The American Psychological Association (APA) is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and innovative psychologist for the position of Chief of Professional Practice to provide leadership to the field of psychology. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is a member of the Executive Management Group.
Job Summary:
The Chief of Professional Practice (CPP) position encompasses the full range of professional practice – beyond health care delivery – to include consulting and industrial/organizational psychology, as well as work in educational and forensic settings, among other applied areas. The CPP will be able to conceptualize health care and larger societal trends affecting the practice of psychology and chart a productive path forward for the association and the profession. The successful candidate will effectively draw upon and connect with science, education, public interest, and other key areas of the association to promote psychology as an integrated discipline. The CPP’s interactions with key stakeholders, such as professional organizations, government, and payors, will help to advance these objectives in support of the professional practice of psychology.
The CPP supervises and oversees the Practice Directorate and is responsible for major APA programs related to professional practice, such as: clinical and professional practice guidelines; legal, legislative, and regulatory issues impacting practice; and the Center for Psychology and Health.
The CPP also assists the CEO in overseeing the practice-related activities of the APA Practice Organization (APAPO), a 501 c-6 tax exempt non-profit companion organization to the APA, which houses government relations lobbying efforts on behalf of practitioners and the Education Advocacy Trust; provides business of practice resources and services to members; provides consultative and financial support to state, provincial, and territorial associations; and directs the work of Psychology PAC, among other functions.
The CPP has responsibilities related to planning and implementing APA and APAPO association governance initiatives and working with practice governance boards and committees, including the APA Board of Professional Affairs and the APAPO Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice, along with other APA units, governance groups, and divisions regarding practice-related initiatives.
Job Qualifications:
Requirements include: a doctoral degree in psychology; a current license to practice psychology; a minimum of 10 years postdoctoral experience in professional practice; and a broad knowledge of health care trends, practice models, and emerging challenges and opportunities to help practicing psychologists thrive in a changing environment. In addition, leadership experience within a large organizational environment, particularly in the areas of administrative and financial management, strategic planning, and implementation are essential, along with demonstrated skills supervising senior-level staff. Applicants must display excellent skills in: judgment and decision-making; collaboration; navigating complex issues; and the ability to effectively communicate and interact with association members, boards and committees, and senior staff across APA. The successful candidate will also have acquired experience with health care organizations/payors and government agencies and an understanding of the legal, regulatory, legislative, and business environments that impact professional psychology. Direct experience in professional advocacy for the discipline at the state and/or national levels, as well as in fundraising and political giving, are preferred, together with some knowledge about the advocacy function of state psychological associations.
Expectations:
This is a high-profile position with leadership responsibility to apply a keen understanding of health care financing models and trends to design strategies for positioning psychologists and the practice of psychology for the future. The position also entails administrative oversight for a major APA Directorate, in addition to being actively engaged association-wide as a member of the Executive Management Group. As such, strong leadership skills, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, highly effective communication skills, and a collaborative work style are particularly important.
This position connects to myriad stakeholders, internal and external to the Association, including, but not limited to: leaders of government and other professional organizations, APA board and committee members, staff, and volunteers; and members of the public. As such, professional stature and demeanor and the ability to forge constructive relationships are particularly important.
Preferred starting date is early March 2018. Hours may be long and irregular. Periodic weekend work related to governance and outside meetings is necessary. Frequent travel may be involved.
Relocation assistance will be available.
Location
The American Psychological Association, located at 750 First Street, NE, Washington, D.C., was recognized as a 2014 Washington Post Top Workplace. It is metro accessible from the Red Line.
Application Instructions
Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a cover letter and CV specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.
The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.