THE OPTICAL SOCIETY (OSA)

OSA

Advancing the Science and Technology of Light

Home  /  About OSA

Jobs at OSA

About OSA

Rate this page.

OSA Careers

OSA is a great place to work! With its attractive benefits package, community atmosphere and stimulating environment, the Society offers diverse and challenging opportunities for personal and professional growth. OSA fosters a productive environment in which all employees are valued as a vital part of the Society and deliver quality service to external and internal community, in compliance with all legal requirements.

View OSA's employee benefits summary; detailing workplace environment, benefits, holidays, and payroll information.

To apply for a position, please send resume and cover letter to resumes@osa.org or fax them to +1 202.223.1096.

Current Employment Opportunities

Controller
Deputy Senior Director, Exhibits
Editorial Director
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant/Program Assistant
Office Assistant, Part Time
Public Relations Manager
Revenue & Expense Accounting Manager
Senior Director of Membership & Marketing
Senior Director of Publishing Sales & Marketing

Controller


The Optical Society (OSA) is recruiting for a Controller. Reporting to the Senior (Sr.) Director of Finance, the Controller will be responsible for oversight of all accounting and financial reporting functions for Optical Society (OSA) and the OSA Foundation (OSAF). The Controller will be involved in supporting presentations to the Board Finance and Audit Committees and will work closely with the Sr. Director of Finance in this regard.  The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations of the Accounting Department ensuring that OSA has the systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and conduct flawless audits.  The Controller will work closely with program leaders and their staffs, not only to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures but also to explore how the finance function can support program operations.
 
Specific areas within the department include:  general ledger accounting; financial statement preparation & reporting, tax and compliance.  The Controller’s primary tasks are preparing & reviewing all financial statements and documents for the organization, overseeing monthly financial closing of books, leading the annual audit, and assisting in the preparation of the annual budget and forecasts. 
 
The incumbent must possess and utilize a collaborative style to lead; understands and can lead a unique organization that is mission-focused.  S/he makes recommendations on a broad range of fiscal issues including but not limited to accounting, policies, and procedures. Coordinates and directs personnel, resources, communications, and information to ensure smooth and efficient activities. Interprets, explains, and applies laws, rules and regulations. Works cooperatively with management teams to ensure the operational effectiveness of the Finance Office. Provides technical direction and expertise in the development and maintenance of accounting and related systems.
 
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a mature leader with a minimum of 8 years’ experience in accounting and finance, ideally beginning in accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders.  This is a hands-on role that requires a professional who is comfortable operating in the day-to-day details. Experience in and knowledge of finance and accounting operations are necessary, including strong technical accounting and job cost skills.
S/he will also be responsible for:
 

  • Overseeing all account, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Preparing all financial statements and reports and provides the first level of financial analysis to ensure reports are accurate and are distributed to senior management in a timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of OSA’s financial status.
  • Maintaining internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.
  • Implementing training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
  • Managing all aspects of the reporting to tax consultants for tax returns and tax audits.

 
 
Job Qualifications:
 
 

  • Experience with communications, and government relations or advocacy required.
  • Experience working with a volunteer, governance-driven organization (i.e., professional & individual membership.
  • In-depth knowledge of finance and financial reporting including financial planning, oversight, strategies and generally accepted accounting principles and practices and risk management.
  • Proven experience in the implementation of operational best practices.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as a joy in teaching others; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management and Board.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; a Certified Public Account; MBA, a plus.
  • Advanced knowledge and application of Microsoft Office suite.
  • Solid experience in coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, accounting for investments, and Foundation accounting.
  • Experience in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government corporate and foundation grants is essential.
  • Technology-savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software and systems implementations; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software; working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics SL and netForum preferred.
  • Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly.
  • Keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
  • Experience with a fast-paced office environment and shifting priorities
  • Effective leader and people manager with demonstrated ability to mentor subordinates

 
Uniting more than 180,000 professionals from 175 countries, the Optical Society (OSA) brings together the global optics community through its programs and initiatives. Since 1916, OSA has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing educational resources to the scientists, engineers and business leaders who work in the field by promoting the science of light and the advanced technologies made possible by optics and photonics. OSA publications, events, technical groups and programs foster optics knowledge and scientific collaboration among all those with an interest in optics and photonics. For more information, visit www.osa.org.  The Society is located in the Dupont Circle, DC neighborhood.  We offer a competitive compensation package. Please send your cover letter and resume with salary requirements to Human Resources at resumes@osa.org.
 
