Executive Director

The Opportunity

The American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) seeks a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Executive Director (ED) of one of the oldest and most respected scientific and professional associations dedicated to advancing the science and practice of clinical pharmacology.

This is a pivotal moment in ACCP's evolution. With a strong reputation, a committed volunteer leadership structure, a highly engaged Board of Regents, and a loyal membership base, ACCP is well positioned to build upon its strengths while pursuing new opportunities for growth, innovation, and global engagement.

As the field of clinical pharmacology continues to evolve through advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, precision medicine, quantitative sciences, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ACCP has an opportunity to further strengthen its position as the professional home for clinical pharmacologists and related professionals worldwide.

The next ED will build upon a strong strategic foundation while helping the organization modernize its engagement strategies, expand membership, enhance the member experience, increase global visibility, and strengthen ACCP's influence across academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and clinical practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who enjoys working closely with volunteer leadership, values collaboration, embraces innovation, and can translate strategic priorities into measurable organizational outcomes.

This position may be performed remotely within the United States, with preference for candidates located in the Eastern or Central time zones. Travel is expected to be up to 15%, to include meeting at least quarterly in person with staff, and for the board meetings and annual meetings.

About ACCP

The American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) is a premier global professional association dedicated to advancing clinical pharmacology to improve health outcomes and patient care. 

Founded on a commitment to scientific excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, ACCP advances the science and practice of clinical pharmacology through education, scientific exchange, professional development, and collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

ACCP members represent a diverse cross-section of the profession, including scientists and practitioners from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, healthcare organizations, and research institutions. Members hold a variety of professional credentials including PharmD, MD, PhD, MS, and related scientific, health care, and clinical degrees.

ACCP delivers value through:

• A highly regarded Annual Meeting featuring cutting-edge scientific programming and continuing professional education (CPE and CME)
• Educational and professional development programs supporting professionals at all career stages
• Premier scientific journals (JCP and CPDD) that advance knowledge and thought leadership
• Networking and collaboration opportunities across academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and healthcare organizations
• Strategic partnerships and collaboration that expand the reach and impact of clinical pharmacology globally

ACCP serves approximately 1,200 members worldwide and is supported by a dedicated staff team of approximately four professionals.

Organizational Context and Strategic Imperatives

Through extensive stakeholder engagement, several key themes emerged that will shape the next ED’s agenda.

Membership Growth and Retention

While ACCP maintains a strong reputation and loyal membership base, membership growth and retention remain important priorities.

Particular opportunities exist to strengthen engagement among early-career professionals, students, trainees, and international audiences while improving the conversion of Annual Meeting participants into long-term members. ACCP also seeks to further articulate and strengthen its value proposition in an increasingly competitive professional association landscape.

Modernization and Brand Positioning

Stakeholders consistently identified an opportunity to refresh and modernize ACCP's image while preserving the organization's highly valued culture and scientific rigor.

The next ED will help evaluate how ACCP engages members, delivers content, leverages technology, and communicates its unique value proposition in ways that resonate with both current and future generations of clinical pharmacologists.

Global Growth and Engagement

ACCP has significant opportunity to expand its international presence and influence.

The organization seeks to strengthen relationships with international societies, increase participation from professionals around the world, and ensure its programs, services, and membership experience are increasingly relevant to a global audience.

Evolving Scientific Landscape

Clinical pharmacology as an interdisciplinary field continues to evolve rapidly through advances in artificial intelligence, quantitative pharmacology, precision medicine, regulatory science, and related disciplines.

ACCP is uniquely positioned to help shape these conversations and ensure its members have access to the knowledge, education, and professional networks necessary to thrive in a changing environment.

Organizational Effectiveness and Operational Scale

As a lean organization supported by a small staff team, ACCP has an opportunity to strengthen operational efficiency, internal processes, knowledge sharing, and organizational scalability.

The next ED will help ensure that the organization continues to operate effectively while empowering staff, supporting volunteer leaders, and positioning ACCP for sustainable growth.

Preserving ACCP's Culture and Community

One of ACCP's greatest strengths is its reputation as a welcoming, collaborative, and highly collegial professional community.

Stakeholders consistently emphasized the importance of preserving this culture while pursuing innovation and growth. Future success will require thoughtful evolution that builds upon ACCP's strengths rather than replacing them.

The Executive Director Role

The ED serves as the organization's chief staff executive and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy execution, operations, and performance of ACCP.

Reporting to the President and Board of Regents, the ED serves as the primary steward of ACCP's mission, culture, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.

The ED partners closely with the Board oof Regents to translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives while ensuring organizational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and member value.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership/Governance

• Partner with the Board of Regents to execute ACCP's strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Translate strategic goals into operational plans, timelines, accountability structures, and measurable outcomes.
• Serve as principal advisor to the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Regents.
• Support effective governance practices and informed decision-making.
• Conduct regular assessments of progress against strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Foster transparent communication and strong collaboration between the leadership Board of Regents, and staff.
• Support future strategic planning efforts and long-range organizational visioning.

Financial Leadership and Organizational Sustainability

• Oversee ACCP's financial health, budgeting, forecasting, investments, and audit processes.
• Ensure sound fiscal stewardship and effective resource allocation.
• Evaluate opportunities for revenue growth and diversification.
• Monitor organizational performance through key financial and operational metrics.
• Support the development of sustainable business models that strengthen member value and organizational resilience.

Membership Growth and Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to increase membership growth, retention, and engagement.
• Strengthen ACCP's value proposition across career stages and professional sectors.
• Expand engagement among students, trainees, early-career professionals, and international members.
• Utilize data and member insights to inform organizational strategy and program development.
• Enhance member recruitment, onboarding, participation, and retention efforts.

Programs, Education, and Scientific Leadership

• Oversee ACCP's portfolio of educational programs, scientific initiatives, publications, and professional development offerings.
• Ensure the continued success and evolution of the Annual Meeting as a premier scientific and member engagement event.
• Explore innovative approaches to content delivery and professional education.
• Support the advancement of clinical pharmacology through thought leadership, scientific exchange, and collaboration.
• Ensure programs remain aligned with emerging trends and evolving member needs.

External Relations and Partnership Development

• Serve as the primary ambassador and public face of ACCP in coordination with the president.
• Strengthen relationships with academic institutions, industry partners, regulatory agencies, professional societies, and other stakeholders.
• Expand ACCP's visibility and influence within the clinical pharmacology community.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance organizational impact and reach.
• Represent ACCP at conferences, meetings, and public forums.

Organizational Leadership and Culture

• Lead, develop, and support a small, high-performing staff team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Empower staff through effective delegation, professional development, and clear communication.
• Strengthen operational processes, knowledge sharing, and organizational effectiveness.
• Build trust and alignment across staff, leadership, and membership.
• Ensure organizational resources and staffing structures support strategic priorities and future growth.

Required Skills, Experience, and Desired Qualifications

• Proven leader with 10+ years of experience in a CEO, Executive Director, COO or senior-level position within a professional association, scientific society, nonprofit organization, or similarly complex membership-based organization of comparable size and complexity.
• Demonstrated success working closely with boards of directors, leaders, and governance structures.
• Experience leading modernization, membership growth, engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and organizational planning.
• Experience overseeing conferences, educational programming, publications, and member-facing programs.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and external relationships.
• Experience leading and developing small, high-performing teams.
• Experience implementing organizational change and strategic growth initiatives.
• Familiarity with scientific, healthcare, medical, research, or related professional communities is preferred but not required.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is preferred but not required.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Personal Qualities and Competencies

• Strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution and measurable results.
• Collaborative leader who values partnership, consensus building, and stakeholder engagement.
• Open-minded and forward-thinking, with a willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new ideas.
• Visible, approachable, and relationship-oriented.
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Skilled communicator with strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Able to balance innovation with organizational continuity and stability.
• Effective at empowering staff and delegating responsibility.
• Data-informed and financially disciplined decision-maker.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic environment.
• A grounded, principled leader who is deeply committed to organizational success.
• Well- suited to serve as an approachable and credible representative of ACCP.

Measures of Success

First 12 Months

• Establish credibility and trust with leadership, staff, members, partners and key stakeholders.
• Gain a deep understanding of ACCP's culture, governance structure, membership, and strategic priorities.
• Successfully support and execute the Annual Meeting.
• Implement and strengthen organizational operations and staff alignment.
• Evaluate opportunities for membership growth, enhanced engagement, and operational efficiencies.

One to Three Years

• Demonstrate measurable growth in membership and member engagement.
• Improve membership retention across key demographic and career-stage segments.
• Strengthen ACCP's visibility and reputation within the global clinical pharmacology community.
• Expand international engagement and strategic partnerships.
• Successfully modernize aspects of ACCP's brand, member experience, and engagement model.
• Increase organizational effectiveness and operational scalability.
• Position ACCP for sustained growth, relevance, and long-term impact.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate. The base salary for this position will range between $175,000-$210,000.

To Apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and current resume (Microsoft Word® format preferred) here. The cover letter should outline how your experience fits the requirements of the position as this will be an important factor in considering your candidacy.

Sterling Martin Associates is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.