EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH: The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) seeks a highly respected and accomplished colon and rectal surgeon to serve as its next Executive Director. The selected individual will replace current ABCRS Executive Director Bruce G. Wolff, MD, whose tenure is ending. The position is expected to be filled in 2021, with the selected candidate formally taking office in September 2022. Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume in confidence to: Scott R. Steele, MD via email. Inquiries should also be directed to Scott R. Steele, MD.

Executive Director Position

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) is one of 24 Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABCRS was established to promote the health and welfare of the American people through the development and maintenance of high standards for certification in the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. The primary purposes of the Board include determining that candidates possess proper qualifications before taking the examination for certification or continuous certification; conducting examinations to determine the ability and fitness to practice the specialty of colon and rectal surgery; and, awarding certificates to those candidates who fulfill its requirements.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Executive Director (ED) reports to members of the ABCRS and will receive an annual evaluation by the members of the ABCRS. The Board consists of 15 members and also has an advisory council composed of 3–5 members that serve as augmentees of the Board. The ED shall receive compensation in the form of an annual stipend. The amount will be determined by a vote of the Board.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Overall Responsibilities/Position Description

The ED has the overall strategic leadership and executive management responsibility of the ABCRS and performs duties assigned by the Board. In this role the ED:

• Serves as a voting member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Board
• Functions as a liaison between the committees of the Board, the Executive Committee and members of the Board as well as to important external partnerships
• Manages and leads the Board staff and day-to day operations of the Board through the executive assistant
• Serves as the secretary of the Board and is responsible for maintaining the minutes of the Board
• Manages the ABCRS Foundation at the direction of the Board and in conjunction with the portfolio manager

The following are essential abilities and qualities expected to be successful as the ED:

Leadership

As primary ambassador of the ABCRS, the ED demonstrates a progressive and modern leadership with the Board, office staff, diplomates, and key relationships of the Board. This includes:

• Overseeing the Executive Assistant/Office Manager in recruiting, motivating and retaining staff in the ABCRS office.
• Ensuring the ABCRS office functions effectively in preparation and execution of all examinations and in communication with the diplomates and members of the Board.
• Providing strategic leadership and management consistent with the bylaws and policies of the Board at the overall direction of the Board.
• Serving as the primary spokesperson and representative of the ABCRS to diplomates and to other key external relationships.
• Developing and nurturing strategic relationships and representing the Board to diplomates and to other key external relationships.

Strategy/Forward Thinking

The ED drives the strategic direction of the ABCRS and remains forward thinking in understanding the evolving landscape of certification and continuous certification. This includes:

• Assisting the Board in the development and implementation of the strategic direction of the Board.
• Providing the Board with reports, thought leadership, analysis and recommendations to assist in governance and strategic thinking.
• Compiling annual goals in conjunction with the President and the Executive Committee that should highlight strategic priorities.
• Assessing and informing the Board regarding trends, events, or emerging issues that may impact the Board’s success.

Management

The ED provides robust and professional management of the ABCRS office, Board functions and Board business. This includes:

• Enforcing the Bylaws of the ABCRS, as well as its policies and procedures.
• Providing direction and implementation of Board objectives and priorities.
• Assisting the Treasurer and Executive Assistant in the development and execution of the Board’s annual budget.
• Providing thoughtful stewardship of the Board’s assets, including cash, investments, tangible property and intellectual property.
• Ensuring the appropriate audits of the Board’s finances are responsibly completed.
• Ensuring accurate notification of candidates regarding ABCRS certification processes including transmission of results.
• Guaranteeing Board processes are followed consistent with the bylaws and policies.
• Overseeing the ABCRS Foundation activities and working actively to grow Foundation assets.

Effective Active Representation

The ED, as ambassador of the ABCRS, is integral in maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders. In maintaining these relationships, the ED must serve as an effective communication conduit between these entities, the President of the ABCRS and the Board. Affiliation with external organizations includes:

Requirements and Qualifications

STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION

The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery includes a culture where member diplomates and all employees integrate diversity and inclusion throughout. We respect and appreciate our similarities and differences; they enable us to better serve our patients, one another, and our global communities. We stand with the medical community to decry the sickness of racism. We acknowledge that systemic racism in this country damages the health, welfare, safety, and very lives of people of color and therefore our whole society. We affirm our commitment to identify and work to eliminate the impact of racism in our organization, our profession, and our country.

See this position description on the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery website.