Description

For more than a century, the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) has been furthering research and building research capacity in the social sciences for the benefit of the public.  At a moment when the social sciences are ever more important, and with the Council in excellent financial health, the SSRC’s Board of Directors has launched the search for the Council’s new President, with an appointment expected to take effect in early 2026. The Board will prefer to appoint a chief executive who will lead the organization on a full-time basis, but is open to considering candidates who will commit to the role on a part-time basis (at least 50% basis). 

The President is the chief executive officer of the SSRC and is responsible for its organizational and fiscal health, and for setting, articulating, and implementing the SSRC’s strategy in collaboration with its Board of Directors. The President is the principal outside spokesperson for the SSRC. The President should be a distinguished social scientist, dedicated to scholarly, programmatic, and institutional innovation, and should possess a wide range of intellectual interests, an appreciation for different scholarly approaches, and the capacity to connect, collaborate, and facilitate exchange across diverse geographic, institutional, and intellectual boundaries.

The Board appreciates that each candidate will possess strengths in different measure. Nonetheless, the successful candidate will bring the following qualities to the role in substantial measure:

• The intellectual and creative stature and accomplishment appropriate to position SSRC as a catalyst and convener in the social sciences in and beyond the academy
• The capacity to lead through ideas and to champion the value of the social sciences in today’s complex environment
• Commitment to openness, transparency, and inclusion
• Constituency connections and cultivation to enhance SSRC as a network of networks, including internationally
• A record of successful fundraising from public and private sources
• A record of effective executive leadership

The full position description can be viewed here.

The President reports to the SSRC Board of Directors and typically serves a five-year term renewable upon mutual agreement after an external review during the fourth year.

Annual salary is commensurate with experience. The general salary range for this position is $450,000 - $550,000 annually, with compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and whether the position is structured as part-time or full-time. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, life, and gym reimbursement; annual tuition and/or student loan reimbursement and professional development funds; outstanding pension plan and tax savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and more.

The Social Science Research Council has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, Kenna Boyd, Partner, and Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Applications, inquiries, and nominations should be sent to [email protected].  Required application materials include a CV and letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the role. The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality. Finalist candidates should expect to complete a comprehensive reference-checking process managed by Opus Partners as well as a background check.

The Social Science Research Council is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, dedicated to equal employment opportunity and to cultivating and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. The SSRC maintains a policy of non-discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. All aspects of employment with the Council are made on the basis of competence, skill and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin/ancestry, ethnicity, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital or domestic partner status, medical conditions (including pregnancy and/or genetic information) or physical or mental disability, citizenship status or any other categories prohibited by law.