 

Deputy Senior Director, Exhibits

The Optical Society (OSA) seeks an experienced Deputy Senior Director, Exhibits. This seasoned association industry exhibits professional will direct a staff of six and all aspects of exhibit sales, operations, logistics, and direct marketing for two large tradeshows, 8 smaller tabletop shows, and a medium sized annual meeting tradeshow.  The successful candidate will also oversee advertising sales functions for organization’s print and online magazine and several additional pieces of online and digital advertising and sponsorship inventory; plus several outside sales representatives.  The candidate will directly supervise two Director level staff and will work in close cooperation with other internal departments to ensure the overall success of events. The Deputy Sr. Director of Exhibits will also act as the principle external exhibit liaison with several volunteer organizing committees. This position holds primary responsibility for financial success and growth of association’s entire exhibit portfolio as well as all Advertising and Sponsorship sales.
 
Ideal candidate will have a college degree, with 8-10 years of experience in exhibit sales and operations at an engineering or scientific association, and will have significant staff and volunteer management experience. Ability to travel required and expertise with Expocad, Salesforce and MS Office applications, especially Power Point and Excel, preferred.
 
Located in Dupont Circle, OSA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Please send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to resumes@osa.org.
 

Editorial Director

This full-time position provides the opportunity to work with a reputable not-for-profit scholarly publisher. Responsibilities involve managing editorial functions for nine scientific research journals published by The Optical Society (OSA), ensuring timely processing of manuscripts and managing the peer review team staff. Other primary responsibilities include managing the approval and training of volunteer editors for each journal, producing the bi-monthly Editors’ Newsletter, serving as liaison to OSA IT for upgrades to Prism article tracking system, and developing and implementing the recognition efforts for our editors and reviewers.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Recruit, train, and manage OSA’s peer reviewstaff supporting nine scientific journals, including outsourced support staff.
  • Establish regular tracking procedures and performance metrics for monitoring team productivity and performance quality.
  • Provide support to Editors in Chief and Deputy Editors, advising them on journal policies and procedures.
  • Manage the approval process for editors and conduct training for new editors.
  • Maintain materials for an Editors’ Orientation E-notebook.
  • Develop web tutorials for editors, reviewers and authors on editorial policies and use of the Prism article tracking system.
  • Keep log of requested enhancements for Prism. Oversee development of specs for updates and manage the user testing process.
  • Generate bi-monthly Editor Newsletters.
  • Create and manage the volunteer appreciation efforts, including creating recognition opportunities, sending thank-you gifts, posting announcements, budgeting, and scheduling events.
  • Maintain the journal information pages in Optics InfoBase.
  • Manage nomination and approval process for annual OSA Outstanding Reviewer Awards.

Skills and Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage both internal and outsourced staffing models
  • Excellent interpersonal skills required for collaborating effectively with internal and external contacts at all levels, especially with OSA’s publishing volunteers
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Excellent organization and analytical skills required to prioritize and complete multiple tasks successfully within a given timeframe
  • Proficiency using MS Office applications
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a professional and cooperative manner and successfully respond to changing demands
  • Willingness to work in excess of established work-week when needed
  • Travel locally or overnight as required

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Five to seven years’ experience in supervisory or management position
  • Experience managing scholarly peer review and working with association governance is required

The Optical Society is a prestigious scientific membership association located at Dupont Circle. OSA’s mission is to promote the generation, application and archiving of knowledge in optics and photonics and to disseminate this knowledge worldwide. OSA offers a generous benefits package and opportunities for professional growth. OSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please send resume w/cover letter to resumes@osa.org.

Executive Assistant
 

The Optical Society seeks a seasoned Executive Assistant to work closely with the CEO to provide a high level of administrative support to the Executive Office.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: overseeing heavy scheduling and extensive calendar management; coordinate complex domestic and international travel; process detailed expense reports on a monthly basis; prepare and compile support documentation for meetings and conference calls; maintain extensive filing system; prepare correspondences; work on special projects as needed.
 

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years’ experience acting as the primary support to a C level executive, bachelor’s degree preferred.  Requirements include: ability to work with minimal supervision; utilize excellent judgment to make independent decisions; unflappable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; polished and sophisticated with excellent verbal and written communication skills; team-oriented with the ability to work independently; excellent customer service skills; strong analytical, organizational and project management skills; possess a proactive instinct; top notch skills with Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

OSA offers a competitive salary and generous benefits. Send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to resumes@osa.org.


