Executive Director

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director (ED). This is an exceptional opportunity for an innovative and dynamic leader to advance the world’s largest organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the academic study of religion. The AAR is at a pivotal moment as the academic study of religion, and the higher education landscape, continue to shift, creating unmatched opportunities for transformation. The next ED will be poised to build on the AAR’s rich history, core strengths, and lead the organization into its next chapter.

The AAR serves more than 8,000 religion scholars around the globe, a membership that continues to grow in influence and diversity. The AAR seeks to advance and disseminate exceptional scholarship and teaching, providing numerous grants and awards, pedagogical materials, employment services, a robust publication program, and an Annual Meeting that offers unrivaled networking and professional development opportunities. To connect scholars with the broader public, the AAR membership has created programs and resources for intermediary sectors—such as K-12 teachers, law enforcement, policymakers, prison chaplains, museum curators, and journalists. The AAR is not a faith-based organization. The expertise of its membership spans most religions, and the AAR neither endorses nor condemns any religious belief or practice. 

Reporting to the 12-member Board of Directors, the ED has broad responsibility for the association, leads a staff of 15 experienced employees, and oversees an annual budget of approximately $3.25 million. Working with the Board, key stakeholders, and enterprising staff, the next ED will create a compelling vision and strategy for the future of the AAR. In particular, the ED will champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and across the field, expand and deepen engagement with members and partners, diversify revenue sources, and provide staff and operational leadership to further the AAR mission. 

This is an exhilarating opportunity for an inclusive, experienced, and forward-looking leader to shepherd the AAR into its next chapter amid a changing and complex landscape. The next ED will be passionate about the study of religion in all its plurality, an engaged member of the AAR, an exceptional communicator and leader with a track record of success leading diverse, multifaceted teams, and a demonstrable commitment to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into all professional efforts. An experienced and strategic administrator with solid business acumen, fundraising skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. A doctorate in religion or humanities is preferred. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters, which will remain confidential, should be submitted below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Ernest Brooks is leading this search with Rachel Brown. 

The American Academy of Religion respects the rights, dignity and worth of all people. It unequivocally rejects all forms of harassment and unethical discrimination, including discrimination and harassment based on race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnicity, citizenship, sex, gender expression or identification, sexual orientation, disability, religion, culture, political convictions, socioeconomic status, age, health conditions or marital, domestic, or parental status, or any other applicable basis proscribed by law. All activities taking place under the aegis of the AAR (including the annual meeting, regional meetings and academy-sponsored committees, publications, and sessions) are bound by this anti-discrimination policy.