Description
Job Classification Title: Executive Director
Supervised By: Executive Board
FLSA Status: Exempt - No overtime under FLSA / No Benefits - 1099 Employee (Independent Contractor)
Salary: $98,000
Work Schedule: This position is classified as exempt and is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week. The employee must be available Monday through Friday for scheduled ASPAA meetings, events, and professional development activities. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required in support of conferences and association events.
Work Location: Hybrid - This is considered a virtual position; however, in-person attendance will be required in Arizona for events and programs. The employee must provide essential technology, tools, and supplies for office work in an in-home setting. No reimbursements will be provided for maintaining an in-home office or for travel.
This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment.
ABOUT ASPAA
Since 1971, the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association has proven to be a vital and strategic resource to school districts throughout Arizona! ASPAA supports public school administrators who have a primary professional responsibility that focuses on Human Resources. Our organization proudly serves as the premier association for Human Resources, Recruitment and Retention, Wellness, Payroll and Benefits professionals in Arizona’s K-12 education system.
We are dedicated to advancing excellence in school district operations through high-quality professional development, access to timely and relevant resources, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration across districts. Our mission is to equip our members with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to navigate the unique complexities of K-12 education HR with confidence and integrity. We have approximately 650 members with over 150 school districts or charter schools represented. We hold (2) two major conferences per year along with monthly professional development trainings throughout the year.
JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the association and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the organization. The Executive Director advances the organization’s mission by supporting members’ professional growth, strengthening HR leadership in public education, and ensuring organizational sustainability.
This position provides strategic counsel to the Executive Board, oversees staff and daily operations, manages financial and legal compliance, and represents the association with external partners, policymakers, and stakeholders. The Executive Director ensures high-quality member services, effective governance, sound fiscal management, and alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- Serves as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and staff, ensuring effective governance and operational alignment.
- Provides strategic leadership in a specialized professional field—school district human resources—requiring knowledge of K–12 education systems, workforce development, and public-sector employment practices.
- Balances executive-level strategic planning with hands-on operational oversight in a small-staff environment.
- Represents the association as the chief spokesperson in public, legislative, and professional settings.
- Leads a membership-based organization focused on professional standards, networking, professional development, and advocacy.
- Oversees a lean organizational structure where cross-functional leadership and adaptability are essential.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Board’s needs. In-person attendance will be an essential function of this classification during conferences and other annual activities. Many of the duties can be performed remotely.
Governance & Board Relations
- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
- Advise and inform the Board on emerging issues in school district HR, membership trends, financial status, and risk management.
- Support Board committees and ensure effective governance practices.
- Implement policies established by the Board and ensure organizational compliance with bylaws and applicable laws.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide vision and leadership to advance the association’s mission and long-term sustainability.
- Identify trends and challenges impacting school district HR and develop responsive programs and services.
- Lead strategic initiatives to enhance membership value, engagement, and growth.
Operations & Staff Management
- Direct and supervise a team of five staff members, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive workplace culture.
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including membership services, communications, events, and administrative functions.
- Establish performance expectations and support professional development for staff.
- Ensure effective use of internal systems, workflows, and technology.
Financial Management
- Develop and manage the annual budget in partnership with the Board and finance committee.
- Ensure sound fiscal practices, including financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and compliance.
- Oversee revenue generation strategies, including membership dues, sponsorships, partnerships, and events.
- Monitor financial performance and recommend adjustments as needed to ensure long-term sustainability.
Membership & Program Development
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality professional development programs, conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Maintain strong member engagement and satisfaction through responsive services and communications.
- Evaluate and enhance programs to meet the evolving needs of school district HR professionals.
Advocacy & External Relations
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the association.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with educational organizations, vendors, policymakers, and related professional groups.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting school district HR and inform membership as appropriate.
- Promote the association’s visibility and reputation within the education and HR communities.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing nonprofit and membership organizations.
- Oversee contracts, insurance, and risk management processes.
- Maintain ethical standards and transparency in all organizational activities.
Requirements
ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE OF
- Governance principles and best practices for membership-based nonprofit associations, including effective board engagement and committee structures.
- Public K–12 education systems, with particular emphasis on school district human resources functions such as talent acquisition, labor relations, compliance, certification, and employee development.
- Financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls within a nonprofit or association environment.
- Federal and state employment laws, regulatory compliance requirements, and risk management considerations affecting public-sector employers.
- Strategic planning processes, performance measurement, and organizational development in small to mid-sized organizations.
- Membership engagement models, professional development programming, conference planning, sponsorship development, and non-dues revenue strategies.
SKILLS
- Strategic leadership and organizational management, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
- Effective supervision and team development, including coaching, delegation, performance management, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.
- Financial acumen, including budget development, financial analysis, and clear presentation of financial information to a governing board.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and executive-level presentations.
- Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement, with the ability to cultivate partnerships across school districts, vendors, policymakers, and peer organizations.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and decision-making in complex or sensitive situations.
- Project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a small-staff environment.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Advanced degree in education, public administration, human resources, nonprofit management, or related field required
- Knowledge of K–12 public education systems and school district HR practices is strongly preferred.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, professional association, educational institution, public agency, or human resources environment.
- Demonstrated experience working directly with or reporting to a governing board.
- Experience supervising professional staff and managing organizational operations and budgets.
- Experience in or significant familiarity with public-sector or school district human resources is strongly preferred.
