Description

POSITION & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leading all
aspects of NAESP - including day-to-day operations, staff leadership, membership engagement,
advocacy, financial administration, strategic initiatives, and critical partnerships. The successful
candidate must be a supremely capable leader in virtually all key areas related to the Association.
We seek someone who can establish and nurture relationships with members, key partners,
legislators, elected officials, governmental constituents and others on behalf of NAESP. A
credible and trustworthy leader who others see as a guidepost for issues facing the field. The
successful candidate should be recognized as a leader and subject matter expert for all issues
affecting NAESP and its membership, increasing visibility and visitation with elected officials to
ensure that key policies and agenda items important to NAESP are well articulated and supported.
This will extend to local, regional and national activities that promote the mission and success of
NAESP. In short, the next ED should be a skilled communicator, convenor, champion and
“movement builder” in support of the membership and its needs.
Some of the unique qualities that we believe can be differentiators for ideal candidates could
include:

1. Visionary Leadership 

• Sets a clear, inspiring, and well-articulated vision that reflects NAESP’s mission
  to serve aspiring, early childhood, elementary, middle-level educational
  leadership. Aligns NAESP organizational goals with long-term educational
  outcomes for our nation’s schools

2. Collaborative Spirit

• Builds strong relationships, trust, and collaboration with NAESP board and staff, as well as other association leaders, state affiliates, school leaders, district leaders, and partners, sponsors, exhibitors, etc.
• Supports, encourages, and leads by example. Is responsive to member concerns,
  and actively solicits and incorporates feedback into programs.

3. Strategic Thinking and Planning

• Utilizes data and research to inform decisions.
• Plans proactively to address challenges and seize opportunities.
•  Aligns association goals and resources with the strategic plan.
•  Considers new possibilities to grow NAESP.

4. Inspirational and Supportive Leadership

• Leads with empathy and transparency, ensuring employees feel valued, heard, and
  empowered by promoting a supportive culture that invests in talent, recognizes
  achievements, and promotes collaboration for attracting and retaining skilled
  staff.

5. Advocacy and Policy Influence

• Keeps what is best for education and our members at the forefront regardless of
  political affiliations or climate.
• Comprehensive understanding of PK-12 education policies and politics; familiar
  with the ecosystem, interplay of education stakeholder groups, and policy
  makers.

6. Adaptability and Innovation

• A willingness to embrace change and innovations in learning and leadership.
• Responds effectively and calmly to emerging trends and challenges.
• Openness to trying new ideas to help us expand the services/benefits/resources we
  offer with the goal of retaining and growing membership.

Requirements

1. The next Executive Director of NAESP must be a leader of the highest order, recognizing the
successes of the past and charting a course for greater evolution and impact in the future. The
successful candidate should possess the following key qualifications:
Baseline Professional Requirements
Minimum of five years of executive leadership experience, with significant
nonprofit experience as either staff or board member; Association leadership
experience is strongly preferred, but not required; “Beltway” networks are a plus;

• Bachelor’s Degree required, with a preference for candidates with an advanced
  degree and/or continuing education; CAE certification and/or ASAE membership
  is a plus;
• Possessing a genuine and identifiable calling, passion, sense of duty, and an
  appreciation of the role that NAESP plays in the national education community,
  specifically as it pertains to supporting the work of principals in pre-K through 8th
  grade who are committed to the success of all children;
•  Demonstrated experience and success in leadership roles that have required
  significant strategic planning, execution, visionary/transformational leadership;
• Highest levels of integrity, professional maturity and sound judgment, values and
  ethical standards;
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and Board, partners, elected officials, as
  well as state, regional and national affiliations, corporations, foundations and
  individual members;
• Authenticity with the proven ability to work as a team player with diverse groups
  of people as well as excellence in managing and developing diverse teams.

2. Ideal Professional Experiences & Competencies

• Highly entrepreneurial, with the ability to identify and grow services and resources
  with strong fiscal responsibility; ideally someone who is technology savvy and
  technologically advanced;
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills;
•  Superior communication skills (written and verbal), including public speaking
  talent and experience;
• Highly motivated, action-oriented self-starter with strong organizational skills,
  especially planning and coordination;
• Excellent time and task management skills as evidenced by a proven ability to
  efficiently and effectively handle multiple tasks at the same time with appropriate
  delegation and decision making;
• Sound decision-making skills in an ever-changing environment; ability to adapt,
  plan for and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting;
• Availability to work outside of traditional business hours, to travel locally,
  regionally and nationally; must be visible across the breadth of the Association.

3. Ideal Personal Attributes & Competencies 

• Ability to manage and grow a complex organization while executing effectively
  across a broad spectrum of responsibilities;
• Possessing keen strategic agility and institutional vision;
• Diplomatic influence, with high interpersonal and political savvy; keen external
  awareness;
• Collaborative and opportunity-oriented, sees the possibilities rather than the
  problems; seeks ways in which NAESP can bring together individuals,
  organizations, partners and institutions for productive and important work,
  collaborations, events, etc.;
• Creativity marked by courage;
• Stamina and tenacity required for success in a challenging, dynamic environment;
• Possessing the balance of humility and will;
• Ability to deal well with ambiguity; a Change Agent;
• Cultural Proficiency;
• Maestro with staff - hires the best, brings out the best in staff;
•  Knows how and when to use the Board and volunteers;
• Gracious, puts others out in front; Servant leadership qualities;
•  Poised, mature, confident and humble;
• Resilient, cheerleader and coach;
• The ability to help create a sense of community;

 Highly motivated to succeed for the good of the organization, not themselves.