The American Association of Immunologists (AAI) is one of the world’s largest professional organizations of immunologists and scientists in related disciplines. Our members have made some of the most significant biomedical discoveries of the past century, including life-saving cancer immunotherapies, antibody therapies, transplant technologies, and vaccines. Today, AAI is at a strategic turning point—building on its strong foundation to more actively shape the direction of the field and meet the needs of an ever-broader array of scientific and clinical areas through integrated scientific programming, digital learning, and forward-looking thought leadership. As Chief Scientific Programs Officer (CSPO), you will be the architect of this transformation.

In this highly visible leadership position, you will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and work closely with scientific and non-scientific staff, member leaders, and member committees to surface emerging trends, guide programmatic direction, and ensure AAI provides relevant support to immunologists at all stages of their careers. You will serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Council, and establish and implement AAI programs, policies, and procedures within parameters set by the Council and in alignment with the AAI Strategic Plan. Your work will raise AAI’s visibility and influence across the immunology community and the broader biomedical ecosystem, solidifying our position as a leader in advancing the science and driving progress in the field.

You will lead two direct reports with a total staff of seven across Publications and Education & Career Development to define AAI’s scientific affairs portfolio, build new capabilities, and position the association as the leading voice on critical issues such as addressing the ever-inflating data demands for publications, integrating AI into scientific work ethically, and identifying where the next breakthrough in immunology might emerge.

This role is both strategic and hands-on—you will be responsible for building new programs, modernizing existing ones, and ensuring strong execution. Early priorities include building out a comprehensive e-learning platform both to meet the changing information needs of the immunology community and as a new source of revenue for the association, developing a journal strategy that integrates publications more fully into advancing AAI’s strategic priorities, and leading member-driven reviews of existing programs and the annual meeting to rethink design and strengthen impact.

How You’ll Make an Impact

This is a rare opportunity to define the scientific vision of a dynamic, mission-driven organization at the forefront of immunological research and innovation. You’ll have the platform, support, and autonomy to push the boundaries of AAI’s role in advancing immunology, establish AAI as a thought leader in areas important to the field, and inspire others—members, staff, and stakeholders—to join AAI in advancing knowledge, impact, and innovation. Key focus areas include:

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and lead the organization's scientific agenda in immunology, ensuring alignment with our mission, goals, and long-term strategic vision.
• Serve as a member of the senior executive team, advising the CEO and Council on scientific matters and contributing to organizational strategy. In this capacity, you will also be an integral part of setting operational policies.
• Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends, disruptive technologies, and innovation opportunities to shape future initiatives and organizational positioning.
• Lead a cross-organizational effort to address a cultural issue in the field—ever-inflating data demands for publications—that is challenging to the field and its future.

Scientific Program Oversight

• Guide and oversee key departments, including Education & Career Development and Publications, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
• Provide oversight and thought leadership to scientific affairs, publications, educational programming, and—in collaboration with the Chief Membership & Engagement Officer (CMEO)—scientific communications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders and external partners to advance our strategic priorities.

Strategic Programs and Governance

• Ensure appropriate staffing of committees as assigned and ensure alignment of committee activities with strategic priorities.
• With the CMEO, oversee and provide leadership for the creation of AAI’s eLearning program, ensuring scientific content meets the needs of members and stakeholders.
• Create and oversee processes to appoint, track, and integrate AAI representatives to outside organizations.
• Manage AAI’s engagement in the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), including ongoing negotiations on IUIS’ support of society journals.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team dedicated to excellent programs, offerings, and member service.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific programming and staffing.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• AAI follows a hybrid schedule, with the full team in our Rockville, MD office on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week to collaborate and connect. At present, the role only requires travel for the annual meeting and an optional overnight stay at one Council meeting per year. Minimal additional travel, either with the CEO or in her stead, is possible and will be negotiated based on organizational needs.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $225 – $240K with an outstanding benefits package including generous vacation and sick leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement with a 10% employer contribution, and disability/life insurance.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, microbiology, or a related scientific discipline; postdoctoral research experience preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive scientific leadership experience, ideally within professional societies or trade associations. Similar experience in other sectors will also be considered.
• Proven track record of scientific excellence, including publications, strategic program development, and thought leadership in immunology or a related discipline or field.
• Demonstrated experience managing scientifically focused departments or programs, with proficiency in project management, budgeting, and operational oversight.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging diverse audiences, including scientific and non-scientific staff, members, and the lay public.
• Adept at building and leading high-functioning, diverse teams with a culture of excellence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Strong commitment to scientific integrity, innovation, and advancing health and well-being through immunology.

About AAI

The American Association of Immunologists (AAI)'s mission is to improve global health and well-being by advancing immunology and elevating public understanding about the immune system. AAI members are responsible for some of the most significant biomedical discoveries of the past century, including the development of life-saving cancer immunotherapies, antibody therapies, transplant technologies, and vaccines. We support scientists across the field of immunology through knowledge dissemination, community building, advocacy, and public outreach.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.