Director of Scientific & Public Affairs

Lead the Future of Psychological Science

Director of Scientific & Public Affairs

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid Work Environment)
Organization: Association for Psychological Science (APS)

About APS

APS is a global, member-governed nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scientific psychology. Headquartered in Washington, DC, APS connects psychological scientists from all subfields to promote and advance psychological science for the benefit of science and society.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about advancing the frontiers of science? Do you thrive in collaborative environments and want to shape the future of psychological research and engagement? APS is seeking a visionary Director of Scientific & Public Affairs to lead initiatives that elevate psychological science globally.

In this high-impact role, you’ll work across programs and with APS members and volunteer leaders to infuse high-quality, vetted psychological science into APS programs. You’ll communicate scientific priorities to public policy decision-makers, design scientific programming, support member engagement, promote research from APS’s seven field-leading journals, and coordinate and conduct internal data analysis to help inform strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities

As Director, you will:

• Promote scientific research through public policy advocacy, recommend content for the APS online member magazine, and other communications.
• Contribute to scientific programming for APS’s Annual Convention and online events.
• Collaborate globally with members and other organizations to foster interdisciplinary and international engagement.
• Drive member engagement, especially among early-career psychological scientists, scientists from around the world, and those working outside of traditional academic roles.
• Think creatively about how to inform public policy decision-makers and engage APS members.
• Lead and mentor staff, including the Managing Editor for News, Scientific Content, and Observer, and the Scientific and Public Affairs Coordinator.
• Analyze internal data to inform program development and organizational strategy.
• Work closely with APS leadership to advance APS’s mission. Reporting to the COO, the director will work closely with the CEO and liaise with volunteer leaders.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to advancing psychological science. Ideal candidates will have:

• A Ph.D. in psychological science, with at least three years of professional experience in research, teaching, or science policy/communications.
• Experience contributing to and shaping state, federal, or international science policy.
• Demonstrated experience fostering and facilitating conversations among divergent perspectives is a plus.
• Broad interest in all psychological science subfields, with a passion for integrating and advancing all subfields.
• Experience with scientific program/project management.
• Appreciation for the history and culture of psychological science.
• Strong communication skills, especially for engaging with non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative and collegial spirit, with the ability to work across teams and with individuals with different operational responsibilities and perspectives.
• Experience supervising and leading professional staff.
• A global mindset and interest in fostering international collaboration.
• Professional work experience outside of a research lab is highly desirable.

Application Process

Ready to make a difference?
Please send your resume, cover letter, and a non-technical writing sample (under 750 words) to hr@psychologicalscience.org. Applications will be received and reviewed until the position is filled.

Additional Information

APS is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

This position is based in Washington, DC. APS offers a hybrid work environment.

APS offers a well-rounded benefits package that includes competitive salary (salary commensurate with experience; starting range $100,000-$110,000); medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) with generous match; 11 paid holidays; annual paid vacation, personal, and sick leave; and more.

This position requires some travel.