 

Executive Assistant/Program Assistant

The Optical Society (OSA) is seeking a high energy, motivated, self-starter to provide support to the Chief Industry Relations Officer and select Corporate Programs and Projects.  The candidate must be a detail-oriented, multi-tasker who thrives in a fast paced work environment.  The position is perfect for someone eager to learn and advance in the association world. 
 
 
Under the direction of the Chief Industry Relations Officer, some responsibilities include:
 

  1. Maintains calendar and assists with organizing meetings
  2. Provides support in creating presentations
  3. Assists Industry Programs Department with the entering of data for budgets and other budget tracking
  4. Coordinates the contract review process

 
 
Under the direction of the Director, Corporate Relations, some responsibilities include:
 

  1. Administers the OSA and OIDA Corporate Member renewal process
  2. Processes new OSA and OIDA Corporate Members
  3. Maintains Corporate Member accounts on OSA’s online job board,WORKinOPTICS.com
  4. Maintains OSA Corporate Member lists in databases and documents
  5. Responds promptly and professionally to inquiries from current and prospective corporate members.  Provides information about OSA products and services.
  6. Submits Corporate Programs promotional materials for OSA booth shipments.

 
The successful candidate will have a 4-year degree; 3-5 years work experience in a professional environment, preferably an office setting. Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to multi-task; knowledge of customer service practices; strong Excel software skills; Software:, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word); & ability to learn databases (ACT, NetForum, Boxwood).
 
Located in Dupont Circle, OSA offers a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements by email to resumes@osa.org. Resumes without salary requirements will not be considered.
 
 

 

Office Assistant, Part Time



The Optical Society seeks a part time Office Assistant to provide secretarial and administrative support to a variety of departments around the organization, Monday-Friday, 12 Noon - 5:00 pm. Duties include working on research projects, database maintenance, data entry, providing coverage to the Front Desk & mailroom, and other projects as assigned.
Candidate must be a high-energy, self-motivated problem solver who is detail oriented and able to juggle multiple priorities on a daily basis, in a fast paced environment.  Associate's degree required; Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as highly effective interpersonal skills required.  Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite required. Submit cover letter and resume with salary requirements to resumes@osa.org . 
 
 
The Optical Society seeks a part time Office Assistant to provide secretarial and administrative support to a variety of departments around the organization, Monday-Friday, 12 Noon - 5:00 pm. Duties include working on research projects, database maintenance, data entry, providing coverage to the Front Desk & mailroom, and other projects as assigned.

Candidate must be a high-energy, self-motivated problem solver who is detail oriented and able to juggle multiple priorities on a daily basis, in a fast paced environment.  Associate's degree required; Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as highly effective interpersonal skills required.  Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite required. Submit cover letter and resume with salary requirements to resumes@osa.org . 
 
 

Public Relations Manager


The Optical Society (OSA) seeks a Public Relations Manager.  The manager supports the director of communications in the development and implementation of external communications to enhance press coverage of key OSA initiatives and raise awareness of OSA, optics and the value of science among key audiences.
 
This position provides project management and implementation efforts including: writing press releases, op-eds, newsletters, articles, web copy, and other communications materials; building relationships with external contacts, including OSA members, journal/meetings authors, members of the press, industry analysts, and others; tracking and reporting media coverage results and successes; social media, including executing virtual events, tracking analytics and enhancing content; supporting conference PR activities; enhancing OSA’s multimedia efforts including video content; staying abreast of industry and scientific news cycles and identifying new ways for proactive media outreach;  contributing to the overall goal of OSA’s communications team to create awareness and disseminate knowledge of  the science of optics to external audiences. The manager has considerable external contact with members of the media, scientists/researchers, OSA members, exhibitor and corporate contacts, and vendors.
 
The successful candidate must have exemplary writing and editing skills, and experience working with members of the press. Strong verbal communications skills and understanding of how to properly interact with various external customers is essential. The candidate should have experience working with online press clipping services, press contact databases, and social media analytics vendors. Ability to handle a fast-paced environment while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously and independently is required. Attention to detail is critical. Video production experience is preferred.  Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently from start to finish is required.
 
A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications or related field, plus 5-7 years of media relations, public relations and/or communications work experience is required. Prior experience in a science-related field or organization a plus.
 
Located in Dupont Circle, OSA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.  Please send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to resumes@osa.org. 
 
