Executive Director

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance negotiable

Three-year employment agreement with a

Annual performance evaluations

Job summary

Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) seeks a dynamic Executive Director to lead the Commonwealth's premier education governance nonprofit. Reporting to the Board, you will guide strategic priorities, operations, advocacy, and member services for 2,400+ school committees statewide.

The role requires at least five years of senior leadership in public education, a bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred), and a proven record in policy advocacy, budgeting, and equity

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior leadership in public education or nonprofits.
• Knowledge of MA public education, school committee governance, and the legislative process.
• Experience in public policy advocacy and relationships with legislators and education stakeholders.
• Demonstrated financial and operational leadership, including budget development and oversight.
• Executive leadership with strategic planning, board relations, and staff development.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in public education.

Responsibilities

• Lead as chief executive; support the Board; strengthen leadership development.
• Oversee professional development, policy services, conferences, and publications.
• Serve as the principal spokesperson; advocate with Legislature, DESE, and partners.
• Lead staff and finances to ensure long-term sustainability.

Skills

Leadership experience

Public education knowledge

Policy advocacy

Relationship-building

Budget/financial stewardship

Board relations

Equity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Executive Director
Organization: Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC)
Location: Greater Boston, MA (Hybrid - A minimum of two days per week in the office; statewide & national travel required)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $225,000 - $265,000, commensurate with qualifications & experience
Application Deadline: For best consideration, apply by October 16, 2026 (early applications encouraged; reviewed on a rolling basis)

About the Organization

The Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is a compelling opportunity to lead the Commonwealth's foremost organization supporting school committee members and advancing effective local governance in public education.
For generations, MASC has been a trusted partner to school committees across Massachusetts, equipping local leaders with the knowledge, resources, and advocacy needed to navigate an increasingly complex educational landscape. As the leading voice for school committee members statewide, MASC convenes and mobilizes education leaders through signature events such as the annual MASC/MASS Joint Conference and Day on the Hill, shaping conversations and influencing public education policy across the Commonwealth.
MASC serves more than 2,400 elected and appointed School Committee members statewide.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the next Executive Director will serve as the Association's chief executive, responsible for its strategic leadership, operations, financial stewardship, advocacy agenda, and member services. As MASC's principal spokesperson, the Executive Director will represent the Association before the Legislature, state agencies, partner organizations, and the media.
MASC is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, consisting of a five-member Executive Committee and ten Division Chairs representing the Association's geographic, vocational-technical, urban, and Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE) divisions. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board to advance MASC's mission, implement its strategic priorities, and strengthen engagement among a diverse statewide membership.
The Executive Director will also lead a seasoned team of eight direct reports responsible for delivering professional development, policy and legal services, legislative advocacy, and other member supports.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Governance Serve as chief executive, advancing the mission and strategic priorities established with the Board; support the Board, Executive Committee, and Division Chairs; and strengthen leadership development and succession planning.
• Member Services & Programs Oversee professional development, policy services, superintendent searches, publications, and conferences, ensuring programs remain relevant and valuable to school committees statewide.
• Advocacy & External Relations Serve as MASC's principal spokesperson and advocate with the Legislature, DESE, and other partnering organizations and stakeholders, while cultivating strategic partnerships across the Commonwealth and nationally.
• Operational Excellence & Fiscal Management Lead and develop staff within a collaborative, accountable culture, and steward the Association's finances and resources to ensure long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in public education, education associations, nonprofit management, advocacy, or government relations, including legislative engagement; priority will be given to individuals with school committee experience
• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree in education, public administration, law, or a related field preferred
• Knowledge of Massachusetts public education, school committee governance, and the legislative process
• Success in public policy advocacy and relationship-building with legislators, government agencies, school leaders, and other education stakeholders
• Demonstrated financial and operational leadership, including budget development and oversight, resource stewardship, compliance, and long-term organizational sustainability
• Executive leadership and management experience, including strategic planning, board relations, operations, staff development, and team leadership
• Experience engaging and serving diverse member constituencies, developing responsive programs and services, and building partnerships across education, municipal, labor, and community sectors
• A commitment to MASC's mission and to advancing equity, inclusion, and excellence in public education

If you don't check off every box in the requirements listed above, you should still consider applying. MASC is dedicated to building an inclusive & equitable workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $225,000 - $265,000, commensurate with qualifications & experience
• Work Model: Hybrid - A minimum of two days per week in the office.
• Location: Greater Boston area, with statewide & national travel
• Relocation Assistance: Negotiable
• Employment Agreement: The Board of Directors anticipates offering the selected candidate an initial three-year employment agreement, with annual performance evaluations and the opportunity for renewal based on mutual agreement

MASC currently operates in a hybrid work environment, with employees working two days per week in the office. Given the Association's statewide responsibilities and the external nature of this leadership role, the Executive Director must maintain a regular presence in the Greater Boston area and travel extensively throughout Massachusetts, as well as nationally, to attend conferences, meetings, and other events.

MASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities and expressions, races, ethnicities, religions, national origins, veterans, individuals with disabilities (including those who use trained service animals), and individuals of all sexual orientations. Applicants are invited to include their preferred pronouns in their application materials so we may address them respectfully throughout the search process.