Careers at AOAC

Based in Rockville, MD, AOAC’s dedicated national office staff provide support for AOAC’s programs and activities.

Position Posting: Chief Innovation Officer

AOAC INTERNATIONAL is currently seeking a creative and energetic Chief Innovation Officer to inspire innovation at AOAC INTERNATIONAL that increases revenue and organizational effectiveness. The Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) focuses on furthering the organization’s overall goals and long-term growth strategy by unifying the drive toward innovation within our mission and vision. The CIO develops a cohesive set of strategies and drives related tasks in tandem with the teams that are most capable of executing them. The CIO will not only generate new ideas, but also capitalize on the innovative ideas of staff, Association members, and other stakeholders of the Association. The CIO must assess, then demonstrate the value of new and expanded business opportunities, strategies, and technologies as well as potential partnerships and business models.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Chief Innovation Officer will:

• Develop, refine, and oversee a comprehensive innovation strategy for the organization. 
• Communicate the strategy to senior leadership, cross-functional team members, and other stakeholders. 
• Align the innovation roadmap and portfolio of growth projects with the overall direction, objectives, and priorities of the Association. 
• Establish priorities and drive projects appropriately. 
• Ensure innovations are brought to the market in a scalable manner and that commercialization strategies are viable. 
• Use innovations to nurture long-term relationships with customers, members, and other key stakeholders to differentiate the organization by demonstrating unique value. 
• Nurture a culture of innovation that encourages idea sharing and collaboration across departments.
• Establish relationships with customers who operate at their organization’s strategic level and cultivate potential business relationships.

As a member of the Executive Director’s Senior Team, the CIO contributes to the total organization, contributing to strategic planning, budgeting, decision-making, and the overall financial health of AOAC.

The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in chemistry, microbiology, business, or other relevant field from an accredited college or university and 10 to 15 years of experience in the business development of a science-related organization or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degree is preferred. He or she will also have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be comfortable presenting to large and small audiences as well as reaching out to engage with high-level stakeholders. The successful candidate will be familiar with food safety-related U.S. and international government and non-government organizations. He or she will have strong project management skills.

If you feel that you have the qualifications needed to be successful as the Chief Innovation Officer for AOAC INTERNATIONAL and want to work in a lean, team-oriented working environment, please forward your cover letter and resume to: Jonathan J. Goodwin, Deputy Executive Director & Chief Human Resources Officer, AOAC INTERNATIONAL at [email protected]. Preference will be given to those who apply by February 5, 2023.

Located in Rockville, Maryland, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a globally recognized, 501(c)(3), independent, third-party, not-for-profit association and voluntary consensus standards developing organization founded in 1884. When analytical needs arise within a community or industry, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is the forum for finding appropriate science-based solutions through the development of microbiological and chemical standards. AOAC standards are used globally to promote trade and to facilitate public health and safety. AOAC INTERNATIONAL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.