ACS Secretary

Unit Overview

The Society is composed of individual chemists and chemical engineers and professionals in related disciplines, who govern themselves through two representative bodies:  The Council, elected by the membership to represent Local Sections and Divisions, and the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors, also elected by the membership or their representatives, is the legal representative of the Society. The Office of the Secretary is responsible for supporting these governance units and their activities,

Position Summary

This position is responsible for all duties assigned by the ACS Governing Documents to the Secretary, as an officer of the Society, and for such other duties as are normally associated with the position of the corporate secretary of an organization.  The incumbent is statutory Secretary of the Board of Directors.  In this capacity they are responsible for providing staff support and assistance to the President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past President of the ACS, the Board of Directors, its Chair, its Executive Committee, the Council of the Society and its Council Policy Committee, Committee on Nominations & Elections and Committee on Committees in the discharge of their duties.  This position reports to the ACS Board of Directors through the CEO of ACS. The Secretary is responsible for assisting governance in the development of the long-term vision and strategic plan for the organization, as well as contingency plans. is the incumbent provides leadership to the operating units within the Division, including, government relations, and aspects of international engagement and partnerships. In sum, the position supports governance as it both develops and communicates Society policies.

Work Design:  Ensures the success of a major ACS business unit or function.  Has a significant impact on  ACS’s policies, vision and strategy.   Accountable for the organization’s policies.  Decisions are critical to ACS-wide long-term success.  Participates in the development of the vision of the organization.  Develops and implements strategies for functional areas to support the overall organization strategy.

Position Accountabilities

1. Responsible for providing the Secretarial function (including issue management and support) to the ACS Board and Executive Committee; and to Council and its Council Policy Committee, Committee on Nominations and Elections, and Committee on Committees. 
2. May provide leadership and direction to the government affairs function within the Society.
3. Oversees preparation of the Unit’s budget, and assures adherence to authorized budgets and to financial policy objectives set by the ACS CEO.
4. Participates in Society planning and policy development activities as a member of the executive leadership team.
5. Performs other duties as necessary for Governance and the Executive Director.

Education/Experience/Knowledge

B.S. degree or equivalent required;. 12+ years related administrative/management experience including the supervision of critical organizational functions.  Working knowledge of ACS governance structure and processes helpful.  Experience in preparation of agendas, motions, minutes, and the maintenance of official Society records.  Excellent interpersonal skills; excellent written and oral communications skills, including presentation skills. Ability to travel extensively including weekends and evenings.

How to Apply: Lochlin Partners has been retained for this search. Please send resume and cover letter to ACS@LochlinPartners.com in order to apply.  

Job Location:
This position is based in the Washington, DC offices of the American Chemical Society. ACS employees work a hybrid work schedule, consisting of working onsite, three days per week. ACS employees are in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday with the third in-office day scheduled in consultation with the manager. While always welcome to work in the office, employees may work the other two days of the week from a location of their choice. New employees are immediately eligible for this hybrid work arrangement. 

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