Delaware Association of Independent Schools
Executive Director
Job Title: Executive Director
Reports to: DAIS Executive Committee
Workload: Part-time position approximately 8 hours/week during the academic school year. The position is compensated $12,000 to $15,000 annually.
About DAIS
The Delaware Association of Independent Schools (DAIS) is a non-profit consortium of schools that work together to promote independent education and to support and strengthen the administrative activities of independent member schools by providing professional development, cooperative efforts, and inter-school collaboration.
Job Summary
The Executive Director provides overall executive leadership and administrative function in alignment with the Delaware Association of Independent Schools’ (DAIS) mission and vision. The Executive Director provides direction for creating and implementing strategy toward the organization’s success. In partnership with constituents, the Executive Director works closely with the DAIS Executive Committee and Member Schools/School Heads to represent the Association locally, regionally, and nationally.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
· Advocate for the unique and exceptional value of member schools and promote public awareness, understanding of and respect for independent education.
· Provide thought leadership on significant issues and developments in education and how they impact leading excellent schools.
· Foster collegiality amongst the Member School Heads and Member Schools. · Responsible for the general management of the business and affairs of the Association. · Provide support to the Executive Committee and Member School Heads.
· Shall perform all duties and have powers which are commonly incident to the office of the Executive Director.
· Responsible for preparing all necessary material needed for quarterly Heads Meetings and Executive Committee meetings.
· Create and manage a plan, including focus areas and goals, prior to June 30th of each year. · Communicate monthly with all Member School Heads as a group.
· Meet regularly with member School Heads, individually, and on a collective basis. · Maintain the corporate by-laws, and other organizational and administrative documents. · Work with the DAIS lobbyist, The Byrd Group, for continued advocacy for independent education related issues.
· Communicate with the President, Executive Council, and/or Member School Heads on timely/sensitive matters.
· Organize regular Executive Committee meetings, on behalf of the President of the Association. · Organize and attend affinity group meetings as needed.
· Communicate monthly, at a minimum, with the President of the Association. · Represent DAIS within the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and other national, local and regional groups.
Qualifications
· Master’s degree in education, business administration, nonprofit management or public administration required.
· 10+ years of experience working as a senior leader or executive within education or a non-profit organization.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· Experience in public speaking, media relations and advocacy.
· Proven ability to provide strategic leadership and direction.
· Ability to develop and implement plans to achieve organizational goals.
· Strong decision-making skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others. · Understanding of the education landscape, including current trends and challenges. · Knowledge of policies and regulations affecting schools and educational institutions. · Skilled in fostering partnerships and collaborations with both internal and external stakeholders.
Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to Kristen Walsh at kristenwalsh@tatnall.org.