Executive Director
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Executive Director

The new leadership team of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is excited to announce that it is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director at its Washington, DC, office. We are looking for an energetic leader who will help transform the organization into an organized, fighting union. Our goal is to defend the higher ed sector against increasing attacks while leading a fight for fair wages, job security, academic freedom, an end to student debt, and expanded access to postsecondary education. The ideal candidate will be committed to racial justice and to transforming the AAUP into the fastest-growing union in higher education.

Duties and Responsibilities

The executive director is responsible for the efficient and economical administration of the AAUP's central office, which includes management of the budget and day-to-day operations, oversight of the membership database, and planning and coordination of the organization's programs and services in line with the Council's initiatives and priorities. Currently, these include:

In their role as head of the national staff, the executive director will assist AAUP leaders in setting the organization's overall strategic direction and priorities. We are looking for someone who has a strong work ethic with the ability to delegate and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities. The successful candidate will cultivate a work environment that encourages teamwork, independent judgment, and continuous professional growth within a diverse staff.

The executive director supports the AAUP president, the Executive Committee, the Council, and the AAUP Foundation board. This may include speaking for the AAUP—as appropriate and as directed by the organization's leadership—and working effectively with chief officers of other higher education organizations and with other key education leaders.

The executive director will be accountable to and will report directly to the Council. The Council will evaluate the performance of the executive director annually using this position description as a basis for evaluation. In the evaluation process, the Council will solicit the views of the staff, AAUP chapters and members, and others in the higher education community who work and interact with the executive director on a regular basis.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of five years of managerial experience with a diverse staff in a union setting or at a comparable organization.
• An organizing background and a commitment to racial equity.
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, leadership, and management skills.
• Proven communications, public relations, and writing skills.
• An ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• A valid driver's license and an ability to travel regionally and nationally and to work evening and weekend hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a union environment with an established record of teamwork and conflict management.
• Administrative experience; knowledge of collective bargaining; leadership within the AAUP at the local, state, and/or national level; and acquaintance with core AAUP principles including academic freedom and shared governance.
• Experience in development/fundraising.

Compensation

The expected salary range is $200,000–250,000, commensurate with qualifications and work experience. The AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacation days; and 401(k).

Position Classification

This regular full-time position is categorized as a management/supervisory position and is excluded from the staff bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is based in the DC office with an option for part-time telework.

To Apply

Candidates must submit a cover letter and a résumé with three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by October 30. Questions, inquiries, and nominations should be directed to ...@aaup.org. No phone calls please.

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Previous applicants are encouraged to apply.