The Board of Trustees of Independent Education (IE) seeks a dynamic Executive Director who is passionate about independent schools and can lead and manage a membership organization with a clear vision. The Executive Director should have superb communication skills, be able to build and strengthen collaboration, and understand sustainable financial management. Given that IE is located in the Nation’s Capital, the Executive Director should also be able to grasp the complexity of the local and federal governments’ influence on our schools and protect our independence.
About IE and Its Mission
Independent Education is an association of 85 independent, non-profit schools serving over 33,000 students in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C. These schools – elementary, secondary, day, boarding urban and rural – are as diverse as the communities they serve. Founded in 1951 as the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) and headquartered in Washington, DC, IE is a resource for both our member schools and families seeking to learn more about independent education.
The Mission of Independent Education states that the association “advances the collective interests of member schools in the national capital region by promoting high professional standards and exemplary practices, encouraging cooperative endeavors, enhancing member schools’ standing and safeguarding their independence.”
Professional Qualifications & Skills
· An understanding and appreciation of independent schools
· Demonstrated competence working with a non-profit board or equivalent governance structure
· Experience with financial management, preferably in non-profit service organizations
· Familiarity with the region and the political climate that affects our schools
· Superb communications skills with diverse audiences
· An understanding of emerging trends in technology
· Ability to work collaboratively with four full-time staff and a large number of volunteers
· A Bachelor’s degree is required, with additional relevant education or degree(s).
Major Responsibilities
· Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which implements the organization’s Mission and Strategic Plan
· Work with the Board of Trustees, which consists of twelve Heads of School, and manage a budget of $850,000
· Provide leadership in maintaining and developing programs and services which support the needs of the member schools
· Foster a strong commitment to, passion for, and in-depth understanding of the mission, work, and challenges of independent schools
· Represent educational interests in the public arena, including government agencies and legislative bodies across the three jurisdictions served by Independent Education
· Promote active and broad participation by members in all areas of the organization’s work
· Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in education
· Develop and maintain sustainable financial practices that are consistent with the Mission and Strategic Plan
· Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with other educational and community organizations
· Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, media, community organizations, and the general public
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit electronically a letter of intent, resume, and a list of five references with contact information, as well as a one- to two-page letter explaining why this job is appealing.
Please address inquiries to:
Marjo Talbott
Head of School
Maret School
mtalbott@maret.org
Office: 202-939-8819
Anticipated Search Outline
Application Deadline: September 4, 2012
Interviews: October, 2012
Final Decision: November, 2012
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2013
Posted 5/16/12