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American Library Association · 1 week ago

Executive Director – American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

7+ years exp

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a full-time Executive Director for its American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division dedicated to empowering leaders in the school library field. The AASL Executive Director plays a critical leadership role at both the division and association levels, providing strategic vision, operational leadership, and financial stewardship for the division while advancing ALA’s broader mission.

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Responsibilities

Lead the advancement of the AASL strategic plan in alignment with ALA’s broader strategic vision, implementing strategies that drive immediate priorities while positioning the organization for long-term success

Monitoring trends and emerging issues in school librarianship and education to guide the development of programs, services, publications, and advocacy initiatives

Serving as a “behind-the-scenes” advocate for school librarians, ensuring their needs and priorities are represented within ALA and the broader education community

Representing AASL within ALA and externally strengthening partnerships with educators, professional organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders

Collaborating effectively with ALA divisions, ALA staff, and elected AASL leadership to advance shared priorities and initiatives

Serving as a visible and credible spokesperson for AASL at meetings, conferences, and events

Ensuring adherence to policies and procedures established by the AASL Board of Directors and ALA

Ensuring key projects and initiatives are effective and meeting organizational goals

The Executive Director provides strategic financial leadership for AASL, manages an operating budget of over $1 million and leads the planning of the biennial AASL National Conference, which has a budget of approximately $500,000

Collaborates across a complex organizational environment to identify and advance revenue-generating opportunities aligned with AASL member needs and ALA goals, while effectively communicating the value of AASL to external partners, collaborators, chapters, and prospective members

Supporting and collaborating with the AASL Board of Directors by preparing reports, communicating regularly with officers, and facilitating governance, strategic planning, and committee work

Facilitates, manages, and coordinates, supported by staff, the participation of AASL volunteer leadership within ALA and with external partner and collaborative organizations across the school library and K–12 education communities

Qualification

Strategic planningBudget managementSchool librarianshipOperational managementPartnership buildingCommunication skillsTechnology familiarityInterpersonal skills