Senior Director, North America Membership & Process Safety

American-Institute-of-Chemical-Engineers; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) within AIChE seeks a senior leader to drive North American growth, deepen member engagement, and deliver high-quality process safety services. The role oversees regional business development, membership programs, and collaboration with AIChE across regions.

The position requires 15+ years in process safety leadership, strong business development skills, and global collaboration experience.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of industry experience with process safety leadership
• Proven track record in program management and execution
• Expert in process safety, loss prevention, or related field
• Strong business development and relationship management skills
• Experience in global and cross-cultural environments
• Excellent communication, negotiation and public speaking abilities

Responsibilities

• Lead North America membership growth, retention, and engagement strategy
• Manage relationships with 150+ member organizations
• Drive regional business development and revenue initiatives
• Oversee membership lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, engagement, retention
• Coordinate cross-regional collaboration with CCPS and AIChE
• Direct regional budget, resources, staff, and consultants
• Represent CCPS and AIChE with industry, government, and partners

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Relationship management

Communication

Negotiation

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Chemical Engineering

MBA or equivalent experience preferred

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Center for Chemical Process Safety CCPS® is a not-for-profit, corporate membership organization within the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) that identifies and addresses process safety needs for a variety of facilities involved with handling, storing, using, processing, and transporting hazardous materials. Learn more about our work at https://ccps.aiche.org

North America represents nearly 50% of CCPS’s total corporate membership. Historically supported by multiple staff members, this region needs a dedicated, senior-level leader to fully realize its growth potential. This role establishes strategic and technical leadership to drive regional expansion, deepen member engagement, and enhance retention. The incumbent will lead business development and membership growth efforts while ensuring high-quality delivery of process safety and engagement services. The position will coordinate cross-regional collaboration within CCPS to maximize value to members, including providing CCPS-related guidance to AIChE. The incumbent is accountable for delivering key CCPS programs - including conferences, regional meetings, assessments, and workshops - to strengthen engagement and advance CCPS’s mission across North America.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned as necessary:

• Lead membership growth, retention, and engagement strategy across North America
• Manage relationships with 150+ member organizations, aligning with process safety needs
• Develop and execute targeted engagement plans for key members and stakeholders
• Drive recruitment of new member companies, focusing on large, strategic organizations
• Lead regional business development and revenue generation initiatives
• Oversee the full membership lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention
• Partner with internal teams on dues, receivables, and member communications
• Deliver CCPS programs, including workshops, conferences, regional meetings, and assessments
• Engage members through technical discussions to identify needs and expand opportunities
• Provide global technical leadership and subject matter expertise
• Coordinate process safety and engagement support across regions and AIChE divisions
• Partner with CCPS leadership to ensure alignment and consistent service delivery
• Support regional leaders in business development and member engagement efforts
• Manage regional budget, resources, staff, and consultants
• Build and lead a high-performing, collaborative team
• Represent CCPS and AIChE with industry, government, and partners
• Support Responsible Collaboration and external outreach initiatives

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct and indirect supervision of staff and consultants supporting regional activities

Oversight of teams involved in business development, technical services, and member engagement

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related field required; MBA or equivalent experience preferred
• Minimum 15+ years of industry experience, including process safety leadership
• Demonstrated expertise in technical, regulatory, and management aspects of process safety
• Proven track record in program management and execution
• Recognized expert in process safety, loss prevention, or related field
• Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., CCPSC, PE, CSP)
• Strong business development and relationship management skills
• Experience working in global and cross-cultural environments
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking abilities
• Familiarity with contracts, licensing, and intellectual property considerations
• Understanding of AIChE/CCPS or similar member-driven organizations preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a senior leadership role requiring strong commitment to the mission of CCPS and AIChE. The position is remote and open to candidates across the US, with demonstrated ability to lead across geographically distributed teams; hybrid presence in New York (approximately once per month) is required. Approximately 20% travel is expected, including international travel.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and personal days
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role is $180,000 to $190,000, commensurate with experience.