CCSGO 2027-2028
Conference Director Search
the CONTEXT
For the first time in CCSGO’s history, the organization is issuing an open call for a Conference Director and inviting applicants to work with us during a period of transition.
Historically, CCSGO has partnered with Conference Directors who brought strong institutional affiliations to support the development of annual Group Relations Conferences in Chicago. Through reflection, we have come to see that shifts in the Group Relations field have made this model less sustainable over time. We are also engaging more directly with how patterns of isolation, exclusion, and white supremacy can become embedded in this longstanding model.
As CCSGO rethinks its approach to organizing and sponsoring conferences, we are seeking a Director who is interested in working within this moment of transition and contributing to the ongoing evolution of the organization and its conference practice.
the ROLE
The Director is authorized by the CCSGO Board to design and lead a fully CCSGO-sponsored conference. This includes responsibility for the conference theme, structure, staffing, and overall execution, as well as stewardship of the conference as a learning system.
The Director works in collaboration with the Conference Committee, which has been authorized by the CCSGO Board to provide organizational oversight and support throughout the process.
The appointment is for a two-year term, with the expectation that the Director will lead conferences in both 2027 and 2028.
the COMMITTEE
The CCSGO Conference Committee, comprised of Diana Castañeda, Matthew Frantz and Amy Freed, is leading the Director search. Together, they bring extensive Group Relations experience, including service as conference members, staff, and organizational leaders. mak wemuk serves in an advisory capacity, supporting the Committee’s work throughout the search process.
the APPLICANT
We are seeking applicants with substantial Group Relations conference experience who are interested in taking up the Director role within an evolving organizational context.
Prior experience as a Conference Director is welcome but not required. Applicants should have experience in senior conference leadership roles (e.g., Associate Director or equivalent) and a demonstrated capacity to think systemically about conference design, leadership, and learning.
the TIMELINE
The timeline below outlines key dates in the Director search process. Dates may be adjusted as the search progresses.
Application Portal Opens
Monday, June 1
Application Portal Closes
Monday, July 13
Interview Invitations Extended
Monday, July 27
Director Appointed
Early September
the APPLICATION
Interested in Applying?
Begin the application
Applications accepted through Monday, July 13, 2026
Questions about the search or application process? Contact the CCSGO Conference Committee at conference@ccsgo.org.