 

Revenue & Expense Accounting Manager


The Optical Society (OSA) seeks an experience Revenue & Expense Accounting Manager.  This seasoned professional will direct a staff of four and all aspects of revenue and accounts payable disbursements.  The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the daily activities of the revenue accounting department ensuring that all transactions are in accordance with contract terms and in compliance with GAAP.  This includes the handling of all collections of accounts receivable, including Government grants, exhibits, publications, advertising, and sponsorships. In addition, she/he will manage accounts payable disbursements, customer vendor relations which include maintenance of the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and project accounting ensuring accuracy and timeliness.  Will also develop, implement, and maintain systems, procedures and policies to ensure adherence to company guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with 5+ years of experience or a combination of education and experience.    Two or more years of leadership experience is preferred.  Experience working with generally accepted accounting principles for non-profits and a working knowledge of NetForum are a plus.

Located in Dupont Circle, OSA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.  Please send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to resumes@osa.org. 
 
 

Senior Director of Membership & Marketing

The Optical Society (OSA) is recruiting for a Senior Director of Membership and Marketing.  This position will be a key stakeholder in developing and implementing a strategic plan for membership and marketing services. The Senior Director leads the planning and management of OSA’s membership, marketing and education programming (including Student Services, Youth Education, and Grant Funding) in accordance with OSA mission and goals. Oversees Membership and Marketing staff and ensures functions are efficiently executed, high quality, and cost-effective, and that growth/development objectives are met or exceeded. Responsible for tracking membership and marketing programs, assessing program impacts, and making modifications as needed.  The Senior Director is also responsible for the management and coaching of direct reports, building and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers, peer societies and external organizations. This position will serve as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

  Job Qualifications:
 

  1. Experience with program planning, budgeting, execution and tracking
  2. Six to eight  years of  management-level association experience
  3. Proven ability to analyze, prioritize and execute complex tasks under deadline, and dedicate extra effort when necessary to complete assignments and achieve desired results
  4. Experience working with a volunteer, governance-driven organization (i.e., professional & individual membership)
  5. Extensive project management and supervisory experience
  6. Experience with a fast-paced office environment and shifting priorities
  7. Strong track record of high integrity, good judgment, confidentiality, and discretion
  8. Ten years’ of direct experience with individual/corporate membership and education outreach
  9. Ability to travel to meetings and events around the world; travel roughly 10% of the year
  10. Bachelor's degree required; a Master’s degree a plus

The Society is located in the Dupont Circle, DC neighborhood.  We offer a competitive compensation package. Please send your cover letter and resume with salary requirements to Human Resources at resumes@osa.org.
 

Senior Director of Publishing Sales & Marketing

The Optical Society (OSA) seeks a Senior Director of Publishing Sales & Marketing. This individual will play a critical role, and will be charged with the overall responsibility for growing the revenue targets for the Publishing division through the successful management of the sales and marketing function within the Publishing division. Key activities include:

  • Overseeing the activities of, and providing strategic direction for, a Sales & Marketing unit responsible for positioning and selling the OSA’s Publishing’s portfolio of products, including 15 journals, the OSA Digital Archive, the OSA ImageBank, and over 300 conference proceedings.
  • Providing strategic direction for Publishing’s Sales & Marketing team and ensuring managerial oversight for the day-to-day activities of the group, with particular emphasis on: analytics (i.e., annual marketing plans, territory plans, and sales dashboards); contract management of all licenses associated with products sold to libraries; new derivative product development; and the expansion of OSA’s international sales infrastructure.
  • Growing institutional and open access revenues and meeting or exceeding the annual revenue budget and expenses associated with the team and its activities (i.e., sales commissions, marketing budget, etc.).
  • Expanding the marketing program to include additional usage-based campaigns, increasing the number of targeted services to better meet librarians’ needs, and performing market research to better understand current constituents and new ones (i.e., corporates).
  • Managing all contracts associated with the licensing of OSA’s digital content. Particular emphasis to be paid on the business terms in client submitted contracts and ensuring that OSA’s best interests are taken into account.
  • Providing strong mentorship of the team so that they can achieve even greater success.

The successful candidate must have exemplary presentation, writing, and editing skills. Strong verbal communication skills, demonstrated success in growing institutional revenue, innovative product development, and international business development. S/he must have a minimum of 10 years’ expertise overseeing all aspects of sales and marketing for a scientific publisher, and 5 to 10 years’ experience in senior-level association or commercial publishing management.

Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, OSA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Please send cover letters and resumes with salary requirements to resumes@osa.org.