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The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Arizona School Boards Association to recruit the organization’s next Executive Director.
Organizational Background
The Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides training, leadership and essential services to and advocacy for public school governing boards statewide. More than 240 governing boards, representing nearly 1 million Arizona students, are members of ASBA. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, ASBA has a $4 million budget.
ASBA’s mission is to cultivate excellence in locally-governed school districts.
ASBA’s strategic goals include leadership development, advocacy and equity in education.
ASBA’s core beliefs include:
The basic life needs of children must be met for them to succeed
Meeting the unique educational needs of all students must be the foundation of our school systems
The governance of publicly funded schools must lie with locally elected and publicly accountable governing boards
The responsibility for student success is shared by students, parents, governing boards, district staff and the community
Public education funding must be broad-based, stable and at a level that assures all students are successful
Knowledgeable and professionally trained governing board members are fundamental for ensuring student success
Closing the opportunity and achievement gap is a moral and economic imperative that must be addressed to ensure all Arizona’s students are successful
System inequities must be removed so every student achieves their fullest potential
Position Summary
The Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) seeks its next Executive Director, a proven educational and non-profit leader, to continue the growth and progress of an outstanding educational association. The new ED will work to build on a strong reputation for cultivating excellence in locally-governed school districts. The position is responsible for leading and managing the members’ Phoenix, AZ office and staff and a portfolio of programs and services responsive to member needs. The new ED will bring stakeholders together to transform the organization and its program, product, and service offerings to ensure that ASBA has a clearly established value proposition, and becomes known as a high-performance organization which advances the needs of its members by delivering high-quality products and services. As the chief staff executive of the Association, the Executive Director is appointed by and directly responsible to the Board of Directors (Board), and serves as an ex officio, non-voting Board member. The ED also serves as Treasurer and a non-voting member on the Arizona School Boards Association Insurance Trust (ASBAIT) Board of Trustees and as Executive Director of Arizonans for Quality Education (AQE), formerly Friends of ASBA. The deadline for applications is June 5, 2024.
Position Description
The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of the Association, appointed by and directly responsible to the Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for leading, directing and administering a program of services that is responsive to the needs of membership. Acting in accordance with board politics and within the laws and regulations established by state and federal governments, they shall establish a sound organization structure; and recommend and participate in the formulation of new programming to meet member needs. They develop and maintain impactful and collaborative relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic Planning and Innovation
Provides leadership and vision in developing the vision, mission, goals and strategies to carry out ASBA objectives
Fosters an environment of innovation in serving member needs
Provides recommendations and guidance to the Board and participates in strategic planning and strategy development discussions that meet membership needs and advance public education and equity
Makes recommendations that reflect ASBA’s strategic priorities and revenue generation and ensures fiscal viability and sustainability
Follows the Constitution and Bylaws, and within the constraints established in the ASBA’s Resolutions, Beliefs and Policies, and governing principles, partners closely with the Board to further ASBA’s mission, vision, and strategic plan
Management of the Association
Creates and maintains a member service-centric culture that attracts, motivates, engages, empowers, and maximizes a diverse staff
Champions sound governance for the ASBA and its membership and navigates ASBA governance effectively. Role models this for staff
Develops and recommends to the Board a revenue plan which takes into account the association’s unique needs
Manages ASBA’s financial operations and budgetary process
Prepares and recommends an annual budget and IRS Form 990 for Board approval
Develops and inspires a high-performing staff team through objective goal setting, delegation, communication, performance reviews, professional development, and advancement opportunities
Provides leadership in the recruitment, selection, and retention of competent, qualified staff to carry out ASBA’s work
Responsible for oversight of facilities to ensure they are operated and maintained with efficiency and needs of tenants in mind
External Relations and Advocacy
Represents Association as official spokesperson, providing an effective voice that advances ASBA’s influence and credibility through strong representation of advocacy agendas
Develops relationships with legislative and regulatory agencies, and serves as a source for relevant and accurate information
Works proactively to promote commitment to and participation in the ASBA, visiting member districts and attending local and regional meetings as a representative, participant and speaker
Maintains an effective governmental relations program, working with membership to formulate legislative programs and agendas
Develops and maintains positive, collaborative and strategic relationships with other local, regional and statewide education organizations
Oversees effective communication tools through relevant and timely websites, social media, press releases, publications and annual report
Assures that ASBA has an effective external spokesperson with the media
Association Programs
Develops professional development programs and educational content to meet governing board’s needs
Develops and delivers a strategic portfolio of programs and services which serve the diverse governing boards’ membership needs
Creates and implements a plan, in collaboration with the membership and building upon member survey data, that provides clarity around governance, and program, product, and service offerings
Plans and recommends for Board approval programmatic offerings designed to further ASBA’s mission and vision
Ensures educational equity best practices are at the core of training and professional development programs
ASBA Board Governance
Ensures that the Board is fully informed; provides, in a timely and accurate manner, the information necessary for the Board to perform its responsibilities and make informed decisions
Ensures that the Board focuses on its fiduciary responsibility, nonprofit financial best practices, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as they relate to sound financial stewardship
Provides recommendations and guidance to the Board and implements the Board’s decisions
Oversees the development of programs and activities that advance the skills and knowledge of board members
Profile of a Successful Candidate
The following (or any combination of experience/education that has resulted in comparable knowledge, skills, abilities):
5 or more years of professional, supervisory experience within an educational institution, nonprofit organization or other education sector entity
Steeped in good governance experience with an association or nonprofit board of directors, preferably with experience transforming an organization’s governance
Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree preferred
Willingness to travel extensively throughout the state and accommodate the evening and weekend schedules inherent in providing service to school boards
Passion and experience with public education issues are a plus
ASBA seeks a leader who easily engages with a wide variety of people - Board of Directors, staff, members, external stakeholders - and everyone in between. The candidate should be defined by a leadership style that is reasoned, decisive, and collaborative. This person brings a combination of leadership ability, strategic planning, problem-solving, change management, supervisory, administrative, planning, and management experience along with excellent interpersonal skills that enable trusted relationships, honest exchanges of ideas and concepts, and an ability to lead through influence and example.
The successful candidate possesses exemplary diplomatic, cooperative and interpersonal skills and has a respect for Arizona and its communities. The ideal candidate is a visionary, collaborative, ethical and adaptive individual who values authentic member engagement, the diversity of Arizona and ongoing/lifelong learning.
The successful candidate will further the work at ASBA and enrich staff and stakeholder experiences with the organization. Experience and expertise providing senior leadership will further shape the culture and extend the reach of ASBA. More specifically, the ASBA seeks candidates who:
Have professional background that reflects collaboration and influence, working closely with senior leaders, boards, staff members and elected officials; commitment to public education and the values that support every child’s right to learn in a safe, inclusive, welcoming environment
Proven ability to work with diverse populations across the wide political spectrum
Understands Arizona’s K-12, Joint Technical Education Districts (JTEDs & CTEDs) and community college system, current education issues and business implications of decisions; adapts strategy to changing conditions; manages competing demands and change
Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to guide an evolving organization. Successful experience driving new revenue generation is a plus
Keeps current on educational trends, methods, research, and advancements in culturally responsive practices in public schools and institutions
Has operational capacity to gather, assess, and use information skillfully to problem solve, enhance workflow and systems, and improve solutions; develop project and implementation plans; set goals and objectives
Fosters an environment of forward thinking and innovation
Motivates others and creates a culture that promotes collaboration, creativity, and results-driven solutions
Possesses authentic, candid and transparent communication and public speaking skills, including the ability to articulate the value of ASBA to its members, other stakeholders, and the public, as well as emotional intelligence to facilitate group processes that result in listening, collaboration, consensus building, conflict resolution, planning and decision making
Skills And Qualifications
The Arizona School Boards Association is seeking an Executive Director with skills andexperiences in the following areas.
Transparency, honesty, and integrity
Ability to unify and lead with innovation
Confidence, charisma, and strong public speaking skills
Adept at maintaining relations with various stakeholders
Strong financial management and administrative skills
Knowledge of Arizona law, statutes and policy
Exceptional networking skills with key figures in the education and government sectors
In-depth knowledge of nonprofit organization management
Understanding and experience in working with diverse boards (rural, urban, CTEDs)
Awareness of challenges faced by Native/Federal entities and tribal organizations
Experience in membership organizations and strategies to regain and enhance membership
Regular engagement with educational executives and key associations
Change agent with experience in implementing change without disruption
Strategic thinking in fostering stability and fundraising
Understanding of the challenges of school board governance
Commitment to the development of successful board leaders
In-depth knowledge and adherence to bylaws, policies, and standard operating procedures
Ability to create a positive, safe, and collaborative organization culture
Awareness of the nuances between different areas in Arizona
Ability to foster an environment that is collaborative, professional, positive and safe
Arizona School Board Association Membership highlighted the following as their priorities in the next Executive Director:
Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication was highlighted as vital for fostering collaboration and advancing ASBA’s mission
Team Collaboration Abilities: The ability to work collaboratively with teams was seen as crucial for effective leadership
Visionary Leadership Qualities: Visionary leadership was deemed essential for guiding ASBA toward its goals and objectives
Qualifications For Employment
Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced preferred
Must agree to undergo a background check and possess a fingerprint clearance card
Five or more years of professional, supervisory experience within an educational institution, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or other education sector entity
Familiarity and recognition within Arizona
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $175,000 - $195,000. ASBA also offers generous PTO, a 12% retirement plan contribution, and an employer contribution to a health insurance plan.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
ASBA actively welcomes all candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who have the skills to help lead and shape this dynamic association – regardless of compensation history. The ASBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer that believes a diverse staff of qualified and highly skilled individuals is necessary to achieve its mission.
Application Process
The search for the ASBA Executive Director is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Mike English, The Moran Company; mike (at)morancompany.com. To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Mike English, The Moran Company, via thesecure online portal.Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year) and position/title and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.
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