Managing Director

European Association of Research Managers and Administrators

Length of contract
5 year

About the Organisation

European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) is the leading professional association supporting research management and administration (RMA) across Europe and beyond. EARMA’s vision is to be a diverse, resilient community that enables excellent research through professional development, best-practice sharing, and advocacy. Its mission is to empower and unite RMAs by fostering collaboration, enabling career development, and influencing policy to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem. 

About the role

EARMA (The European Association of Research Managers and Administrators) is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as Managing Director, providing strategic direction, organisational leadership, team management, and external representation during a pivotal period for the research management and administration profession. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and influential European association at the forefront of strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem.

The successful candidate will shape and deliver EARMA’s strategic ambitions, elevate the profession's recognition, and drive meaningful impact for a diverse and growing international community. The Managing Director provides strategic, operational, and external leadership for EARMA, ensuring the successful delivery and implementation of the EARMA Strategy. The role is responsible for translating EARMA’s strategic priorities into impactful programmes, partnerships, and services that:

• Strengthen community engagement
• Advance professional development
• Drive recognition and advocacy for the RMA profession

The Managing Director leads the organisation, represents the association at European and international levels, and ensures sustainable growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Implementation:

• Lead and deliver the EARMA Strategy, ensuring measurable progress against its goals.
• Translate strategic priorities into annual operational plans, programmes, and KPIs.
• Ensure EARMA remains agile, innovative, and responsive to changes in the research and innovation landscape.
• Align all activities with EARMA’s mission to support research excellence and professionalisation.

Community Engagement and Member Value:

• Place members at the centre of EARMA’s activities, strengthening engagement, participation, and satisfaction.
• Expand services, networks, and events to foster an inclusive, diverse, and connected RMA community.
• Promote collaboration, peer learning, and best practice sharing across Europe and beyond.

Professional Development and Capacity Building:

• Oversee and grow EARMA’s professional development portfolio, including the EARMA Academy.
• Ensure high-quality, accessible learning opportunities across all career stages.
• Promote standards, mentoring, and innovative learning delivery models.

Advocacy, Policy, and External Representation:

• Together with the EARMA Board, represent EARMA as the leading voice of the RMA profession at European and international levels.
• Engage with EU institutions, national bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Drive recognition of RMAs as essential partners in the research and innovation ecosystem.
• Monitor and influence policy developments impacting research management.

Partnerships and Ecosystem Development:

• Build and maintain strategic alliances with universities, research organisations, funders, and networks.
• Strengthen EARMA’s role as a key stakeholder in the European R&I ecosystem.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact.

Organisational Leadership and Culture:

• Lead, inspire, and develop the EARMA office, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Promote inclusivity, diversity, and professional growth within the organisation.
• Ensure effective coordination across programmes, committees, and stakeholders.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance:

• Support the Board in governance and strategic oversight.
• Ensure full compliance with legal, financial, employment and regulatory requirements.
• Embed risk management and accountability frameworks across the organisation.

Financial Sustainability and Growth:

• Ensure sound financial management and long-term sustainability.
• Lead budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Identify new revenue streams, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

Operations and Innovation:

• Oversee efficient and effective delivery of all EARMA activities, including events and projects.
• Modernise systems, processes, and digital tools to improve member services.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all operations.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Priority Criteria:

• Senior leadership experience (minimum 5 years) in a European or international organisation, with accountability for performance and impact.
• Experience working with Boards and governance structures to support effective oversight and decision-making.
• Proven track record of strategy implementation, translating strategic priorities into delivery, measurable outcomes, and organisational impact.
• Extensive senior-level experience working in the research and innovation ecosystem, including higher education, funding, policy, and research management.
• Member and community-focused leadership, with experience delivering high-value, engagement-driven services and building active, inclusive communities.
• Demonstrated experience driving organisational growth, innovation, and transformation.
• Leadership in professional development, including designing or scaling programmes that support skills, careers, and capacity building.
• Experience engaging and influencing EU institutions and international stakeholders.
• Strong financial and operational management capability.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills with the credibility to represent EARMA externally.

Leadership:

• Be a strategic and visionary leader with an entrepreneurial mindset 
• Be a champion of professional development and capacity building 
• Be a connector and influencer, able to unite diverse stakeholders across Europe 
• Champion recognition and professionalisation of the RMA community 
• Drive innovation, inclusivity, and impact 
• Lead with credibility in the European research and innovation ecosystem 
• Bring proven experience in leading organisational operations, including managing an office, team, and resources to deliver strategic and operational objectives

Conditions of employment

• Applicants must have the right to work in Belgium. Please note that EARMA does not offer a sponsorship visa.

Working locations

• Brussels office with regular international travel

How to apply

• Interested candidates are invited to submit:
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A Motivation Letter (2 pages max.) demonstrating their alignment with the role.
• Applications should be submitted by 30th June to [email protected].  

Interviews

• EARMA welcomes applications from both employees and self-employed professionals. The contractual arrangement and remuneration package will be discussed with the selected candidate based on their status and experience.
• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide professional references as part of the final stages of the recruitment process.

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