Job description
Executive Director
Association for Death Education and Counseling
New York, New York (remote)
The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Association for Death Education and Counseling to recruit the organization’s new Executive Director.
Organizational Background
The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) was formed in May 1976, when a group of interested educators and clinicians organized the Forum for Death Education and Counseling. Over the years, the organization grew to become the Association for Death Education and Counseling®. ADEC is the first interdisciplinary organization in the field of thanatology: the study of dying, death, and bereavement.
ADEC endeavors to promote and share research, theories, and practice in dying, death, loss, and bereavement. ADEC’s primary goals are to:
Promote excellence and recognize diversity in death education, care of the dying, grief counseling and research in thanatology
Provide leading-edge information, support and resources to ADEC’s international, multicultural, multidisciplinary membership and, through them, to the public.
Facilitate the sharing of research, theory and practice in death, dying and bereavement.
Recognize, through the Credentialing Program, those with specialized knowledge and experience in the field.
As an international nonprofit organization, ADEC’s members are cross-disciplinary specialists who practice within the scope of dying, death, loss, and bereavement. Members and credentialed colleagues include front-line care providers, clinicians, practitioners, educators, researchers, administrators, and others emerging from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, professions, and occupations.
Position Summary
The ADEC Board of Directors seeks an experienced and highly skilled Executive Director to work collaboratively with the Board, staff, and membership to lead and support all areas of the organization. The major responsibilities of the position include:
Providing and supporting leadership
Supporting the infrastructure of ADEC
Coordinating event planning and management
Maintaining and enhancing the financial sustainability of ADEC
As the administrative leader of ADEC, the Executive Director has the responsibility to effectively represent the organization and ensure all functions and services of the organization are focused on the ADEC mission: The Association for Death Education and Counseling® is an international, professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence and recognizing diversity in death education, care of the dying, grief counseling and research in thanatology. Based on quality research, theory and practice, the association provides information, support and resources to its international, multicultural, multidisciplinary membership and to the public.
NOTE: This is a remote Executive Director position.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Characteristics
The following qualifications and characteristics are desired for this position. Additionally, the successful candidate must possess a strong ability and desire to support the membership of ADEC.
Excellent experience in event planning management, membership, and meeting software
Transparent and high-integrity leadership
Ability to oversee and coordinate the implementation of ADEC’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission
Successful track record of effectively working with a volunteer Board of Directors to advance the mission of the organization
Experience working with the Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach
Ability to support ADEC committees and volunteers to achieve the mission and goals as set by the Board
Successful experience in leading and managing staff and contractors
Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, fund development, and membership growth
Ability to effectively manage all financial aspects of ADEC
Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience. Five or more years of senior nonprofit management and leadership experience or equivalent experience. Preference will be given to those candidates holding the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification.
Compensation
The ADEC Executive Director will receive a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. Salary is expected to be in the $100,000 range. ADEC does not offer benefits; additional compensation may be provided that can be used to access benefits. Paid time off and holidays will be included in the employment contract.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
The Association for Death Education and Counseling is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Application Process
The search for the Association for Death Education and Counseling Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Jon Rosell, Senior Search Consultant, The Moran Company at jon (at) morancompany.com. To apply for this position, submit a resume and cover letter via the secure online portal. Screening interviews for selected candidates are scheduled to take place approximately October 22nd – 23rd, 2026.PLEASE NOTE: All email correspondence from The Moran Company will originate from our official @ domain or using our applicant tracking system domain @.
Originally posted on Himalayas
Who can apply
Eligible countries: United States. Accepted UTC offsets: UTC-10, UTC-9, UTC-8, UTC-7, UTC-6, UTC-5, UTC+14. Review the full description for employer-specific work authorization, residency and schedule requirements.