What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at National Council for the Social Studies?
Details
Posted : 10-Feb-25
Location : Remote
Type : Full Time
Salary : $-
Categories :
Education and Training Executive Director / CEO Membership
Additional Information :
Hybrid / Remote is allowed.
Executive Director, National Council for the Social Studies
National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) seeks an Executive Director (E.D.) to elevate the visibility and credibility of the field of social studies in partnership with its members.
Founded in , nonprofit NCSS is the largest professional association in the United States devoted solely to social studies education. Members are teachers, faculty, and curriculum designers from 35 countries, and all 50 states and the District of Columbia in the United States.
NCSS works collaboratively to help educators address complex challenges by offering support, professional development, research, and community. NCSS’ core programs include an annual conference of 4, attendees, publications, and a robust calendar of webinars. NCSS maintains a career center for members, develops advocacy tools, and celebrates member excellence annually through the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education.
NCSS is affiliated with more than state, local, and regional social studies councils and includes the four associated groups, College and University Faculty Assembly (CUFA), Council of State Social Studies Specialists (CS4), International Assembly (IA) and National Social Studies Leaders Association (NSSLA). Learn more at .
Leadership Opportunity
As the leader of a nearly $4 million organization, the E.D. will set a bold and sustainable strategy that delivers high-quality programming, advocates for critical thinking and civil discourse, and fosters community among members. The E.D. will bring a balanced approach to strategy and management. Among their early responsibilities will be to envision and collaboratively deliver a new strategic plan to follow the one expiring in . Member engagement will be at the core of this plan.
With a deep appreciation of the essential role of critical thinking and civil discourse, the E.D. will be an adept spokesperson and advocate. They will be an open-minded and collaborative leader, modeling an inclusive and positive work culture. The E.D. will manage the organization’s finances with integrity and transparency. An eager and capable fundraiser, the E.D. will use 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, works closely with other leaders, and oversees a team of nine responsible for member services, publications, and operations. Key responsibilities include :
Vision, Strategy, and Leadership
- Working closely with the board, set and implement a bold vision and strategy that elevates and expands NCSS’ reach and impact among educators and for the field of social studies.
- Establish strong working relationships and collaborations with a range of key partners.
- Enhance NCSS’ thought leadership by publishing successful, replicable education practices.
- Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout programs, policies, and operations.
- Nurture a strong, transparent relationship with the board; 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 most competitive applicants will have many, if not all, of the following attributes :
Considered a major plus : Knowledge of issues, trends, and policies affecting social studies;
experience as an educator or in the education field; experience in a membership organization; a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.
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 $,–$, plus benefits, which include health insurance, a retirement plan, disability, life insurance, annual leave, personal leave, sick leave, and major holidays.
Application Process
NCSS has retained Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving nonprofits, to conduct this search. See the full executive profile and application information at . For best consideration, apply by mid-March . Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search.
NCSS is an equal opportunity employer.
About National Council for the Social Studies