Chief Executive Officer

Role overview

The Employee Assistance Professionals Association is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to guide the organization at a time when workplace mental health, digital transformation, and global growth are reshaping the profession. The position sits at the crossroads of mission and enterprise: protecting member trust while modernizing how the association operates, grows revenue, and expands influence.

The next CEO will help lead an association that is seeing stronger demand for ethical, credible employee assistance services, while also adapting to technology-led member engagement, diversified income models, international expansion, and stronger advocacy for the profession.

Key leadership mandate

The CEO will be accountable for setting direction, strengthening operations, supporting the Board, and advancing the association’s visibility, finances, people, partnerships, and volunteer ecosystem.

Core responsibilities

• Create and execute strategy across operations, education, member services, and the Annual EAPA Institute & EXPO.
• Keep the association’s digital and operational systems responsive so member questions, concerns, and requests are addressed effectively.
• Act as the organization’s principal external representative, strengthening brand reputation, media presence, and strategic alliances.
• Expand EAPA’s reach across the countries and markets it already serves, while building wider international influence.
• Oversee the budget, reserves, and investment policy with a strong focus on data and return on investment.
• Increase non-dues revenue through sponsorships, certification, conferences, online learning, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while preserving accountability and a healthy organizational culture.
• Negotiate, execute, and manage major agreements covering conferences, certification, member services, finance, and legal matters.
• Strengthen partnerships and sponsorships, and help elevate the employee assistance profession with policymakers and at the federal level.
• Work effectively with the Board, Executive Committee, and the three-year board cycle while maintaining clear leadership boundaries.
• Support and energize committees, task forces, and panels that power the association’s programs and initiatives.

What success in the role looks like

Success will come from combining executive leadership with strategic thinking, relationship building, change management, and mission advocacy. The ideal leader will be able to balance member needs, organizational sustainability, and modern business practices while keeping trust at the center of every decision.

Candidate profile

The strongest applicant is expected to bring senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, association, or similarly mission-focused environment, along with proven capability in revenue growth, board leadership, financial stewardship, and organizational change. Experience with technology-enabled transformation, public communication, and cross-cultural collaboration will be especially valuable.

Application instructions

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and a short leadership statement. Applications are being considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and candidates seeking strongest consideration should apply by July 24, 2026.

Additional requirements and preferences

• Senior experience in nonprofit, association, or mission-driven leadership, such as CEO, Executive Director, or a C-suite role, with 5+ years preferred.
• Proven success in building revenue and broadening non-dues income sources.
• Experience leading nonprofit boards, volunteers, and major organizational change initiatives.
• Strong financial management background, including budgets, reserves, audits, and compliance.
• Comfort using technology, AI, digital platforms, CRM tools, automation, and analytics as strategic enablers.
• Excellent public speaking and writing abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• CAE and/or CEAP® credentials are a strong advantage.
• Experience with federal advocacy or government relations is valuable.
• Global, cross-cultural leadership experience is also valued.
• A genuine commitment to the employee assistance profession is desirable.