NumFOCUS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports open practices in research, data, and scientific computing. We serve as a fiscal sponsor for open-source projects and organize community-driven educational programs. We work toward an inclusive scientific and research community that utilizes actively supported open-source software to make impactful discoveries for a better world.  

Our Core Values are the guiding principles by which NumFOCUS makes decisions and defines our culture. 

• Inclusivity: Commitment to diversity and a welcoming, friendly community. 
• Transparency: Open access creates a collaborative community in which the best ideas can come forward. 
• Curiosity: Passion for learning and commitment to scientific inquiry.  
• Collaboration: The best ideas come from a diverse group of individuals working together. 

During the past three years, NumFOCUS has dispersed $13 million in project allocations to ensure the sustainability of critical open-source tools, managed $10 million in project grants for advancing scientific computing and data science initiatives, and awarded $800,000 in small development grants, enabling projects to undertake crucial work that might not otherwise be possible. 

NumFOCUS is now seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization and drive its mission forward. The Executive Director will oversee strategic planning, operations, programs, and fundraising, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, and community to ensure the growth and sustainability of NumFOCUS. The Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in supporting an international ecosystem of scientific open-source projects and communities whose work accelerates life-changing research and scientific discoveries.  

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Strategic Leadership and Board Collaboration: Collaborate with the Board of Directors and the Technical Steering Committee to define and execute the organization's strategic direction, vision, and goals. 
• Oversight of Operational Management: Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of daily operations and ensure all programs and services support NumFOCUS’s mission and the community of open-source projects we serve.  
• Fundraising and Development Oversight: Cultivate relationships with donors including foundations, academic institutions, government agencies, and corporate partners. 
• Community Engagement: Serve as an advocate by actively representing NumFOCUS in public forums, conferences, workshops, and community events. 

The deadline for applications is 12:00 Noon Central Time on Friday, May 2nd, 2025. 

This position is remote, based in the US. The Executive Director will work remotely but periodically (15-20 days per year) travel to conferences and other organizational events in various domestic and international locations. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. 

The salary range is $180,000 - $190,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a full-time employee of NumFOCUS, the Executive Director will be entitled to a full suite of benefits including four weeks of yearly paid vacation time, eleven paid holidays, 401(k) matching, and company–supported medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.   

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. NumFOCUS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. 

Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously. Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation. The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerized database and transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in. 

Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please see our Privacy Policy.