Executive Director, National Council for the Social Studies

National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) seeks an Executive Director (E.D.) to elevate the visibility and credibility of the field of social studies in partnership with its members.

Founded in 1921, nonprofit NCSS is the largest professional association in the United States devoted solely to social studies education. Members are teachers, faculty, and curriculum designers from 35 countries, and all 50 states and the District of Columbia in the United States. 

NCSS works collaboratively to help educators address complex challenges by offering support, professional development, research, and community. NCSS’ core programs include an annual conference of 4,000 attendees, publications, and a robust calendar of webinars. NCSS maintains a career center for members, develops advocacy tools, and celebrates member excellence annually through the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education. 

NCSS is affiliated with more than 110 state, local, and regional social studies councils and includes the four associated groups, College and University Faculty Assembly (CUFA), Council of State Social Studies Specialists (CS4), International Assembly (IA) and National Social Studies Leaders Association (NSSLA). Learn more at socialstudies.org. 

Leadership Opportunity

As the leader of a nearly $4 million organization, the E.D. will set a bold and sustainable strategy that delivers high-quality programming, advocates for critical thinking and civil discourse, and fosters community among members. The E.D. will bring a balanced approach to strategy and management. Among their early responsibilities will be to envision and collaboratively deliver a new strategic plan to follow the one expiring in 2025. Member engagement will be at the core of this plan. 

With a deep appreciation of the essential role of critical thinking and civil discourse, the E.D. will be an adept spokesperson and advocate. They will be an open-minded and collaborative leader, modeling an inclusive and positive work culture. The E.D. will manage the organization’s finances with integrity and transparency. An eager and capable fundraiser, the E.D. will use NCSS’ platform to champion social studies among potential donors, sponsors, and supporters. 

NCSS is governed by a democratically-elected board of directors reflective of its membership. The E.D. reports to the board, works closely with other leaders, and oversees a team of nine responsible for member services, publications, and operations. Key responsibilities include:

Vision, Strategy, and Leadership

• Working closely with the board, set and implement a bold vision and strategy that elevates and expands NCSS’ reach and impact among educators and for the field of social studies. 
• Establish strong working relationships and collaborations with a range of key partners. 
• Enhance NCSS’ thought leadership by publishing successful, replicable education practices. 
• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout programs, policies, and operations. 
• Nurture a strong, transparent relationship with the board; serve as liaison between board and staff; implement the board’s overall organizational goals and direction.

Membership Support and Development

• Ensure NCSS programming and services are of high quality and align with strategic plans. 
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with current and prospective members.
• Develop a comprehensive strategy to meet membership growth targets.
• Effectively manage the Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education.
• Foster transparent and effective communication channels. 

External Relations 

• Serve as principal spokesperson, representing members’ interests to varied audiences.
• Guide external communications strategies that elevate the impact of social studies.
• Support the NCSS Officers, Board of Directors, NCSS Associated Groups, and Affiliated Councils to be effective advocates in their respective communities. 

Operations and Administration

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including human resources, finances, and compliance. 
• Lead, develop, and retain an outcome-driven team. Facilitate strong working relationships, clear communications, and effective and timely decision-making processes.
• Set annual financial goals. Provide strategic leadership in maintaining, diversifying, and growing revenue through dues, events, services, grants, and donations.

Experiences, Skills, and Qualities

The most competitive applicants will have many, if not all, of the following attributes:

• No less than 10 years of leadership experience in an association, nonprofit, university, or similar professional setting. 
• Passion for NCSS’ mission of elevating the field of social studies education.
• Consensus-oriented with emotional intelligence, compassion, and superior listening skills.
• An effective “big picture” thinker who can connect ideas with actions. 
• Proven experience with change management, transforming systems, tools, and processes.
• A significant supervisory record, with experience developing a positive team culture.
• An effective spokesperson, capable of interacting with a variety of constituents including classroom educators, academics, association leaders, and policymakers.
• Success with senior-level fundraising efforts, including strategizing and securing support through partnerships, institutions, corporations, and/or individuals.
• High respect for diverse points of view and ability to elevate under-represented voices. 
• Demonstrated success mobilizing coalitions and establishing creative partnerships.

• Past work with or serving on a nonprofit board. 
• Organizational management experience, including budgeting and forecasting, financial management, human resources, contracts, and legal compliance. 

Considered a major plus: Knowledge of issues, trends, and policies affecting social studies; 

experience as an educator or in the education field; experience in a membership organization; a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.

Location & Travel

NCSS is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland and the staff works remotely. Approximately 10-20% of time includes travel to conferences, events, and visits to chapters and sponsors. 

Compensation

A salary of $185,000–$200,000 plus benefits, which include health insurance, a retirement plan, disability, life insurance, annual leave, personal leave, sick leave, and major holidays.

Application Process

NCSS has retained Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving nonprofits, to conduct this search. See the full executive profile and application information at www.good-insight.org/careers. For best consideration, apply by mid-March 2025. Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search.

NCSS is an equal opportunity employer.

About National Council for the Social Studies

www.good-insight.org/careers

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