Description

Position Announcement
The Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), a national leader in educator preparation and teacher education, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

To learn more about ATE, see: https://www.ate1.org/

The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and works with the President, Board, Delegate Assembly, staff, members, units, committees, and external partners to advance ATE’s mission, strengthen member engagement, support organizational sustainability, and elevate ATE’s national presence. The CEO serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Directors and Delegate Assembly.

This is a part-time position without benefits, anticipated at approximately 30 hours per week. Salary parameters and contract terms will be shared with candidates during the search process. 

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
      Partner with the Board of Directors and President to implement Board-approved strategic priorities.

      Prepare reports, recommendations, and regular updates for the Board, President, Treasurer, Fiscal Affairs Committee, Delegate Assembly, and membership.

      Coordinate and support elections and governance processes in collaboration with appropriate committees.

      Support a thoughtful transition and preserve institutional knowledge.

Financial & Operational Management
      Manage ATE’s daily operations, business functions, records, technology systems, and organizational infrastructure.

      Support development and management of ATE’s budget and financial resources in collaboration with the Treasurer, Fiscal Affairs Committee, and Board.

      Support audits, tax reporting, compliance requirements, and planning for financial risks and opportunities.

      Oversee the management of the annual conference.

Staff & Member Engagement
      Supervise staff, contractors, and volunteer Association Development Specialists.

      Support membership recruitment, retention, communication, and year-round engagement.

      Work with state, regional, and affiliate units, the Council of Unit Presidents, committees, and member groups.

      Communicate ATE’s work, strategic direction, and policy-related developments consistently through multiple formats.

Partnerships, Advocacy & Fundraising
      Represent ATE with educational organizations, policymakers, partner associations, vendors, donors, and other collaborators.

      Monitor national education policy, teacher certification, licensure, and regulatory issues affecting educator preparation.

      Lead or support Board-approved fundraising strategies, including grants, sponsorships, donor relationships, and other revenue opportunities.

      Promote ATE’s leadership in teacher education, including its journals, standards, credentialing, publications, conferences, and professional learning.

      Support and grow state units to be partners and leaders in teacher education.

Requirements

Qualifications
Required
      Doctorate required or in progress; commensurate experiences considered.

      Certified Association Executive designation obtained or willing to be obtained.

      Leadership experience in education, nonprofit, association, or related organizational settings.

      Experience with budgeting, financial oversight, operations, and organizational management.

      Strong communication, collaboration, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.

      Experience working with boards, committees, volunteers, and diverse stakeholder groups.

      Understanding of teacher education, educator preparation, and the PreK-12/higher education landscape.

      Flexibility and ability to travel.

Preferred
      Proven executive leadership through a track record of success as a CEO, executive director, or association leader with demonstrated ability to guide complex organizations through sustainable growth.

      Fiscal and governance acumen through deep expertise in modern nonprofit governance, alongside an understanding of diversified revenue, including advanced fundraising, grant acquisition, corporate sponsorship, and major donor development.

      Strategic advocacy and policy insights through a strong command or education policy, certification, and licensure frameworks, with the ability to champion national advocacy aligned with Board-approved priorities and nonprofit guidelines.

      Digital and technological innovation through experience leveraging modern technology infrastructure including data-driven systems, digital engagement platforms, and emerging AI tools.

Desired Attributes
The ideal candidate will be an ethical, transparent, and visionary leader who honors ATE's rich history and foundational values while confidently introducing fresh, innovative ideas.
They will be a bridge-builder who deeply values the wisdom and loyalty of seasoned members, while actively cultivating a culture that welcomes, mentors, and elevates the next generation of emerging leaders.
They will also be an effective communicator capable of uniting diverse stakeholders and working constructively across differing perspectives. The successful leader will champion a member-driven culture, ensuring that organizational evolution respects and reinforces the unique identity of the Association.

Applicants should submit:

      Letter of interest addressing how you meet the qualifications, both required and preferred

      Curriculum vitae or resume

      Vision statement for the future of teacher education and professional associations

      Three letters of reference with contact information

Materials should be submitted to [email protected]. Review of applications will begin July 31st, 2026. Later submission may be reviewed if needed.

ATE is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming professional community and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.