Executive Director

Executive Director

Association for Death Education and Counseling

New York, New York (remote)
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 . Questions about the position can be directed to Jon Rosell, Senior Search Consultant, at jon (at) morancompany. 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 will originate from our official @ domain or using our applicant tracking system domain @.