Executive Director

Deadline : For best consideration, submit application materials before mid-March. Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search.

About National Council for the Social Studies

Founded in 1921, National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is the largest professional association in the United States devoted solely to social studies education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NCSS has a membership of 7,000 educators and leaders in the various disciplines that constitute social studies, including the fields of history, civics, geography, economics, political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and law.

As the leading collective and authoritative voice on social studies, NCSS has built a broad constituency uniquely positioned to influence and shape the future of social studies. These members are K-12 classroom teachers, college and university faculty members, curriculum designers and specialists, and social studies supervisors and represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 35 different countries. Learn more at socialstudies.org .

Through the strength and breadth of its membership, NCSS holds a distinct responsibility and voice in guiding conversations about social studies education with recognition for the complex social, economic, political, and geopolitical backdrop facing educators today. NCSS works collaboratively to help educators address these challenges by offering support, professional development, research, and community to build the expertise and credibility of the field of social studies education. In its advocacy, NCSS supports members to advance the field of social studies in federal, state, and local policies through open-source advocacy toolkits, position statements, and by engaging in partner coalitions.

NCSS' core programs include an annual conference of 4,000 attendees, a robust calendar of educational webinars, and publications that highlight national standards and frameworks to positions and news on current events. NCSS also maintains a career center for members, provides extensive networking opportunities, and annual recognition of member excellence through the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education.

NCSS is affiliated with over 110 state, local, and regional social studies councils across the United States. These affiliate councils have their own membership and governance while working collaboratively with NCSS to promote high-quality social studies education and provide resources, professional development, and support to educators within their respective regions.They play a vital role in supporting social studies educators by offering networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy at the state and local levels.

NCSS includes several associated groups that cater to specific interests within the social studies education community, such as College and University Faculty Assembly (CUFA), Council of State Social Studies Specialists (CS4), International Assembly (IA), and National Social Studies Leaders Association (NSSLA). These associated groups offer specialized communities for educators to connect, share resources, and advocate for the advancement of social studies education within their specific areas of interest.

The Executive Director (E.D.) leads a nearly $4 million organization with over 7,000 active members to elevate the visibility and credibility of the field of Social Studies. The E.D. has responsibility for setting a bold vision for the field, ensuring its programs and resources meet members' needs, and operating the organization efficiently.

The E.D. will bring a balanced approach to strategy and management. Among their early responsibilities will be to work with the board, staff, and members to envision and collaboratively deliver a new strategic plan to follow the one expiring in 2025. Member engagement will be at the core of this plan, including a strategy that supports the growth of a diverse and engaged membership that represents the vast experiences within the field. The strategic plan will outline how NCSS will advance and fund high-quality programming, manage resources and foster relationship building among its members.

With a deep appreciation of the essential role that critical thinking and civil discourse play in society, the E.D. will be an adept spokesperson and advocate for NCSS' mission and impact. The E.D. will be an open-minded and collaborative leader who will enhance the reputation of the field of social studies while building awareness about the various needs of its membership and constituents. They will model an inclusive and positive organizational culture that extends across the staff, board, and NCSS' committed corps of volunteer leaders.

In order to carry out NCSS' work, the E.D. will manage the organization's finances with integrity and transparency. They will be responsible for ensuring the new strategy is accompanied by a realistic financial plan, including identifying new opportunities to build out fundraising efforts to grow the organization's base of contributed support. The E.D. will be an eager and capable fundraiser, using NCSS' platform to champion social studies among potential donors, sponsors, and supporters.

NCSS is governed by a democratically-elected board of directors reflective of its membership. The E.D. reports to the board and works closely with the Executive Committee and other volunteer leaders. They oversee a team of nine professionals responsible for member services, publications, and operations. Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, NCSS' team works remotely.

Key responsibilities include :

Vision, Strategy, and Leadership

• Working closely with the board, set a bold vision and strategy that elevates and expands NCSS' reach and impact among educators and for the field of social studies. Implement the strategic plan by setting annual goals, business plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Establish strong working relationships and collaborations with a range of key partners, content area experts, supporters, and others to advance members' interests.
• Enhance NCSS' thought leadership by elevating and emphasizing successful, replicable education practices and initiatives in publications, conferences, and other platforms.
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout NCSS' programmatic initiatives, policies, operations, and workplace culture.
• Nurture a strong, transparent relationship with the board; seek and support board involvement with NCSS' strategic direction; serve as liaison between board and staff; implement the board's overall organizational goals and direction.

Membership Support and Development

External Relations

Operations and Administration

Experiences, Skills, and Qualities

The Board of Directors seeks an experienced senior leader who will lead the organization with vision, skill, and creativity. While we understand that no single candidate can possess every qualification listed below, the following are considered priority areas :

Considered a major plus

Location & Travel

NCSS is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland and the staff works remotely. Approximately 10-20% of time includes travel to conferences, events, and visits to chapters and sponsors.

Compensation

A salary of $185,000 - $200,000 plus benefits, which include health insurance, a retirement plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, annual leave, personal leave, sick leave, plus major holidays.

Application Process

NCSS is conducting this search in partnership with Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving nonprofits and associations. Interested applicants should upload a resume and a detailed cover letter that describes their qualifications for this role to good-insight.org / careers .

For best consideration, submit application materials before mid-March. Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search. Direct confidential inquiries to search leads Carlyn Madden, Ana Chapa, and Erin Lau at NCSS@good-insight.org .

Equal Opportunity Employer

NCSS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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Salary : $185,000 - $200,000