As global travel returns in record numbers post-pandemic, the world faces new challenges related to travel and migration—emerging infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and the complex health needs of people moving across borders. The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) is dedicated to advancing travel medicine through education, scientific research, and global health initiatives. Like many in the travel sector, ISTM and its members were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as membership and revenue steadily rebound, ISTM is ready to evolve beyond its grassroots operational approach into an era of transformative growth. We are seeking a forward-thinking Executive Director with a proven track record in business model innovation and revenue generation strategies to ensure long-term financial stability and increase Society’s visibility, reach, and impact worldwide.
Reporting to the President of the Board of Directors (referred to as the Executive Board), you’ll lead a remote staff of seven and a contractor and oversee an annual budget of $3+M, with investments of $1M. Working closely with ISTM’s collaborative volunteer leadership, you’ll help shape and implement a vision for expanding membership, building strategic partnerships, and discovering new paths for growth. In this hands-on leadership role, you’ll oversee everything that makes ISTM valuable to the global travel ecosystem—membership, education and resources, the biennial international conference (CISTM) widely recognized as the premier event in the field, the Certificate of Knowledge in Travel Medicine examination, research initiatives like the Travel Medicine Research Awards, the Journal of Travel Medicine, and GeoSentinel, a global program in partnership with the CDC vital to tracking and analyzing travel-related illnesses.
With an Executive Board representing 2,000+ members from 100+ countries (and growing) across diverse medical settings, academia, government, and the private sector, ISTM is committed to protecting the health of travelers and migrant populations everywhere. You’ll work with a highly skilled, down-to-earth community of global citizens who are passionate about building a healthier, safer, and more connected world. We strive to be a truly international and inclusive organization—understanding and respecting differences in cultural norms across every aspect of our work is essential. Your ability to communicate effectively with multicultural audiences, inspire a passionate staff eager for operational direction, and secure relationships with mission-aligned partners will be central to your success.
Key Focus Areas: How You’ll Make an Impact
Board Governance & Strategic Planning
- Partner closely with the Executive Board to provide consistent guidance and stability through changes in Executive Board leadership, ensuring continuity in strategic vision and priorities.
- Enable the Board to focus on high-level decision-making by proactively identifying emerging issues, delivering in-depth information and analysis, and facilitating discussions that lead to clear, actionable outcomes with timely follow-up.
- Collaborate with the Executive Board to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that positions ISTM for sustainable growth. Oversee the execution of strategic priorities across all levels, ensuring initiatives are well-coordinated and aligned with ISTM’s mission and positioning in the field.
- Serve as the staff liaison to key committees, including the Nominations Committee, Research Awards Committee, and the Fellows of ISTM Committee. Review the strategy and alignment of staff liaisons for all eleven committees, three professional groups, and eight special interest groups. Oversee accreditation requirements and reporting.
Business Model Innovation
- Oversee the annual budget and manage existing revenue streams while actively identifying and cultivating new, diversified funding sources to secure ISTM’s long-term financial health. Continuously assess the travel medicine landscape to identify and capitalize on key gaps and opportunities.
- Lead the development of new initiatives that balance financial performance with mission impact, anticipating and adapting to the evolving needs of the travel medicine community and adjacent sectors to foster sustainable growth and resilience.
- Provide leadership and hands-on efforts in the planning, direction, and management of the biennial conference; working with the Scientific Program Committee to maintain ISTM’s high standards and best practices, anticipating future trends, needs, and requirements, and adapting plans responsive to internal and external opportunities and challenges.
Global Outreach & Cultural Awareness
- Embrace a broader view of travel medicine and expand ISTM’s global presence by attracting diverse membership and fostering non-member engagement from all regions of the world.
- Demonstrate curiosity and cultural sensitivity to understand and address the varied needs and expectations of international members, recognizing regional differences in travel medicine practice and research that may offer opportunities as well as challenges.
- Pursue initiatives to engage and support audiences in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where travel medicine is emerging, with sensitivity to economic and cultural differences.
Membership Value Proposition & Growth
- Oversee efforts to understand and address the unique needs of those who deliver pre- and post-travel care across various settings and regions of the world.
- Guide the development of targeted messaging and valuable resources, including events, educational tools, and relevant credentialing opportunities, to ensure members see clear value in ISTM membership and are equipped to deliver improved care.
- Drive strategies that enhance the member experience, positioning ISTM as a trusted professional home, fostering loyalty, and encouraging continued engagement.
Staff Leadership
- Lead ISTM’s dedicated professional office staff by fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Identify and implement team engagement strategies, including the potential for periodic in-person retreats to strengthen team connection and mission alignment.
- Mentor the team, clearly defining roles and responsibilities, establishing a performance review process, and providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Guide the team in implementing strategic initiatives, setting clear expectations, and cultivating a culture of accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
Strategic Partnerships
- Identify, cultivate, and sustain relationships with mission-aligned partners across the travel medicine sector, adjacent fields (the travel industry, travel insurance, evacuation services, etc.), the broader nonprofit community, and government agencies, leveraging both public and private collaborations to drive revenue through sponsorships, philanthropic support, memberships, and events.
- Serve as a strategic advocate and ambassador for ISTM, actively working to elevate the organization’s visibility and influence within the field and positioning ISTM as a leading voice in global travel health.
Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits
- You’ll enjoy a fully remote work environment with a total of 2-4 weeks of travel (mostly international) to meet with the Executive Board, staff, and key stakeholders and to attend ISTM meetings and conferences. Current US Passport and ability to travel are required.
- ISTM primarily operates on East Coast working hours with headquarters in Atlanta, GA. This role requires a flexible schedule with frequent early morning and occasional early evening hours to connect across various time zones.
- The budgeted salary range for this position is $175K – $195K with an outstanding benefits package including PTO, medical/dental/vision plans, life/disability coverage, a 4% percent retirement contribution, entertainment/travel discounts, and more.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a senior leader (C-suite, VP, CEO, or Executive Director) within a membership society in fields such as healthcare, medical science, infectious disease, travel health, clinical education, or related research, ideally within a global or cross-cultural organization.
- Demonstrated experience leading initiatives in international or cross-cultural contexts, with an understanding of diverse regional needs and practices.
- In-depth knowledge of core functional areas, including governance, membership growth, event management, sponsorship development, and strategic partnerships, with a record of success in achieving growth in these areas.
- Proven ability to lead and develop a remote team of 8-9 members, fostering a high-performance culture and optimizing team resources to achieve organizational objectives.
About ISTM
Founded in 1991, ISTM is a vibrant and inclusive international society committed to ongoing and sustained contributions to the advancement of the practice and science of travel medicine globally. In cooperation with health care providers, academic centers, the travel industry and the media, ISTM advocates and facilitates education, service, and research activities in the field of travel medicine.
Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.
