Job Description
Posting Start Date:  10/1/25
Job Title:  Executive Director, Medical Library Association

We are a global engagement marketing agency that creates human-centric touchpoints that unleash the power of people to deliver innovation and growth.
Firm believers in the power of building community since 1987, we are helping brands, associations and not-for-profit organisations solve their key people challenges through our core expertise: Live & virtual events, Strategic & digital communications and Consulting & community solutions.
We are an independently owned agency, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a global presence of 60 offices in 31 countries.

 

Job Description: 

JOB OBJECTIVE         

The Executive Director will be a visionary who is results-driven with both strategic and operational responsibility for the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) programs, expansion, and the execution of its mission. The Executive Director is responsible for implementation of policies set by the Board of Directors and the MLA strategic plan, as well as the financial, program, and administrative management of the association and the MLA staff team.

In addition to possessing strong association and leadership skills, the MLA Executive Director is expected to have and maintain strong standing in the industry and possess the ability to readily identify opportunities and influence industry direction in support of MLA's mission. #LI-Remote

 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES                  

  •  Strategy and Leadership
    • In collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff, develop, plan, and implement strategies, objectives, programs, and initiatives that deliver on MLA's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
    • Regularly review the strategic plan and reports progress to ensure that priorities and resources align.
    • Establish strong working relationships with the related health information communities and stakeholders.
  •  Governance, Management and Administration
    • Oversee operations, organization, communication, and administration of the Board of Directors meetings
    • Collaborate with the Board of Directors on the process related to elections, appointments, and leadership training.
    • Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services, working with the board committee chairpersons.
    • Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality.
    • Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (board members, members, constituents, and volunteers), finances, goodwill, and image; and implement measures to control risks, including compliance issues and adequate insurance coverages.
    • Ensure the Board of Directors is proactively and fully informed through proper internal communications, including preparation for board meetings, and established periodic management reports.
  • Finance and Operations
    • Responsible for establishing and implementing operating and financial objectives, policies, procedures, and reporting.
    • Work with staff to develop and propose an annual organizational budget for approval by the Board of Directors.
    • Oversee the administration of the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization.
    • Ensure that the Board of Directors is provided with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditures of the organization.
    • Provide insight and recommendations on MLA's programs and their impact to the budget and overall financial wellbeing.
  • Partnership Building
    • Communicate with members and stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization.
    • Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with other non-profit groups, funders, and relevant organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Events Management
    • Oversee the staff and volunteer team organizing MLA's conference and other events, and monitor the budget, revenue, expenses for MLA's conferences.  
    • Create the budget and monitor revenue/expenses for MLA’s conference.
    • Oversee staff and volunteer team executing all events.
  • Membership
    • Oversee the staff to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for member recruitment and retention
  • Staff Management
    • Oversee and supervise MLA-designed staff team. Responsibilities include interviewing, recommending the hiring and training of employees, planning, directing, appraising performance, rewarding, and resolving problems.
    • Participate in a “360 review”, or similar process, to ensure MCI management and staff receive valuable feedback that will strengthen the relationship and service provided through the contract.
  • All other duties as assigned

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS            

  • Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree strongly preferred.
  • CAE preferred.
  • Ten years of progressive management experience in an association or non-profit organization.
  • Ability to interpret and present financial and operational data including budgeting and projecting.
  • Ability to analyze and present data to inform strategic and operational decisions.           

 

PROFESSIONAL AND LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES   

  • Ability to engage participation from all levels, and generate passion for the MLA’s work, both internally and externally.
  • Good decision-making skills, tactful, good listener, willingness to search out answers, ability to recognize when others need to be involved in activities or decisions.
  • Creativity, empathetic, and enthusiasm for meeting and working with a wide range of individuals.
  • Strategic thinker who can see the big picture and motivate stakeholders toward a common vision.
  • Disciplined self-starter who regularly exceeds goals.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and represent MLA at the highest levels.
  • Collegial, collaborative style who can effectively lead and empower a staff team.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of leadership and programming.

 

SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SKILLS 

  • Strong technology and data fluency, ensuring the effective and efficient use of MLA’s systems, including AI-enabled tools, to drive member value and organizational performance.
  • Commitment to staying current with emerging technologies and digital trends impacting the health information sector.
  • Curiosity and vision in applying AI and digital innovations to strengthen association programs and services.
  • Experience with the full Microsoft office suite.
  • Ability to read, interpret and present financial reporting data.
  • Project management experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with Smartsheet or other collaborative project management tools.
  • Preferred candidates have some experience in health care, library or information management fields.

 

Benefits Summary

MCI USA is an established, family-friendly company offering outstanding benefits and significant growth opportunities.

  • PTO
  • 13 paid company holidays, including closure Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day
  • 401K
  • Medical, dental, vision and supplementary insurances
  • Employer-paid group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
  • Employer-paid family building benefit (fertility, adoption and surrogacy)
  • Employer-paid mental health benefit
  • Pet discount program

 

Please reach out even if you do not meet all the criteria but are willing to learn and commit to one of our great roles. At MCI USA, we thrive on passion and believe that diverse perspectives make our team stronger. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or physical/mental ability.

 

We appreciate all who apply, though only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications remain confidential. MCI USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you need any accommodations during the application or interview process, please reach out to our senior vice president of people and culture.

 

MCI is where you can bring your true self to work and be proud of what you do. Join us and make a difference!