Director (Center for Organizing and Affiliate Support)

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Posting Period:

August 26, 2026 - Until Filled

Employee Group Type:

EXEC Executives, OO128 Center for Organizing & Affiliate Support (C4OAS)

Position Type:

Regular

Salary Range:

$223,995.00 - $239,719.00

Position Details:

The National Education Association (NEA) is America’s oldest and largest organization committed to advancing the cause of public education. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NEA proudly claims more than 3 million members devoted to the following mission: to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education by preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.  Our vision is a great public school for every student.  We strive to improve the quality of teaching, to increase student achievement, and to make schools safer and better places to learn.

NEA seeks a Director for The Center for Organizing and Affiliate Support.  The Director manages field-based and headquarters staff, financial resources, and key programs to recruit, retain, engage, and empower NEA members while cultivating a culture of organizing across the enterprise and its state affiliates.  The Director will report to the Senior Director for the Center for Organizing and Affiliate Support and must be able to move NEA’s organizing objectives forward in a highly complex environment constantly balancing the competing needs of various stakeholders.   

Responsibilities:

• Support the organization’s efforts to adopt a culture of organizing throughout the enterprise, helping to build membership connection, identify leaders, strengthen affiliate capacity, and achieve systemic strategic goals.
• Ensure that Center staff are trained to use enterprise organizing tools and data to inform and improve strategy, tactics, and activities in service of our vision and of affiliate capacity building.
• Coordinate year-round membership recruitment initiatives across all sectors, including pre-K-12 Certified/Support Professionals, Higher Education, Public Service Workers, Retired members, Aspiring Educators, and charter schools.
• Direct operational support to state affiliates in collaboration with field leadership, Zone Directors, and growth teams.
• Oversee the UniServ Program, Local Presidents Release Time Program, National Council of Urban Education Associations program support, and support to state affiliates through Associate Zone Directors.
  Review and recommend organizing grants that advance the organization’s mission, facilitating coordination across different Centers.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Small States Program and the Solidarity Loan Program.
• Navigate rapidly changing internal and external environments, providing strategic guidance to staff and organizational leaders on emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Manage assigned program budgets to ensure responsible stewardship of members’ dues, focusing on strong execution and return on investment.
• Exercise sound independent judgment and strong political acumen when handling sensitive organizational situations and nuanced details.
• Manages assigned staff, including developing and evaluating performance expectations and supporting ongoing professional development.
• Coaches and supports affiliates in the development and implementation of strategic organizing plans.
• Drives the creation of an organizing culture within NEA and its affiliates.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Relevant graduate degree and/or certification preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of NEA association or equivalent experience required; with at least three years of executive-level experience preferred.
• Management experience within a union environment preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to labor-management collaboration.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships across all levels of the enterprise – with governance leaders, affiliates, and with and among Centers and departments. 
• Demonstrated personnel management expertise; the ability to delegate responsibly, prioritize work activities, monitor progress, coach towards success, and ensure accountability.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to think strategically and facilitate dialogue for shared results.
• Effective skills in project planning and financial management.
• Extensive knowledge of state affiliates and the NEA.
• Ability to execute program deliverables prior to established deadlines.
• Ability to foster a creative work environment and support organizing experimentation in service of growing and strengthening the union.
• Proven skills as an organizer and in overseeing successful organizing efforts.
• Experience as an organizational advocate for education, labor and/or racial and social justice issues.
• Frequent travel required.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided:  The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. To apply for this position or to search for other openings, please go to our jobs page at Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com)  

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.