Project Director

The AAAS Center for Scientific Responsibility and Justice (SRJ) is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead innovative projects that leverage technology and multimedia tools to connect courts with relevant, applicable scientific knowledge and expertise. Reporting to the SRJ Program Director, this Project Director will manage and contribute to grant deliverables, strategic planning, and program development at the intersections of science and law. This position involves a very high level of collaboration with partners in government, academia, nonprofits, and the private sector to accomplish project objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who has experience as a science communicator and educator in legal settings, commitment to professional responsibility and ethics, and enthusiasm for leveraging technology for innovative solutions.    

Help us ignite the next era of science.

What You’ll Do

Supporting the vision, operation, and strategic direction for SRJ, this position will provide leadership through the following functions:

1. Project Strategy & Execution
   • Lead the development and implementation of new tools, references, and resources that enable judges to access independent scientific information when they need it.
   • Support the conceptualization of project strategies that align with SRJ’s mission and goals.
   • Lead the design and management of complex, multi-year projects with national impact.
   • Collaborate with external consultants, contractors, and vendors to support project goals and enhance program reach and visibility.
   • Represent the organization at external forums to promote project goals and outcomes.
   • Draft and oversee proposal development in collaboration with senior leadership.
   • Support the development and implementation of evaluation frameworks to measure project impact.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Community Building
   • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including judicial branch leaders, judges, lawyers, academic institutions, and industry partners, to support project goals and initiatives.
   • Organize and facilitate stakeholder events and dialogues to foster stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
3. Communication & Dissemination
   • Support communication strategy working with internal communications staff to disseminate project information, resources, and outcomes.
   • Oversee the creation and distribution of project-related content, including evidence-based resources, event materials, and technical documentation.
   • Respond to inquiries from stakeholders, providing timely and accurate information to enhance community engagement and project visibility.
4. Operational Excellence & Resources Allocation
   • Develop and manage project budgets including expense tracking, budget forecasting, ensuring grant compliance and alignment with project goals.
   • Optimize resource allocation to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
   • Contribute to proposal writing and grant reporting preparation, submission, and management with senior leadership in accordance with AAAS policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate degree in science, engineering, education, or law and 10+ years of professional work experience OR comparable work experience.
• Demonstrated experience communicating complex scientific concepts in legal contexts. This could include, for example, serving as a science educator for attorneys or judges, collaborating with legal professionals on research, or serving as an expert witness.
• Familiarity with legal procedures and ethical standards regarding science in the courts.
• Experience working alongside technologists to develop new approaches to science communication.
• Experience in program development and implementation with responsibilities including budget management, assessment of program impact, and project management.
• Comfortable in assuming risks, exercising discretion, problem-solving, and recommending courses of action.
• Enthusiasm for stakeholder engagement, virtually and in person.
• High-level strategic thinking with the ability to shape project direction.
• Strong relationship-building skills with external funders and partners.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and develop team capabilities.
• Flexible, resourceful, and able to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously while setting priorities to meet deadlines under pressure.

Application Process

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position by September 7, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A Recruiter will contact you with next steps if you are selected for an interview.

The anticipated initial rate of compensation for this position is $125,000 to 150,000 per year. AAAS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance, each subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of AAAS and will be based on a variety of factors, including years of experience, depth of experience, and other relevant factors. AAAS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

AAAS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. AAAS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Search Firm and Employment Agency Disclaimer
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Any unsolicited resumes sent to AAAS from a third party, such as an agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to an AAAS mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to AAAS employees, or to the AAAS resume database will be considered AAAS property. Verbal or written communications from any employee of AAAS shall not be considered binding obligations. AAAS Human Resources is the only AAAS representative authorized by AAAS enter into any employment agreements with any third party. AAAS will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.