Chief Education Advocate & Strategic Leader

New Jersey School Boards Association; New Jersey; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA). This full-time role provides strategic, operational, financial, and statewide leadership for the Association.

The Executive Director serves as a highly visible advocate, strategist, relationship builder, and voice for New Jersey public education, advancing NJASA’s mission, strengthening member engagement and professional support, and positioning the Association to influence

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in education, nonprofit, public-sector, or related.
• Proven success leading complex initiatives through strategic planning, change, and measurable execution.
• Experience in legislative advocacy, public policy, governmental relations, or policy influence.
• Strong knowledge of New Jersey education policy, governance, legislation, regulation, and current issues affecting public schools.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction, daily operations, staff, financial sustainability.
• Serve as statewide voice for public education and school leaders; address issues and policies with diplomacy.
• Cultivate bipartisan relationships with legislators, Governor’s Office, NJDOE, and other stakeholders.
• Strengthen member engagement through communication, regional outreach, and professional learning.
• Build coalitions with NJEA, NJSBA, educational associations, higher education, and other partners.
• Anticipate emerging issues and position NJASA as a thought leader on funding, health care, staffing, AI, etc.
• Articulate NJASA positions and tell the story of New Jersey public education.
• Advance innovation and practical leadership while staying grounded in the realities of school leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Policy advocacy

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Relationship building

Nonprofit governance

Legislative affairs

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Master’s degree in Educational Administration or related field

Job description

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA). This full-time role provides strategic, operational, financial, and statewide leadership for the Association.

The Executive Director serves as a highly visible advocate, strategist, relationship builder, and voice for New Jersey public education, advancing NJASA’s mission, strengthening member engagement and professional support, and positioning the Association to influence