Chief Executive Officer

AAALAC International seeks to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The role of CEO is a full-time position, reporting to the Chair of the Board of Directors. This is a site-based position, requiring working in-person in international locations. The applicant should be familiar with the role of AAALAC International as an accrediting body and with the issues of the care and use of animals in research, testing, and education. A veterinary medical degree or advanced degree in the life sciences is required. The projected start date is 30 September 2023 and, optimally, the incoming CEO will be available for orientation to the duties and responsibilities of the role beginning on 15 September 2023.

AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the welfare of animals in science and education through the accreditation of organizations meeting high standards of humane and responsible animal care and use. AAALAC offers the only international accreditation specifically for animal research and education programs. Currently approximately 1,100 programs in 50 countries/regions worldwide have earned AAALAC International accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use.

AAALAC International Chief Executive Officer

Position Description

The Chief Executive Officer serves as a full-time employee of AAALAC International with the overall responsibility of implementation of the policies and programs of the Board of Directors (Board). The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Chair of the Board.  This is a site-based role, requiring working in person in international locations.

Requisite Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the role of AAALAC International as an accrediting body and with the issues of the care and use of animals in research, testing and education. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, policies and guidelines pertaining to research animal care and use around the globe. Excellent communication skills.
• Extensive professional experience in leadership roles.
• Excellent managerial and financial skills; non-profit experience preferred. Strategic thinker; visionary. Experience working internationally. A veterinary medical degree or advanced degree in the life sciences is required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Executive Leadership of AAALAC International Lead AAALAC International in a manner that supports and guides the Mission as defined by the Board. Ensure ongoing program excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, communications, and systems. Ensure appropriate cybersecurity and risk management practices. Lead, coach, develop, and retain a high-performance senior management team and ensure a positive workplace climate.

Serve as Staff Liaison to the Board Communicate effectively with the Board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions. Ensure the Board of Directors Operations Manual, the Bylaws, and Business Continuity Portfolio reflect best practices and expectations. Prepare agenda items with necessary documentation for all Board, General Assembly, and Committee meetings. Ensure support for the Board Secretary in the preparation of minutes for all meetings of the Board and General Assembly. Oversee preparation of meeting minutes for all Board appointed committees. Support efforts to develop and maintain a strong Board; serve as ex officio member of each Board committee. Assist the Chair of the Board in the selection and recruitment of members for all Board appointed committees.  

Oversee Financial Management of AAALAC International Oversee the AAALAC International financial structure, ensuring adequate and sound funding for mission and goals. Assume responsibility for the fiscal integrity of AAALAC International. Review the financial results of all operations with respect to AAALAC International’s business objectives and take appropriate measures to correct unsatisfactory performance and results. Ensure AAALAC International’s assets (including records and financial data) are secure and protected from fraud or financial abuse. Serve as a voting member of the Audit & Finance Committee. Supervise the Chief Financial Officer.

Promote the Mission and Strategic Plan of AAALAC International Ensure effective implementation of AAALAC’s accreditation program in accordance with the mission. Direct implementation of strategic planning initiatives to ensure that AAALAC International can successfully fulfill the accreditation and education missions into the future. Remain knowledgeable of, and respond to, external factors that have the potential to negatively impact the reputation of AAALAC International. Supervise the Global Director.  

Oversee AAALAC International Operations Oversee internal operating policies. Direct staff, programs, and activities. Allocate appropriate resources, information systems, and modern data management infrastructure to ensure effective and reliable operations of all the AAALAC International offices. Ensure adequate and appropriate human resources services are available to employees of AAALAC International. Oversee AAALAC International commitments made and entered into through signed notes, agreements, and other instruments. Lead employment decisions at the executive level of AAALAC International, to include individuals responsible for daily management and oversight.  

AAALAC International Communications Ensure effective systems to track progress, and regularly evaluate program components, so as to measure successes or concerns that can be effectively communicated to the Board. Promote communication and cooperation among work groups to create a spirit of unity and inclusivity in all the AAALAC International Offices. Oversee communication plans so that effective, timely and accurate information is shared with AAALAC’s diverse stakeholders. Represent AAALAC at meetings pertaining to the care and use of research animals. Represent AAALAC with legislative, scientific, industry, and animal welfare organizations. AAALAC International is an equal opportunity employer. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference to Dr. Cynthia Pekow, Chair, Board of Directors, at CEOsearch@aaalac.org. To ensure consideration, please submit your application by 30 June 2023.