Skip to main content

This job has expired

President and CEO, Education Policy Association

Employer
National Association of State Boards of Education
Location
Virginia, United States
Salary
Competitive Salary
Closing date
Mar 30, 2021

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is a membership organization that develops, supports, and empowers citizen leaders on state boards of education to strengthen public education systems so students of all backgrounds and circumstances are prepared to succeed in school, work, and life. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education. State boards play pivotal roles: as the sole authority for making education policy or an influential voice in shaping it, as convener of diverse stakeholders, and as public officials who can seek and receive answers to pressing questions. State boards often set the vision for public education in the state and ensure that the policies they advance align with that vision. While their governance contexts and policy authority vary from state to state, most boards set learning standards, graduation requirements, accountability and assessment programs, and accreditation and teacher preparation standards. With terms lasting from four to nine years, state boards were formed to serve as the stable center of education governance, capable of shepherding long-term, statewide education agendas, even as other state education leadership changes. As citizen leaders, boards amplify the citizens’ voice in education policy and engage many voices in policymaking. Board members serve with little or no compensation or support, allowing them to challenge the status quo impartially and focus on policies in the best interests of students. For more than 60 years, NASBE has been the only organization focused solely on these boards. NASBE keeps boards apprised of the latest research evidence to support their policymaking, shares initiatives and lessons learned from other states, and gives them the tools and technical assistance they need to create the conditions for equity and excellence in their states. Through conferences, publications, webinars, trainings, and other convenings, NASBE builds members’ capacity to effectively set state policy, convene stakeholders, and ask questions. Mission NASBE develops, supports, and empowers citizen leaders on state boards of education to strengthen public education systems so students of all backgrounds and circumstances are prepared to succeed in school, work, and life. Core Values We believe in equity and excellence. We believe that students of all races, genders, and circumstances deserve the supports they need to thrive in school. We believe all students can learn at high levels and must have the opportunity to do so through state policies that address their diverse learning needs.  We prioritize state leadership of public education: We believe that state boards of education, in partnership with chief state school officers, governors, and legislatures, are best positioned to craft, promote, and oversee state education policies.  We empower citizen leaders: We build the capacity of state board members to question, convene, and act boldly with and for students, educators, and families.  We elevate evidence in policymaking: We ground our resources, tools, and services in the strongest evidence available and help our members make informed decisions in the best interest of students.  We build community: We facilitate productive dialogue and nonpartisan exchange among members with diverse perspectives, creating lasting channels for the sharing of evidence-based strategies and solutions.  We collaborate: We promote respectful collaboration, both among our members and between our members and the broader education community. Culture NASBE is a collaborative, supportive, and respectful work environment, with a small staff who are passionate about equity and excellence for all students and focused on meeting members’ needs. OVERVIEW The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) has initiated a national search for a president and CEO to replace its retiring leader. The successful candidate will exhibit a commitment to support member states in their pursuit of equity and excellence for all students and to the organization’s core values. NASBE is committed to building a diverse, inclusive team, is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Scope of the Position The president and CEO is responsible for leading the organization’s staff, managing a portfolio of programs and services responsive to member needs, and serving as a public voice for the association’s priorities for public education. As the association’s chief executive, the president and CEO is appointed by and directly responsible to its Board of Directors. Candidate Profile NASBE is seeking a visionary leader with experience in mission-driven membership organizations, deep understanding of the processes that enable effective education policymaking, and knowledge of how state boards of education can work collaboratively at the intersection of state, federal, and local public policy. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to lead and inspire staff to meet strategic goals, will have excelled at managing fiscal resources, and will have worked effectively in a nonpartisan environment. The president and CEO will be based in NASBE’s office in Alexandria, Virginia. Key Responsibilities  Collaborate with the Board of Directors and staff to promote policymaking that ensures equity and excellence for all students.  Implement NASBE’s strategic plan, mission, and goals with fidelity.  Develop a plan to support a thriving membership organization that recruits, retains, and engages member boards.  Deliver a portfolio of programs and services—including new member orientation, professional development, technical assistance, conferences, publications, and convenings—to build state board capacity.  Attract and maintain robust national and regional funding to advance NASBE’s mission and goals.  Build strong, meaningful relationships with state board members, funders, partner and peer organizations, and other state-facing and federal policy leaders.  In partnership with the Board of Directors, amplify state boards as a distinct, influential voice at the state and national levels.  Maintain NASBE’s nonpartisan reputation and character.  Elevate the role of evidence in support of state policymaking.  Cultivate a trusted, knowledgeable, and expert team to support NASBE’s mission and goals.  Exercise strong fiscal stewardship over the association’s budget and finances, adhering to generally accepted accounting practices and nonprofit best practices.  Travel as necessary to implement NASBE's work and priorities. Key Experience  Served at least five years in an executive leadership position of an education, nonprofit, or advocacy organization, or in state or federal government  Worked within membership organizations and with a board of directors  Supervised and led a team in a collaborative, collegial environment  Developed, analyzed, or evaluated public policy  Exercised financial management, secured grants, and identified new revenue streams  Implemented a strategic plan  Worked with a broad range of stakeholders on common issues and initiatives  Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion Key Qualifications  Advanced degree in education, public policy, management, or other relevant field OPPORTUNITY  Excellent skills in interpersonal communication, writing, and public speaking  Familiarity with the work of state boards of education  Knowledge of education policy landscape and broad understanding of education research  Ability to leverage a broad network of contacts within the education policy landscape Key Attributes  Passionate about equity in preK-16 education  Stellar reputation as a respected, trusted, and compassionate leader  Courageous decision maker, skilled at setting, managing, and implementing strategic priorities  Creative and entrepreneurial thinker  Energetic self-starter, patient, flexible, and able to multitask  Strong relationship-building skills  Consensus builder  Political acumen  Candid, authentic, transparent communicator Apply Please submit a letter of interest and CV to employment@nasbe.org by April 5, 2021.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert