Chief Executive Officer

Scion Executive Search (www.scionexecutivesearch.com) has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the incoming Chief Executive Officer on behalf of our impactful client, the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the paramount advocate for children and families navigating the educational journey. In a time of rapid change and opportunity, IECA is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer who can drive the organization forward with innovative ideas and strategic growth. The new leader will be tasked with bringing fresh perspectives and steering IECA towards a future of continued excellence and impact.

ABOUT IECA:

Established in 1976, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is a globally recognized nonprofit professional association representing seasoned independent educational consultants. Headquartered in the Washington, DC area, IECA oversees several initiatives, including professional training institutes, workshops, conferences, and webinars. Moreover, IECA is dedicated to maintaining high standards and ethical practices in educational consulting and curates a directory of independent educational consultants who provide invaluable guidance to students and families navigating school selection dilemmas. IECA stands at the forefront of advocacy for those entering their educational journeys and is committed to upholding and promoting these values through leadership and fostering a collaborative culture that supports both professional and organizational growth.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

IECA seeks a dynamic and relational CEO who will lead and expand the organization, foster membership growth, implement widely embraced initiatives, and demonstrate industry leadership. As a direct liaison to the Board of Directors, the CEO will skillfully champion the organization's interests to members, volunteers, and governing entities. The CEO will be instrumental in infusing the organization with new ideas and driving innovation. This role demands a leader who excels in strategic thinking, effective communication, and member engagement.

Candidates preferably bring association management experience and a nuanced understanding of the consulting landscape and collaborative partner organizations. Integral to their success will be a leadership approach characterized by shared decision-making, a relentless pursuit of results, and a sincere, education-focused mindset. Essential attributes include adaptability, effective communication, approachability, outstanding interpersonal abilities, and a compelling public presence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the organization in a manner that supports and guides the organizational mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Act as IECAs primary motivational team leader, inspiring the staff, Board, volunteers, and partners.
• Identify, plan, and make meaningful and impactful organizational strategic plan suggestions for programmatic expansion to the Board of Directors.
• Focus on budget management and cost efficiency to ensure financial sustainability and fundraising knowledge, while maintaining member benefits.
• Work as a true partner with the Board of Directors to leverage the experience, knowledge, abilities, and connections of the group to guide the organization to wise and thoughtful strategic decision-making on behalf of the organization.
• Strike a balance between hands-on support and strategic planning to meet the needs of the organization at both operational and strategic levels.
• Establish clear communication channels to enhance connectedness and collegiality among staff, while also emphasizing the importance of feeling heard and fostering long-term staff retention.
• Cultivate relational skills and comfort with member interactions to enhance member satisfaction and retention.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, demonstrating a commitment to creating an inclusive organizational culture.
• Lead outreach and community relations efforts in a concerted effort to promote the organizations mission, and programs consistently and positively.
• Serve as both IECAs representative and partner to elected officials and outside agencies.
• Promote public and legislative awareness and advocacy of IECAs new programs while identifying and leveraging new potential opportunities.
• Utilize problem-solving skills to address challenges and navigate complexities inherent in PR, media, and government relations.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A true passion for the mission of IECA as well as a practical understanding of nonprofit association operations.
• Five to ten years of experience as a visionary, resourceful, and transparent senior leader in the education industry, with a strong preference for experience in the association sector.
• An empathetic, supportive, ethical, and education-focused mindset combined with exceptional business acumen, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Prior successful experience working directly with, or reporting to, a Board of Directors.
• History with the successful management of a dynamic, multi-program organization, and a strong understanding of what it takes to maximize program effectiveness, maintain deliverable quality, and optimize resources.
• Proven ability to make sound and educated business decisions, highlighting strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• A strong public speaking and stage presence to effectively represent the organization and engage with external stakeholders.
• Ability to work with a changing volunteer base and staff, fostering collaboration and cohesion within the organization.
• Experience in fostering an inclusive and diverse organizational culture while establishing and maintaining positive partnerships.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, innovation, and effective listening and communication skills.
• Experience utilizing technology to improve organizational processes.
• Four-year degree with a Master's degree preferred but not required.
  
  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This full-time hybrid role is open to candidates in the DMV area and entails the championing of top-tier independent educational consulting services to students and families in search of expert, ethical guidance - whether academic or therapeutic. In addition to a competitive base salary of $180,000 to $220,000 (DOE) and commitment to employee support and development, this incredible role provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental & vision insurance, Life Insurance,401k retirement plan, plus Individual Membership to a health club, and cell phone.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

IECA has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionnonprofitstaffing.com/job/11499

Please address applications to:

Chelsea Zimmer, Executive Search Principal

Scion Executive Search

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Executive Searchis an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.??

We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be foundonline.

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