Overview Join to apply for the Director of State Affiliate Relations role at National Education Association

Founded in 1857, the National Education Association (NEA) is America's oldest and largest organization committed to advancing the cause of public education. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NEA proudly claims nearly 3 million members devoted to the mission to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education by preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Our vision is a great public school for every student. The NEA is the single largest labor union in the United States, advocating for an excellent and equitable public education system for students, educators, and communities. As an employer, NEA recognizes and honors the right of employees to form unions and collectively bargain. Most of NEA"s national staff belong to one of three staff unions.

NEA seeks a Director of State Affiliate Relations. The Director must support state affiliate presidents' and executive directors' professional development while advancing NEA's organizing objectives in a complex environment, balancing the needs of various stakeholders. The Director will coordinate and, at times, provide training during the transition and onboarding of new presidents and executive directors. The Director may provide coaching and organizational development support, and will partner with state affiliates and assist them when hiring an executive director. The Director reports to the NEA Executive Director. Due to extensive travel, this position is field-based.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver the new state affiliate presidents' orientation and curriculum.

Coordinate and deliver the new state affiliate executive directors' orientation and curriculum.

Coordinate and deliver the new state affiliate leadership team training and provide ongoing coaching.

Coordinate and supervise state affiliate president and executive director confidential mentoring programs.

Assess and co-design innovative and effective learning experiences for state affiliate staff and leaders to support their development as leaders.

Provide coaching, strategic advice, and organizational development support to state affiliate presidents and executive directors, establishing high degrees of trust and the ability to safeguard confidentiality.

Coordinate a comprehensive executive director hiring process from defining core competencies through selection and hiring.

Administer the Unified State Executive Directors Program.

Act strategically in rapidly changing internal and external environments, advising staff and elected leaders on opportunities and challenges.

Implement budgets that ensure strong stewardship of members' dues, focusing on ROI for all programs.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Relevant graduate degree and/or certification preferred.

Minimum seven years of NEA association or equivalent experience required, with at least three years of executive-level experience preferred.

Management experience required; management experience within a union environment strongly preferred.

Experience in creating training for adult learners and strong facilitation skills.

Proven skills as an organizer and in overseeing successful organizing efforts.

Proven experience with mediation and conflict resolution.

Experience managing individuals, teams, projects, and budgets, and ensuring legal compliance.

Experience as an organizational advocate for education, labor, and/or social justice issues.

Knowledge and skills related to organizational development, strategic planning, and organizational governance.

Effective supervision, decision-making, oral/written communications, policy analysis, interpersonal relations, team building, and collaboration.

Established high standards of performance to ensure accountability for results.

Experience working across a complex organization to align resources and programs.

Extensive travel required.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the position involves skills in using a computer, verbal and written communication, proofreading and editing, clear speech, interpersonal relations, problem-solving, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, ability to sit for long periods, and ability to travel by various methods. The NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. To apply, please visit our jobs page at Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com). NEA participates in E-Verify and complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.

Position Details

Posting Period: June 26, 2025 - Until Filled

Employee Group Type: EXEC Executives

Position Type: Regular

Salary Range: 218,000.00 - 233,303.00

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Marketing and Sales

Industries: Education Administration Programs

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