National Science Teachers Association

Arlington, Virginia

 The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), a membership organization of over 58,000 educators, administrators and science leaders in all sectors of society, seeks a new Associate Executive Director: Professional Programs and Conferences. Founded in 1944, NSTA is the largest nonprofit organization in the world dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

NSTA is a well-functioning, widely respected and financially healthy organization that is poised to play a critical leadership role in the coming decades as the United States addresses the growing need for improvement in science education and science literacy. NSTA serves its mission through its conferences, publications, cutting-edge online networking and professional development, and a robust advocacy agenda.

The mission of NSTA is “to promote excellence and innovation is science teaching and learning for all.”

Its Guiding Principles ensure the highest intellectual, ethical, and fiscal integrity guides all of NSTA’s work. These principles articulate the Association’s culture. They are:

• Model excellence;
• Champion science literacy;
• Value scientific excellence;
• Embrace diversity, equity, and respect;
• Enhance teaching and learning through research;
• Collaborate with partners; and
• Exemplify a dynamic professional organization.

The Associate Executive Director will lead the Professional Programs and Conferences Division which includes the departments of Conferences and Meetings, e-Learning and Government Partnerships, and Professional Development. As a member of the senior executive team, the Associate Executive Director will help craft NSTA’s overall strategic direction and implementation activities. S/he will report directly to the Executive Director and serve as an external NSTA spokesperson and representative when the Executive Director is unavailable.

The ideal candidate will have a sterling reputation in science education, professional development of educators and an established track record in overseeing substantial budgets and managing professional staff. S/he must possess an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to bring creativity to the professional development, e-Learning and conference departments and a broad understanding of the technology that can keep these programs on the cutting edge.

The Associate Executive Director reports to the Executive Director and oversees a 27-person staff and a budget of over $8 million.

Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, has been engaged to assist with this important search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to the firm as indicated at the end of this document. 

Professional Qualifications:

The NSTA is seeking a person who:

• Has a deep and broad knowledge of science and a ready facility for dealing with policy questions related to science and science education
• Articulates a vision of the future of science education and the leadership ability to accomplish that vision
• Is experienced in science education, preferably classroom teaching and has administrative experience
• Has a broad knowledge of the current and emerging issues in the field
• Has demonstrated leadership experience in management, supervision of professional-level personnel, and budget administration in a comparably-sized organization
• Has success in obtaining grant funds from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporate America.
• Possesses excellent oral and written skills and an ability to conduct presentations and guide meetings 
• Possesses at least Master's degree (M. S.) or equivalent
• Has at least four years of related experience and/or training in science education or a related endeavor
• Has successful experience in managing managers of individual work units, or at least three years experience in managing a work unit or organization with four or more direct reports.

• Possesses a high level of networking ability and skill at building alliances with governmental and non-governmental funding agencies, corporate America, and private foundations.

Personal Qualifications.

The NSTA is seeking a person who:

• Has a high level of professionalism and integrity
• Is a decision maker who carefully considers diverse viewpoints and opinions that may conflict with his or her own (before taking action)
• Recognizes the strength of diversity in the workplace
• Has a deep commitment to science education
• Has a creative and imaginative approach to program development

• Possesses the personal credibility and experience to earn the trust and confidence of the Board, staff, major donors, program partners, and other key constituencies
• Displays superb interpersonal skills with an impressive and long history of forging strong relationships with diverse constituencies
• Employs an open management style that is collaborative yet results-oriented; respects the capabilities and independence of staff members while holding them accountable to the highest standards  

• Has a sensitivity to and understanding of people; excellent ability to interact on a professional level with all levels of staff, membership, and outside organizations
• Has a talent for recruiting, developing and inspiring staff; and a commitment to the professional growth of staff

• Is able to travel to represent the Association at professional meetings.
• Possesses resilience and stamina for the task at hand, personal grace in dealing with a broad spectrum of personalities, and good humor in leading the day-to-day work of the organization.

TO APPLY

All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to:

Jackie Mildner

Senior Associate

Electronic submission of materials (cover letter and resume) is strongly encouraged.  Please submit to: 3573@imsearch.com

The National Science Teachers Association is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to diversity; women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.