Executive Director, School Library Leadership & Advocacy

ILLINOIS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 122,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Medical and dental coverage

Generous paid vacation

Retirement annuity

35-hour work week

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The American Library Association seeks a full-time Executive Director for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), guiding strategy, operations, and financial stewardship. The role collaborates with the ALA Executive leadership to advance national standards, conferences, and advocacy for school librarians worldwide.

Based in Chicago with a hybrid schedule, the Executive Director will lead governance, build partnerships, and oversee a $1.7M operating budget and a conference budget

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree required; MLIS or related graduate degree preferred.
• Strong leadership experience in a nonprofit or member-driven environment.
• Credibility in school librarianship or related educational fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the AASL division within ALA.
• Support and collaborate with the AASL Board and staff to advance priorities.
• Represent AASL externally, building partnerships with educators and organizations.
• Manage governance processes, budgeting, and operational initiatives.
• Oversee financial stewardship for AASL and plan major events and revenue opportunities.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Partnership building

Communication

Board collaboration

Operational management

Technology familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

MLIS or related graduate degree preferred

Job description

The American Library Association seeks a full-time Executive Director for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), guiding strategy, operations, and financial stewardship. The role collaborates with the ALA Executive leadership to advance national standards, conferences, and advocacy for school librarians worldwide.

Based in Chicago with a hybrid schedule, the Executive Director will lead governance, build partnerships, and oversee a $1.7M operating budget and a conference budget