Executive Director

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization for published writers and industry professionals in the field of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Founded in 1965, SFWA runs the annual Nebula Conference, the Nebula Awards, and has a number of programs to assist authors worldwide.

Compensation: $77,000 – 85,000/year with benefits.

Status: This is a full time, salaried position. Candidates must be US-based and eligible for legal employment.

Location: Hybrid remote/on-site (annual conference location)

Position Overview

The Executive Director is the key management leader for SFWA. The Executive Director will provide strategic direction and overall leadership for the organization, ensuring its mission to support science fiction and fantasy writers around the world. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and lead a fully remote team of employees, contractors, and volunteers.

Key Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Work with the board and volunteers to ensure good governance and strategic direction.

• Develop, implement, and maintain a strategic plan to guide SFWA’s growth, sustainability, and mission.
• Identify, evaluate, and pursue innovative opportunities to improve SFWA’s impact globally.

Financial Stewardship: Ensure the financial health of the organization while maintaining fiscally responsible spending.

• With the help of the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Team, oversee creation of the annual budget and monitor financial performance to ensure organizational stability.
• Develop and lead the execution of fundraising strategies, including grants and individual donations. Manage fundraising and development volunteer teams.
• Cultivate relationships with current donors, foundations, and partners.
• Ensure financial transparency in fundraising efforts.

Program Management: Actively manage SFWA volunteers, staff and programming.

• Oversee the design and implementation of programming designed to help science fiction and fantasy authors around the world, including industry oversight, legacy estates projects, educational publications, and grants.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with allied writers organizations.
• Oversee the administration of the annual Nebula Conference and the Nebula Awards.
• Directly manage and build volunteer teams supporting programming efforts.

Communications: Oversee internal and external communications and marketing.

• Oversee the Communications and Marketing Manager, who manages communication with 2500+ members and internal online communities through the support of social media and discord teams.
• Support SFWA marketing and public relations efforts.
• Actively engage with board, staff, and stakeholders to ensure open lines of communication.

Oversee Advocacy & Membership Efforts: Lead community outreach and advocacy efforts.

• Ensure that SFWA continues to improve its reach to underserved populations and communities around the world.
• Monitor and evaluate advocacy efforts and report on SFWA’s impact.
• Support membership recruitment and community outreach.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred in nonprofit management, education, or a field related to publishing.
• Minimum 5 years in senior management of a nonprofit organization or in a related field.
• Experience in fundraising and donor cultivation. Expectation of familiarity with Customer Relation Management systems.
• Strong financial management and budgeting background, including in-depth understanding of financial reporting.
• Strong management skills focused on creating and supporting a collaborative and cooperative team environment.
• Dedicated commitment to advocacy for the arts in general and science fiction and fantasy in particular.
• Proficiency leveraging technology for remote work and project management.
• Ability to work remotely with a worldwide team.
• The ability to travel to the annual Nebula Award Conference.

Deadline for Applications

April 1, 2025.

How to Apply

SFWA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity, religion, color, sexual orientation, sex, marital/family status, national origin, age, physical ability, or income. We strongly encourage applicants within traditionally underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Email a cover letter and resume in a single file (MS Word or PDF files only) to jobs <at> sfwa <dot> org. Please include ‘Executive Director’ in the subject line.

Please note all job applications will be reviewed by members of staff and the board at SFWA. No AI will be used in assessment of applicants. Additionally, the selected candidate will be required not to engage generative AI in the performance of their duties.

Thank you for your interest in working for SFWA!