Executive Director
Platelet Disorder Support Association

Organization Description:    The Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) was founded in 1998 to provide information, support and encourage research about ITP and other platelet disorders.  ITP, or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is an auto-immune disorder that destroys platelets and affects about 200,000 Americans.   Through its resource-rich website, newsletter, annual conference and knowledgeable staff, PDSA provides patient education, support services, and public education.   PDSA also advocates for and assists in research for treatment of ITP and other blood disorders.  PDSA has achieved significant growth since its inception, and now has 2000 members, 25,000 e-news subscribers, an annual budget of $800,000, and five staff members plus several contractors.  PDSA is an international association with contacts in 130 countries, and is based in Rockville, Maryland.

The Position
The Executive Director reports to a eight-member Board of Directors and interacts directly with the Association’s 12-member medical advisory board.  The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of organizational management and operations.  The Executive Director is the key spokesperson for the association, and maintains contacts with a range of partners, including the medical community, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies and advocacy organizations.  The Executive Director oversees PDSA programs and growth, including membership development, website and newsletter, annual conference, member meetings, fundraising, research initiatives, and marketing. 

Priorities
Key priorities for PDSA over the next three years will be to a) expand programs that serve people with ITP and other blood disorders, b) build the profile of the organization to continue to be the “go-to” source for all aspects of ITP and other platelet disorders, c) expand participation in and contributions to the organization, and d) have a greater impact on research and outcomes for people with ITP and other blood disorders.

Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership in advancing the mission of PDSA:  Enhancing the lives of people with ITP and other platelet disorders through education, advocacy and research.

• Ensure high standards of service to members and the community in providing the latest information and research on ITP and other platelet disorders.
• Raise necessary funds to achieve the mission of the PDSA.
• Maintain relationships with medical organizations and serve as liaison to agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and American Society of Hematology.
• Ensure high standards of ethics and accountability in organizational management, ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations, and ensuring sound fiscal management.
• Oversee timely completion of program activities.
• Maintain advocacy connections and serve as liaison to organizations such as American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, National Organization for Rare Diseases, and Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA).
• Oversee PDSA staff and contractors including responsibility for hiring and firing, and maintaining current job descriptions.
• Interface with the Board of Directors, including preparing the annual budget and financial statements, drafting organizational policies for adoption, and supporting the Board’s active engagement in achieving the mission of PDSA.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in nonprofit or association management showing progressively more responsibility (or equivalent relevant experience)
• Experience in health field required
• Understanding of ITP and other blood disorders highly desirable
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience in fundraising and marketing
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office products

Physical Demands

• Sit for long periods of time
• Lift up to 25 pounds

To Apply:      Send cover letter and resume as attached Word or PDF documents to:  ExecutiveSearch@mdnonprofit.org with PDSA Executive Director in the subject line.  Search conducted by Maryland Nonprofits Consulting Group at www.marylandnonprofits.org.