SMDM is seeking a senior health decision scientist to serve as its Executive Director. This role offers an opportunity to help shape the Society’s strategic direction and support its members, leadership, and broader professional community.
Position at a Glance
| Job Title | Executive Director |
| Reports to | President, SMDM |
| Location | Remote/hybrid |
| Engagement type | Independent contractor |
| Initial term | One to two years, with a formal evaluation at the end of the term and the possibility of renewal or revision |
| Compensation | Up to USD 40,000 per year in 2026, subject to final contract terms and the applicable NIH Executive Level II salary limitation |
| Application deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| How to apply | Submit materials to Beate Jahn, President, SMDM (beate.jahn@umit-tirol.at), with a copy to Ankur Pandya, President-Elect (anpandya@hsph.harvard.edu) |
This engagement is an independent-contractor arrangement. It does not establish an employer-employee relationship and does not include employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement or pension contributions, paid leave, or other fringe benefits.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as a primary point of coordination between the SMDM Board and Executive Committee, Society leadership, the external management company, committees, and the membership.
The Executive Director advances the Society’s strategic agenda; supports resource development and fundraising; cultivates relationships with peer societies, funders, and strategic partners; and facilitates effective governance and communication. The position supports the Board in fulfilling its strategic and fiduciary responsibilities and ensures timely follow-up on Board and committee decisions.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic priorities
The Executive Director will:
- Drive the development and implementation of SMDM’s strategic plans.
- Develop and implement, in partnership with the Development Committee and other key stakeholders, a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
- Work with the Membership Committee and other stakeholders to strengthen and grow membership through retention, recruitment, and engagement.
- Develop and oversee a strategy for philanthropic resources, including Hess Foundation funds, in support of SMDM’s strategic goals and the translation of methods and training into routine clinical practice.
Governance, operations, and external relations
The Executive Director will also:
- Provide operational and governance support to the Board and Executive Committee.
- Facilitate clear and timely communication among SMDM leadership, committees, volunteers, the external management company, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure appropriate follow-up on Board and committee decisions.
- Represent SMDM in interactions with external stakeholders, peer societies, funders, and strategic partners.
- Support Annual Meeting leadership and related Society activities.
- Support external relationships and communication between the Journal Editor and publisher.
- Help maintain effective governance by supporting compliance with SMDM’s bylaws and policies.
- Oversee the maintenance of governance records and support Board onboarding and education.
- Monitor Board terms, elections, and committee assignments.
- Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive matters.
Qualifications
Required qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A doctoral degree or equivalent, with at least 15 years of academic or research experience.
- Generally maintained consistent membership in SMDM over prior 6 years.
- A clear alignment with and commitment to SMDM’s mission, purpose, vision, and goals.
- Strong organizational and project-management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Preferred qualifications
The following experience is preferred:
- Experience working with professional societies, nonprofit organizations, or academic organizations.
- Familiarity with governance best practices and nonprofit compliance.
- Previous service on the SMDM Board or in an equivalent role within another professional society.
Working Conditions
The role may require:
- Occasional evening or weekend work in support of Board meetings and Society activities.
- Travel for Annual Meetings, Board retreats, or other Society events, as needed.
- This role requires an average commitment of 7-8 hours per week.
All applications will be handled confidentially. The search process will follow equal-opportunity principles and applicable employment requirements. Search Committee members will complete conflict-of-interest disclosures, and confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process.
How to Apply
To express interest in the Executive Director position, please submit the following materials:
- A letter of application, including a brief statement of motivation and goals for the role (maximum 250 words); and
- A current, full curriculum vitae.
Please submit your application to:
Beate Jahn President, SMDM (beate.jahn@umit-tirol.at), with a copy to
Ankur Pandya, President-Elect (anpandya@hsph.harvard.edu)
Application deadline: 1 November 2026
For questions about the position or application process, please contact info@smdm.org.