What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at The American Ceramic Society?
Company Description
The American Ceramic Society (ACerS), founded in 1898, is the premier global professional organization for ceramic and materials scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, educators, and students. With over 11,000 members from more than 70 countries. The Society is dedicated to serving the needs of the global ceramic and glass engineering and science community. Visit www.ceramics.org to explore the comprehensive range of resources ACerS offers.
The Society comprises three business units:
1. ACerS is the leading international professional membership organization for ceramic and glass scientists, engineers, manufacturers, educators, and students. ACerS publishes journals and periodicals; organizes meetings and exhibitions; offers educational courses; and disseminates technical information through web (ceramics.org) and print outlets. The Society serves over 9,000 members from more than 70 countries.
2. The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) (foundation.ceramics.org) is the fundraising and outreach subsidiary of ACerS. CGIF was established in 2014 to ensure that the global ceramic and glass industry can attract, train and support the highest quality talent available to work with this unique class of engineered materials.
3. Ceramic Arts Network (CAN) is a business unit that serves the informational, educational, and professional needs of more than 20,000 subscribers who are part of the ceramic arts community. CAN publishes Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated magazines, the Ceramic Arts Network website (ceramicartsnetwork.org), and operates the International Ceramic Artists Network membership organization.
Responsibilities
In addition to strong business and financial management skills, key roles for the executive director include:
- growing the Society’s revenues, net assets, and ability to serve the global ceramics and glass community;
- advocating for the importance of ceramic materials and disciplines and ensuring that the Society remains the worldwide hub for ceramics;
- enhancing ACerS’ collegial and collaborative culture;
- identifying and negotiating new business opportunities and collaborative arrangements;
- working effectively with volunteer leaders to ensure that products, programs and services are developed that meet the needs of the global ceramics and glass community;
- developing innovative individual and corporate membership offerings;
- generating enthusiasm among and for the membership as well as the worldwide ceramics community.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be a person of unquestionable integrity with a direct and open style who is a recognized leader in their current position. Demonstrated success in managing an association, or a complex, information-based, organization is required. Experience in technical and/or scholarly publishing and conference management is a great asset, and an understanding and appreciation of technology and its benefits are essential. A bachelor’s degree and 10 years senior leadership experience are required, and a Masters (or Ph.D.) is preferred.
Location
We seek a candidate who resides in Columbus, someone within a three-hours driving distance of Columbus, or someone willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio.
Apply
Application submission deadline is April 17, 2026. Please submit a resume plus a detailed statement of interest that demonstrates motivation, understanding of ACerS, and alignment with its mission to ExecutiveDirectorSearch@ceramics.org. In addition, please submit your salary expectations.
Selected applicants will be contacted by mid-June, regarding further steps in the selection process.
The current Executive Director, Officers and Staff will neither accept nor respond to direct inquiries about the search.