SETAC Europe Executive Director – Call for Applicants 2025
Are you passionate about the environment and keen to make a difference by improving environmental quality through science?
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) is a global not-for-profit professional scientific society dedicated to advancing environmental science and science-informed decision-making. SETAC has geographic units in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America. SETAC Europe is seeking a dynamic Executive Director (Chief Executive Officer) to enable SETAC Europe’s members to advance the mission of SETAC.
SETAC Offers:
- An exciting and challenging working environment in a respected organization with a high international profile
- The support of a talented international pool of staff and volunteers, who will enthusiastically work with the successful candidate
- A flexible work environment
Position:
The SETAC Europe Executive Director serves the society in both an ambassadorial and executive role. Additionally, the Executive Director works collaboratively with the SETAC Global Executive Director and other unit directors to support the overall mission of the society.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Strategic: Partner with the Board of Directors on defining the strategic direction of the society
- Program Management: Manage programs including meetings, workshops, stakeholder fora and strategic development for the benefit of SETAC Europe member
- Legal Compliance: Ensure compliance with all European and Belgian laws
- Financial Management: Manage the finances of the society consistent with the annual budget established by the SETAC Europe Board of Directors
- Staff Administration: Hire, manage and motivate staff
- Development and Community Relations: Build connections with the community and collaborate with other relevant societies and organizations to advance the mission
- Governance Development and Support: Support the sustainability of a strong Board of Directors focused on the mission of the association
See the Job Description for further details.
Essential Qualifications:
Education and experience: Master’s or advanced professional degree in a related field, such as environmental science, policy, non-profit management or business administration; minimum of 10 years of leadership experience.
Organizational leadership: Demonstrated understanding of not-for-profit organizations and the workings of professional societies, preferably scientific societies, and a demonstrated ability to implement a strategic plan.
Supervisory skills: Excellent staff development and leadership skills.
Project management: Proven track record as a program and project manager; discipline to set clear priorities, delegate effectively, and meet or exceed goals in varied and multi-cultural settings.
Business development: Solid financial and administrative management skills, including contract negotiation; creativity and vision with regards to sponsorship development.
Interpersonal leadership: Ability to foster the talents of SETAC Europe staff, Board of Directors and members, and to draw upon their professional and culturally diverse backgrounds to strengthen the organization and enhance its culture.
Communication skills: Strong writing and public speaking skills. Proficiency in English (C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Experience in communicating science to both scientific and non-scientific audiences is welcomed.
Citizenship of a European country is preferred.
Working Conditions:
This is a part-time position (~60%) with flexible working hours.
The Executive Director can work remotely from any European country with the caveat that staff (including the Executive Director) are expected to be present in the Brussels office one day a week. Some global travel will be required, typically 3 weeks per year.
The start date foreseen is between March and May 2026.
Salary and Benefits:
Remuneration will be commensurate with agreed level of effort, experience, and adjusted for local cost of living. Benefits are negotiable.
Application Process:
Please send your application to the HR Department ([email protected]) referencing SETAC Europe Executive Director. Please include a cover letter explaining your motivation for applying and a CV.
Should you wish to discuss the role, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee in the first instance (Iseult Lynch, [email protected]).
Deadline for Application:
5 September 2025
Timeline for Interviews:
Candidates will be informed whether or not they have been shortlisted for an interview by 29 September 2025. Interviews will be conducted online (virtually) in the week commencing 13 October 2025, with a follow-up in-person interview with the Search Committee Chairs and SETAC Europe office staff in Brussels prior to formal offer.