Executive Director

Location

Yorkville, IL | United States

Job description

Overview

Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director plays a pivotal role in leading and advancing INSPRA's mission to provide a source of connection, collaboration, and professional development for school communicators to strengthen support for Illinois public schools, which leads to greater student success. Through strategic leadership, the executive director is responsible for implementing and executing all aspects of the organization, including operations, finance, membership, programming, and communications. As the only staff member of the association, this position requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in association or nonprofit management, community engagement, and leadership.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the board of directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the association.
• Proactively identify, assess, and inform the board of directors of internal and external issues that affect the association.
• Act as advisor to the board of directors on all aspects of the association’s activities.
• Foster effective teamwork between the board and the executive director and between the executive director and members.
• Serve as the association's primary representative, fostering and developing partnerships with other statewide organizations to enhance the association’s credibility and profile.

Operational Management

• Oversee and manage the effective administration of all office operations.
• Serve as a liaison between the association and the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), ensuring all chapter deadlines are met and the chapter remains in good standing.
• Authorize and sign all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the association.
• Record, maintain and report the association’s financial affairs.
• Ensure legal, financial and tax filings are accurate and submitted prior to deadlines.
• Maintain all association files and archives.

Financial Management

• Identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings while also ensuring the association remains financially stable and sustainable for the long term.
• Develop and oversee the association’s annual budget, working with the board treasurer to ensure it aligns with the association’s goals and priorities.
• Monitor financial performance on an ongoing basis, tracking revenue and expenses and making adjustments as needed to ensure the association is operating within its budget.
• Ensure financial reports are accurate and provided to the board of directors in a timely manner, working with the board treasurer to provide detailed financial analysis and reporting as needed.
• Oversee the association’s financial management in partnership with the board treasurer, ensuring the association is financially sound and operating with financial prudence for long-term sustainability.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in nonprofit financial management and ensure the association’s financial policies and procedures comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines.

Risk Management

• Ensure the board of directors and the association carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
• Ensure the board understands the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage.
• Recommend and implement practices to minimize risk.

Membership Development

• Act as a liaison between members and the association, addressing questions and concerns, advocating needs, and promoting interests.
• Create and deliver engaging membership benefits, resources and opportunities.
• Actively recruit new members throughout the state to ensure association growth and sustainability.
• Develop and implement an onboarding and mentorship program for new members.
• Support the retention of members, develop tools to gauge member satisfaction, and identify reasons for non-renewal.

Program Development

• Develop and implement a strategic program planning process to identify programs that align with the association’s mission and goals, working closely with volunteers and other stakeholders to ensure programs are effective, efficient and meet the needs of the association’s members.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of programs, working with volunteers to ensure programs are executed with excellence and create the most impact for the association’s mission.
• Plan and execute events and programs from start to finish, including idea conception, preparations, day-of logistics, including volunteer coordination.
• Evaluate program outcomes on an ongoing basis, using data and feedback from stakeholders to make adjustments and improvements as needed.
• Expand programs and services as appropriate to fulfill the association’s mission, working with the board of directors and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to increase the association’s visibility and reach.
• Create and maintain the association’s brand and messaging across all channels.
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the board as appropriate and jointly with the board when appropriate.
• Act as the association’s spokesperson and represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements.

Skills and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business, organizational management or related field
• Proven leadership experience, preferably in association management or nonprofit organization management
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills
• Strong experience in public relations and marketing, including website and social media management
• Proficiency in financial management, budgeting and fundraising
• Proven experience in successful professional event planning
• Proven ability to accurately maintain a database and other records with attention to detail
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles for nonprofit organizations
• Proven success working with a board of directors
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with an innovative approach to organizational planning
• Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization

Working conditions

• Full-time position with somewhat flexible hours
• Primarily remote position other than required attendance at events and meetings
• Limited travel; required to annually attend the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) National Seminar (July) and Presidents Summit (February)
• Computer and phone provided
• Must be able to lift/move up to 25 lbs

Compensation

Salary: $58,000-$63,000/annually

Health insurance stipend: $500/monthly

Retirement stipend: $250/monthly 

Paid vacation days and holidays

It is the policy and practice of the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) to decide all matters of employment solely based on the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. The board of directors is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, unfavorable discharge from the military, disability, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

If you are interested in the role, please submit your resume and a cover letter before March 1st to  [email protected] .

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