our
vision for the future of the Society
The Executive Director will work closely with the Chair and Governing Board members in guiding the Psychonomic Society. They will actively engage and serve as thought-partner and facilitator to the board in advancing the organization’s mission and strategically aligning resources to most effectively fulfill the mission. Guided by the recent strategic plan, they will work transparently with board members on strategic and operational priorities, initiatives, and challenges.
Maintain strong working relationships with external partners
The Executive Director will also serve at times as a representative for the Society to external partners, including scientific organizations, academia, nonprofits, and other public and private partners. They will be expected to develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships that provide long-term benefits for the Society.
Provide operational leadership and prudent financial stewardship
The Executive Director will oversee the Society’s day-to-day operations and financial administration and ensure that resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with Governing Board–approved budgets, policies, and strategic priorities. They will identify critical needs and regularly report on those issues and the overall financial health and direction of the organization. The Executive Director will have demonstrated acumen in monitoring the annual budget and ensuring sound controls and investment strategy, with a focus on overseeing the Society’s financial
health.
Work with the Membership Committee to strengthen member engagement, retention, and continued success
The Executive Director will develop strategies to improve member engagement and retention, evaluate and enhance member benefits, and recommend new initiatives to support sustainable membership engagement. The Executive Director will work with the Governing Board to navigate an increasingly complex environment for science.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CANDIDATE
• Ability to work effectively with Governing Board and committees
• Ability to manage a productive relationship with the management company
• Strong relationship-building skills with external partners
• Proven experience with operational and financial oversight
• Demonstrated success in member engagement, retention, and growth
• Incorporation and prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Executive Director will be a dynamic individual who will build on the Society’s strengths, while identifying opportunities for membership and financial growth. The successful candidate will possess the vision and drive to lead the organization paired with the collaborative skills to leverage the considerable resources of the PS and its volunteers. While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:
• Prior experience in non-profit management
• A Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, or comparable experience in association or nonprofit leadership
• Keen understanding of current nonprofit management trends; familiarity with the structure and function of scientific membership organizations
• Proven track record in execution of strategic planning and moving from concept to implementation
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to understand, translate and adapt content for multiple audiences
• Aptitude to engage in strategic, creative, intellectual, conceptual and theoretical thinking and discourse
• Familiarity with the scientific process; ability to grasp technical subject matter quickly
• Exceptional personal initiative and follow-through, including supporting and motivating volunteers in attaining those goals
• An executive and professional presence that enhances the representation of the Society to a variety of constituencies
• Experience leveraging industry partners for conference engagement
• Previous experience in the psychological sciences or related disciplines
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS
Nominations and applications will be reviewed beginning Sept 10th, 2026. Applications can be submitted using this form and will include a single file containing a letter of interest and qualifications, as well as a resume or CV.
We believe that a diverse team makes us stronger. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and disability status can thrive and do their best work. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
If you have questions or wish to nominate a colleague for consideration, please email Marianne Lloyd, Psychonomic Society Secretary (marianne.lloyd@shu.edu).
Additional information about the Psychonomic Society can be found at: https://www.psychonomic.org/
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