Executive Director - American Association of University Professors

Employment Opportunities

National Opportunities

Executive Director

The new leadership team of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is excited to announce that it is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director at its Washington, DC, office. We are looking for an energetic leader who will help transform the organization into an organized, fighting union. Our goal is to defend the higher ed sector against increasing attacks while leading a fight for fair wages, job security, academic freedom, an end to student debt, and expanded access to postsecondary education. The ideal candidate will be committed to racial justice and to transforming the AAUP into the fastest-growing union in higher education.

Duties and Responsibilities

The executive director is responsible for the efficient and economical administration of the AAUP’s central office, which includes management of the budget and day-to-day operations, oversight of the membership database, and planning and coordination of the organization’s programs and services in line with the Council’s initiatives and priorities. Currently, these include

1)    expanding the membership and reach of the AAUP,

2)    building a campaign to fight for the future of higher education in the United States,

3)    building a coordinated movement of higher ed workers and students, and

4)    expanding AAUP work to include a focus on racial justice and bargaining for the common good.

In their role as head of the national staff, the executive director will assist AAUP leaders in setting the organization’s overall strategic direction and priorities. We are looking for someone who has a strong work ethic with the ability to delegate and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities. The successful candidate will cultivate a work environment that encourages teamwork, independent judgment, and continuous professional growth within a diverse staff.

The executive director supports the AAUP president, the Executive Committee, the Council, and the AAUP Foundation board. This may include speaking for the AAUP—as appropriate and as directed by the organization’s leadership—and working effectively with chief officers of other higher education organizations and with other key education leaders.

The executive director will be accountable to and will report directly to the Council. The Council will evaluate the performance of the executive director annually using this position description as a basis for evaluation. In the evaluation process, the Council will solicit the views of the staff, AAUP chapters and members, and others in the higher education community who work and interact with the executive director on a regular basis.

Required Qualifications

        A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

        A minimum of five years of managerial experience with a diverse staff in a union setting or at a comparable organization

        An organizing background and a commitment to racial equity

        Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, leadership, and management skills

        Proven communications, public relations, and writing skills

        An ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities

        A valid driver’s license and an ability to travel regionally and nationally and to work evening and weekend hours

Preferred Qualifications

        Experience working in a union environment with an established record of teamwork and conflict management

        Administrative experience; knowledge of collective bargaining; leadership within the AAUP at the local, state, and/or national level; and acquaintance with core AAUP principles including academic freedom and shared governance

        Experience in development/fundraising

Compensation

The expected salary range is $200,000–250,000, commensurate with qualifications and work experience. The AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacation days; and 401(k).

Position Classification

This regular full-time position is categorized as a management/supervisory position and is excluded from the staff bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is based in the DC office with an option for part-time telework.

To Apply

Candidates must submit a cover letter and a résumé with three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by October 30. Questions, inquiries, and nominations should be directed to edsearchcommitteechair@aaup.org. No phone calls please.

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act | Employee Polygraph Protection Act).

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.