SETAC Europe Executive Director

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Hours
24 hours per week

Start date
March/May 2026

About the Organisation

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.

About the role

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. The ED shall report to the Board of Directors of SETAC Europe. The ED has both ambassadorial and administrative roles and is responsible for the operation and sound fiscal management of SETAC Europe (as part of the global SETAC organization).

The ED is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of SETAC Europe in alignment with global SETAC strategic priorities. Other key duties include the development and management of membership and partnerships, financial responsibility, and outreach. The position reports directly to governance, the SETAC Europe Board of Directors. 

Responsibilities

Program Development: 

• Together with the governance, implement the strategic plan for SETAC Europe. 
• Identify opportunities for SETAC Europe to advance its mission and develop programs around these, and develop processes to enable SETAC Europe to bid for relevant European funding and tenders effectively. 
• Create annual plans that reflect the strategic goals of SETAC Europe (and the society overall) and advance the mission with objective benchmarks and clear time and financial commitments. 
• Provide leadership when developing programs and organizational plans, review and manage issues and risks, and monitor and report progress to governance. 
• Ensure program policies and procedures are current and serve to enhance SETAC Europe members’ engagement with the society. 
• Manage programs of SETAC Europe (such as meetings, workshops, awards, grants, projects) in line with strategic directions and within budgetary limits as set by governance. 

Legal Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with European, Belgian, and local regulations and reporting requirements in all aspects, including non-profit status, finance, and human resources management. Maintain official records and documents.

Financial Management:

• Manage the finances of the society consistently with the budget established by the Board of Directors. 
• Maintain official financial records and documents to ensure compliance with European, Belgian, and local regulations and reporting requirements. 
• Ensure funds are disbursed in accordance with contract requirements and donor designations. 
• Meet revenue goals to ensure adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work. 
• Establish positive relationships with supporters. 
• Identify grant or tender opportunities related to the SETAC Europe mission (training, networking, environmental science facilitation, etc.), and where appropriate, lead and support the tender proposal team, and ensure that reports on SETAC Europe activities are filed as required.

Administration:

• Hire, manage, motivate, reward, and dismiss staff, as needed, to maintain operations. 
• Manage staff responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of SETAC Europe by setting staff development and education priorities, along with professional goals, and conducting regular performance evaluations. 
• Ensure compliance with personnel policies and European regulations on workplaces and employment. 
• Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff. 
• Implement a continuity of operations plan and revisit it in January of each year. 
• Ensure that Employment Policies are clearly communicated to staff work hours, holidays, office presence, and that this information is kept up to date.

Development and Community Relationships:

• Promote and uphold SETAC’s vision, mission, principles, and values across programs and operations.   
• Serve as spokesperson and advocate for SETAC Europe, and represent programs and values to agencies, organizations, members, and potential members. 
• Direct the development and nurturing of relationships with sponsors, supporters, and collaborators. 
• Oversee the building of connections and nurturing of collaborations, internally (e.g., interest groups) and externally (e.g., other like-minded societies and organizations), to drive collaboration on advancing environmental sciences and science-based decision-making. 
• Endeavor to protect society’s scientific integrity and reputation.

Governance Development and Relations: 

• Sustain the governance body for SETAC Europe. Support governance member nominations and elections. 
• Develop and maintain onboarding materials for governance. 
• Provide support to the governance body and its committees by planning meetings and providing reports. 
• Support governance to make policy-related decisions that effectively guide operational activities.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Essential Qualifications:                                                                                              

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience.
• 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.
• Excellent staff development and leadership skills.
• 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.
• Solid financial and administrative management skills, including contract negotiation; creativity and vision with regard to sponsorship development.
• 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.
• 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 welcome.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or advanced professional degree in a related field, such as environmental science, policy, non-profit management, or business administration

Compensation & Benefits

• An exciting and challenging working environment in a respected organization with a high international profile
• Support of a talented international pool of staff and volunteers, who will enthusiastically work with the successful candidate
• Flexible work environment

Conditions of employment

• You need to be eligible to work in the EU

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Brussels office and remotely
• Some global travel will be required, typically 3 weeks per year

How to apply

• Please send your application to the HR Department at [email protected] referencing the 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 at [email protected].

Interviews

• Candidates will be informed shortlisted for an interview by 29th September 2025. Interviews will be conducted online (virtually) in the week commencing 13th 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.

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