The Arkansas Education Association seeks an energetic, highly motivational, collaborative, and influential leader for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director will work in partnership with the Association's governance and staff to provide operational leadership for AEA to fulfill its vision. The Executive Director is the Association’s chief staff officer who leads a staff in coordination with AEA’s President to ensure implementation of the full scope of the strategic plan, policies, procedures, and programs approved and adopted by the AEA’s Board of Directors. The executive director shall employ, direct, and supervise all AEA staff. In collaboration with the President and Officers, the Executive Director develops and manages an annual organizational budget and is accountable to the Board for the long term financial and fiscal health and sustainability of the Association.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES, EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Member Focus
A leader who values public education and is focused on member needs. Someone who believes in member engagement, trust, and loyalty, and who is committed to fostering strong relationships among AEA and its members. An experienced leader who has successfully demonstrated the ability to implement high quality programs and services that bring value to members. Demonstrated experience in using data to identify additional ways to offer value to members’ professional practice and careers. Ensures that the AEA stays vibrant and relevant as the education landscape and the demographics of the workforce continue to evolve. An influential leader who understands membership and is able to expand market share, and effectively lead innovative strategies, programs, initiatives, and policies designed to attract and increase new membership. An established leader with the ability to drive member engagement and increase member retention.
Strategic Planning and Execution
Documented experience in leading organization-wide efforts in planning, implementation, process improvements, innovation, financial management, and building high-performance work teams. A record of executive leadership in strategic planning that required significant organizational change, including experience utilizing reliable methods to ensure accountability and timeliness in the execution of strategic goals and objectives. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of strategic decision-making through thoughtful evaluation of risks and benefits.
Leadership
A passionate public education advocate who understands the central role educators play in leading change in their profession. A proven record of senior organizational leadership marked by a passion for education. A visionary leader who has confidently engaged others to identify and work toward common goals. Capable and willing to voice respectful and effective dissent when and where appropriate. Must possess a growth mindset, a collaborative workstyle, and be able to communicate effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners. Must have the confidence to lead courageously and possess resilience in a rapidly changing environment; a courageous leader who has shown organizational savvy and flexibility in confronting and adapting to challenging and changing political and organizational realities. Must be capable and willing to voice respectful and effective dissent when and where appropriate. A proven ability to grow a membership base. An empathetic leader who has a demonstrated, successful record of attracting and empowering a highly talented staff and is skilled at coaching and mentoring. Has success in building and maintaining effective coalition partnerships.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
An effective communicator who has excelled in building successful relationships. An established record of fostering teamwork and consensus, effectively managing conflict, provoking creative problem-solving, and necessary risk-taking, and is inclusive of diverse individual and cultural perspectives. Has an ability to inspire trust and communicate sound reasoning in an authentic and persuasive manner. Must be a leader who is able to develop networks, leverage diversity, and build internal and external alliances across boundaries to support strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
Desired Experience and Education
A minimum of 3-5 years of middle or senior management experience.
Experience in public education advocacy, belief in the central role of unions, and unwavering support for organized public education.
Deep knowledge of Arkansas communities and education systems – or ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and engaging with thoughtfulness and respect.
Must be a lifelong learner who supports structures for staff's ongoing professional development.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college is required; a Master's Degree is preferred.
TO APPLY:
To be considered for this position, please provide the following:
A current resume reflecting your qualifications for this position.
A Letter of Application that specifically addresses how your career accomplishments have prepared you to meet the challenges and opportunities presented in this position.
All materials must be sent electronically to NEA-AEA Search Consultant: Unionsearch.org Patricia Johnson, Managing Partner: patjohnson@unionsearch.org
For confidential inquiries, questions, salary information, or to schedule a call, please email Patricia Johnson.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 4, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
