Executive Director

The Mayday Fund (“Mayday” or “the Fund”) seeks a relationship-oriented, mission-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director. Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director will steward the Fund’s mission and resources, guide its strategic direction, and strengthen the organization’s capacity to maximize its impact amid evolving needs across the pain field.

For more than three decades, Mayday has maintained a steadfast commitment to alleviating human pain. Established in 1992 to honor the philanthropic legacy of Shirley Steinman Katzenbach, the Fund has invested more than $31 million through nearly 400 grants to support research initiatives that advance understanding of pain and improve treatment and care.

Today, Mayday occupies a distinctive place within the pain field. Through its disciplined approach to grantmaking, deep engagement with researchers and clinicians, and support for pain education through curriculum development and implementation, the Fund has contributed meaningfully to scientific discovery, clinical practice, and public understanding. Momentum in these areas continues to grow as the medical, scientific, and societal challenges associated with pain gain greater prominence across healthcare, research, and public health, creating new opportunities to improve patient outcomes.

One of Mayday’s longstanding contributions to the field is the Mayday Pain & Society Fellowship. Originally launched in 2004, the Fellowship now includes a network of 144 researchers, clinicians, advocates, and policy leaders across the United States and Canada. Together with the Fund’s broader grantmaking efforts, the Fellowship reflects Mayday’s commitment to strengthening leadership, communication, and collaboration across the broader pain ecosystem.

Mayday enters this leadership transition from a position of strength, with a clear mission, an engaged Board, trusted advisors, and long-standing relationships across the field. As the organization looks ahead, increasing scientific complexity and a changing research and funding landscape create an important opportunity for the new Executive Director to build upon Mayday’s strong foundation and thoughtfully shape its next chapter.

The successful candidate will be an intellectually curious and collaborative leader with strong strategic, operational, and relationship-building capabilities. They will bring sound judgment, a commitment to partnership, and an appreciation for the unique culture, governance, and relationship dynamics of a family foundation. Most importantly, they will be motivated by the opportunity to steward a respected institution and contribute to a field of growing importance and impact.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $185,000 to $225,000, commensurate with experience.

The position is based in New York City with the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement. The Board meets at least four times annually, including at least two in-person meetings in New York City. Extensive engagement with researchers, grantees, fellows, conferences, and institutional partners will require periodic travel.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below.

Karen Avery is leading this search with Phuong Ta and Caroline Corry.

The Mayday Fund is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Individuals from historically marginalized populations are encouraged to apply. Employment opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.