Chief Executive Officer

Summary

Join openRxiv, a nonprofit leading preprint servers for life sciences, as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This remote, US-based role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of open-access publishing and lead a mission-driven organization. The CEO will work with the Board and leadership team to set the strategic vision, lead fundraising and organizational development, and serve as a primary ambassador. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with deep experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, operations, and strategic partnerships. They will build a strong financial and operational foundation, collaborate with other C-suite executives, and ensure openRxiv's long-term viability and impact. This is a chance to make a significant contribution to open science and scholarly communication.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field such as business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, finance, life sciences, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience in a nonprofit, startup, or mission-driven organization
• Strong track record of building and leading high-performing teams, including senior leadership
• Expertise in nonprofit governance, operations, and fiscal management
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and shaping an organization’s mission, vision, and values
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including securing grants, foundation funding, and donor engagement
• Experience developing sustainable revenue models, including business partnerships and membership programs
• Ability to identify funding opportunities and secure long-term financial support
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, resource allocation, and financial oversight
• Experience scaling organizations and optimizing operational efficiencies
• Familiarity with nonprofit finance, compliance, and reporting requirements
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience as a public-facing leader
• Proven ability to engage and inspire funders, stakeholders, and the broader scientific community
• Experience representing organizations in public forums, conferences, and media engagements

Responsibilities

• Lead openRxiv’s growth, sustainability, and operational success, ensuring financial health and long-term impact
• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan, aligning business, fundraising, and operational priorities with openRxiv’s mission
• Build and lead a high-performing leadership team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative organizational culture
• Collaborate with the CSSO, CPO and COO to ensure that financial, operational, and business strategies support the organization’s scientific and technical goals
• Oversee openRxiv’s financial sustainability, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term viability
• Manage the budget, financial planning, and resource allocation, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high-impact programs
• Build and oversee operational infrastructure, including HR, administrative processes, and organizational development
• Establish and refine hiring practices and talent management strategies to attract and retain top talent
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance, financial regulations, and best practices in organizational operations
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing grants, donations, and foundation support
• Identify and establish sustainable revenue streams, such as membership programs, institutional partnerships, and sponsorships
• Cultivate relationships with funders, philanthropic organizations, and mission-aligned stakeholders to ensure long-term financial stability
• Work closely with the Board to align fundraising efforts with strategic priorities
• Serve as one of openRxiv’s ambassador, engaging with funders, policymakers, academic institutions, and technology partners
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
• Foster strategic partnerships that enhance openRxiv’s visibility, impact, and funding opportunities
• Represent openRxiv in public forums, conferences, and media engagements, advocating for preprints and access and innovation in sharing and disseminating research
• Support advocacy efforts for funding and policy initiatives that promote open science
• Ensure consistent and transparent communications with the scientific community and other stakeholders
• Work in partnership with the CSSO to ensure the organization’s business and operational strategies align with its scientific scope, content policies, and publishing strategy
• Support the CSSO in building partnerships and securing funding sources that align with openRxiv’s scientific and scholarly goals
• Partner with the CPO on technology strategy and infrastructure, ensuring operational feasibility and business alignment
• Partner with the Board to establish governance structures and long-term strategic priorities
• Provide transparent, data-driven updates on organizational performance, finances, and fundraising efforts
• Ensure openRxiv adheres to best practices in nonprofit governance and accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred (MBA, MPA, PhD, or equivalent) in nonprofit management, business, public policy, life sciences, or a related field
• Background in life sciences, technology, publishing, or nonprofit management preferred
• Understanding of scholarly communication, or research infrastructure is a plus
• Established relationships with stakeholders in funding, academia, and nonprofit sectors

Benefits

• $240,000-$320,000 depending on experience and qualifications
• Offering generous and comprehensive benefits