Executive Director

Position Details

OVERVIEW

The Executive Director plays a crucial role in overseeing and advancing the mission of the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

This position involves a combination of legislative advocacy, vendor relationships, personnel management, partnerships with educational organizations, and coordination of member legal support.

The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring the organization’s goals are met through effective management, partnerships, and program development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Legislative Advocacy :

• Monitor and analyze legislative developments impacting the organization’s mission and goals.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence relevant policies and legislation.
• Build relationships with key legislators and government officials to promote the organization’s agenda.
• Collaborate with advocacy teams and stakeholders to mobilize support for legislative initiatives.
• Stay informed about industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Partner with lobbying firms to best support the MEMSPA mission and vision.

Vendor Relationships :

• Identify and establish strategic partnerships with vendors that align with the organization’s objectives.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors to ensure suitable and consistent terms and conditions.
• Work closely with vendors to enhance product or service offerings for members.
• Evaluate and manage vendor performance to ensure quality and satisfaction.

Personnel Management

• Create systems of effective and efficient operation with internal MEMSPA staff to best serve members.
• Set clear procedures and guidelines that align staff operations and can consistently be communicated to current and future stakeholders.
• Build and enhance internal staff culture through relational capacity, routine in-person meetings, regular review of roles / responsibilities, and alignment of work with strategic goals, mission, and vision.
• Evaluate and provide formal and informal feedback to staff members with the goal of leveraging strengths, minimally annually.
• Collaborate intentionally and effectively with staff in order to best support members, organize / complete tasks, and enhance the organization as a whole.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director in developing and implementing a comprehensive professional development program to ensure high-quality content in alignment with the organization’s mission.

Partnerships with Education Organizations :

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with education organizations, such as, but not limited to, MAISA, MAASE, MASSP, MASA, to foster collaboration and shared learning.
• Collaborate on joint initiatives, conferences, and projects with partner organizations.
• Represent the organization in relevant alliance meetings and forums.
• Strengthen relationships to enhance the organization’s impact and reach.

Coordination of Member Legal Support :

• Oversee and coordinate legal support services for members, ensuring access to timely and accurate information.
• Collaborate with legal experts and organizations to provide resources and guidance.
• Address member inquiries related to legal matters and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Provide ongoing support to members engaging in accessing legal support services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful and ethical leadership experiences within an educational setting (ie. executive director, association leadership, superintendent, assistant superintendent, director, principal).
• Established connection to a network of educational leaders and proven capacity to build positive relationships.
• Master’s Degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Knowledge of educational policies, practices, and trends.
• Excellent communication abilities to articulate ideas clearly, build relationships with stakeholders, and represent the organization effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.

This job description serves as a general guideline. The Executive Director may be required to perform other duties as needed to meet the organization’s objectives.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

A preliminary salary range has been established at $135,000 $175,000. Salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience.

Fringe benefits for the Executive Director include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation; long-term disability insurance;

life insurance; retirement contribution; and other benefits as negotiated.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested candidates meeting the above qualifications must submit your electronic application materials by e-mail to :

Taryn Hurley, Associate Director of Business & Policy

Please include your : Letter of Interest, current resume, and letters of reference

TIMELINE

The following tentative interview and selection timeline will be followed for this position :

• 1st Round Interviews : Week of June 10, 2024
• Final Interviews : Week of June 17, 2024
• Anticipated start date August 2024 and is negotiable based on the selected candidate up to January 2025.

ABOUT MEMSPA :

The Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association is a community of principals dedicated to advocating, leading, and learning.

We recognize the evolving nature of the principal’s role and support those committed to this important work.

MEMSPA exists to create :

• Principals who are highly skilled and confident
• Principals who are connected and engaged in collaboration and peer support
• Principals who take ownership and Act on what they and their peers need
• Principals who develop relationships with policy-makers and leverage influence to drive policy at all levels
• A profession that attracts and retains talented, caring, and remarkable educational leaders
• A public that values the complex and critical role of the principal

Mission :

The Michigan Elementary and Middle School Association is a professional organization serving elementary and middle school principals.

MEMSPA is dedicated to supporting principals in the delivery of quality educational experiences to the students of the state of Michigan by providing leadership, legislative advocacy, professional development, and guidance.

Vision :

MEMSPA is the vital knowledge network and voice for principals in Michigan, shaping effective solutions for everyday problems and emerging challenges.

We are an engaged community of remarkable instructional leaders, furthering the practice of skillful leadership and connection with our peers.

The Executive Board reserves the right to select the person it believes will be the most successful in this position and will be the greatest benefit to the organization.

The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (Including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

The person designated to handle any questions and / or complaints concerning the non-discrimination policy of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association is the Board President.