The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) seeks an innovative and proven executive to replace the retiring executive director and to lead an organization with more than 30 employees, starting November 1, 2026. 

The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) is and has been the hub of the global ceramics community since 1898 and is one of the most trusted sources of knowledge for ceramic materials and applications. Global in scope, ACerS generates more than $7 million in operating revenues each year and enjoys substantial financial reserves of more than $18 million.

The Society comprises three business units:

1. ACerS is the leading international professional membership organization for ceramic and glass scientists, engineers, manufacturers, educators, and students. ACerS publishes journals and periodicals; organizes meetings and exhibitions; offers educational courses; and disseminates technical information through web (ceramics.org) and print outlets. The Society serves over 9,000 members from more than 70 countries.
2. The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) (foundation.ceramics.org) is the fundraising and outreach subsidiary of ACerS. CGIF was established in 2014 to ensure that the global ceramic and glass industry can attract, train and support the highest quality talent available to work with this unique class of engineered materials.
3. Ceramic Arts Network (CAN) is a business unit that serves the informational, educational, and professional needs of more than 20,000 subscribers who are part of the ceramic arts community. CAN publishes Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated magazines, the Ceramic Arts Network website (ceramicartsnetwork.org), and operates the International Ceramic Artists Network membership organization.

In addition to strong business and financial management skills, key roles for the executive director include:

• growing the Society’s revenues, net assets, and ability to serve the global ceramics and glass community;
• advocating for the importance of ceramic materials and disciplines and ensuring that the Society remains the worldwide hub for ceramics;
• enhancing ACerS’ collegial and collaborative culture;
• identifying and negotiating new business opportunities and collaborative arrangements;
• working effectively with volunteer leaders to ensure that products, programs and services are developed that meet the needs of the global ceramics and glass community;
• developing innovative individual and corporate membership offerings;
• generating enthusiasm among and for the membership as well as the worldwide ceramics community.

The ideal candidate will be a person of unquestionable integrity with a direct and open style who is a recognized leader in their current position. Demonstrated success in managing an association, or a complex, information-based, organization is required. Experience in technical and/or scholarly publishing and conference management is a great asset, and an understanding and appreciation of technology and its benefits are essential. A bachelor’s degree and 10+ years senior leadership experience are required, and a Masters (or Ph.D.) is preferred.  

We seek a candidate who resides in Columbus, someone within a three-hours driving distance of Columbus, or someone willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio.  

Application submission deadline is April 17, 2026.   Please submit a resume plus a detailed statement of interest that demonstrates motivation, understanding of ACerS, and alignment with its mission to ExecutiveDirectorSearch@ceramics.org.  In addition, please submit your salary expectations.    

Selected applicants will be contacted by mid-June, regarding further steps in the selection process.

The current Executive Director, Officers and Staff will neither accept nor respond to direct inquiries about the search.

About The American Ceramic Society

Since 1898, The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) has been the hub of the global ceramics community and one of the most trusted sources of knowledge for ceramic materials and applications.

Connections working at The American Ceramic Society