PREPARED BY:
Kristine M. Johnson, SpencerStuart
Ellen E. Pennow, SpencerStuart
Emma Shumaker, SpencerStuart

September 2024

The Opportunity

Education is at a critical juncture, where the convergence of rapid advancements in technology, shifting political landscapes, and an increasing need for high-quality educational research presents a compelling opportunity for transformative leadership. The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is a leading voice in education research nationally and internationally, contributing tangible insights and evidence that are necessary to address the complexities of today’s educational challenges.

In this pivotal moment, AERA is seeking a visionary leader to enable the organization and the field of education to meet the pressing challenges of the 21st century. As a preeminent thought leader, the ideal candidate will catalyze innovative research practices, cultivate diverse and inclusive scholarly communities, and strengthen AERA as a global exemplar and collaborator in bringing research evidence to bear on policy and practice.

The Executive Director of AERA leads the organization programmatically, and advances and strategically advocates for education research to elevate its visibility and funding support. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the organization contributes to building capacity for its members, fosters community and collective opportunities for collaboration, and supports the growth of a diverse and engaged membership. The Executive Director is also responsible for the fiscal well-being, financial management, and professional integrity of the association. This leader works in partnership with the organization’s Executive Board, Council, staff, and members to articulate, enhance, and carry out the organization’s mission and strategic objectives, grow organizational resources, and support its members and staff.

About AERA
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is the largest research association devoted to the scientific study of education. Founded in 1916, with approximately 25,000 members, AERA’s mission is to advance knowledge and scholarly inquiry about education and promote the use of research to improve education to serve the public good. Nearly 13% of members are international and more than 30% of AERA members are students. These scholars draw from diverse fields such as economics, sociology, statistics, psychology, anthropology, political science, history, health, mathematics, and philosophy. Driven by a commitment to interdisciplinarity, methodological diversity, equity, and rigorous inquiry, AERA advances discussion and dissemination of research (through, for example, an Annual meeting of more than 15,000 attendees and the publication of seven of the top research journals); provides professional development programs, resources, and experiences to build capacity at all career stages; serves as an active voice in government relations and outreach; supports public scholarship; engages in innovative research and policy initiatives; and undertakes activities of broad impact and relevance. AERA stewards the highest standards of knowledge production, supports community among scholars and other stakeholders, and promotes the value of high-quality education research.

AERA is at an inflection point in its history. The role of education as a public good in our society and around the globe is paramount, and education research is developing new methods, lines of inquiry, and forms of collaboration that can build knowledge and advance ways of knowing to meet the challenge of these times. As AERA looks to its future, it has the opportunity to build upon its assets — including a strong reputation, a large and engaged membership, financial stability, and a deep commitment to community, interdisciplinarity, and equity — to redefine its strategy to advance research knowledge and capacity for improving education. This is a moment for vision, courage, and leadership, building on the community’s strengths and developing new ones. 

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AERA operates with a $12 million annual budget and 26 full-time staff members. The association owns two floors of a condominium office building and is home to the AERA Convening Center. Please visit www.aera.net for more information about the organization.

Candidate Profile

The Executive Director of AERA will be a visionary leader with a keen understanding of the complex challenges facing the field of education research. They will be driven by strong values related to inquiry, community, diversity, and justice and will be attuned to critical issues in the field and in the broader sociopolitical environment. This position requires a leader who not only respects the historical legacy of the Association but also is poised to confront future challenges and embrace opportunities with strategic insight, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to community and the field of education research.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Organizational leadership
Strong capability in managing the administrative, financial, and operational demands of a large, complex organization. Hands-on experience with financial oversight, revenue generation, organizational efficiency, and building a healthy and positive organizational culture.

Education research acumen
A deep understanding of the field of education research. An appreciation of the breadth of rigorous methodologies and theories that enhance education research. The ability to engage with the substantive content issues relevant to AERA's membership and foster interdisciplinary connections.

Engaging across policy, practice, and research
Advocacy experience and knowledge of influencing policy and practice across stakeholder groups. Experience leveraging research to bring evidence to policymaking. Strong communication skills across a range of contexts and communities.    

Commitment to equity and diversity
A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity within an organization's practices, policies, and community engagement. A track record of building inclusive networks across multiple disciplines and contexts. 

Educational Credentials
Earned doctorate in education or related field required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership: Providing overall leadership and strategic direction for the organization. This involves working closely with the AERA Council to define and implement the organization's mission, vision, and goals.
• Membership Engagement: Actively working to engage and support the membership of the Association, including by developing programs, services, and initiatives that meet members’ needs; supporting community among members; and communicating effectively.
• Advocacy: Representing the interests of the Association and mobilizing its members to improve education policy and practice. Advocating for policies, funding, and initiatives that support education research and its use to advance education policy and practice.
• Professional Development: Overseeing the development and delivery of professional development programs, conferences, workshops, and other services that support the professional growth of members and advance the field of education research and its capacity to impact policy and practice.
• Financial Management and Fundraising: Managing the organization's budget, ensuring financial stability and growth. Leading fundraising efforts, grant writing, expanding new forms of revenue opportunities, and seeking additional sources of funding to support the Association’s activities.
• Operations Management: Ensuring the smooth operation of the organization. Nurturing a strong and effective staff, managing resources efficiently, stewarding a healthy organizational culture, and implementing systems and processes that support the organization's goals.
• Community and Public Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with other organizations, the public, and the media to raise awareness of the association and its goals. Advancing outreach efforts to grow the membership and increase the visibility of the association's work.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Strategic Vision

• Works with the AERA Executive Board, Council, staff, and membership to determine the organization’s strategic vision and direction, translating its aspirations into clear plans and leading the implementation of those plans together.
Maintains an awareness of the challenges and opportunities for members and the broader field and adjusts the organization’s actions and approach as appropriate.
• Brings new thinking and creates space for drawing insights from the AERA community to develop new ways to create opportunities to drive educational research towards pressing and future-oriented questions.

Collaborating and Influencing

• Effectively engages and builds relationships with and among the Executive Board, Council, other governance bodies, and members to shape consensus for AERA’s vision, value proposition, and the advancement of the field.
• Supports and leads impactful partnerships across fields of education research and related disciplines, institutions, and educational stakeholders to drive transdisciplinary research and action agendas that tackle complex educational challenges from multiple perspectives; works to amplify the impact of research and researchers on education.
• Articulates AERA’s value proposition effectively and serves as a compelling and credible spokesperson to a range of stakeholders, including existing and prospective members, policymakers, other related associations, and the public.

Inclusive Leadership

• Effectively communicates the organization’s long-term direction to all relevant stakeholders and collaborates with the Board, Council, staff, and membership on how to reach it.
• Works collaboratively to develop strategic objectives, and creates opportunities and structures for team members to contribute their unique talents; focuses on the team’s growth and development as a group and as individuals.
• Leads collective decision making through skillful judgment, listening, inclusive attention, and consensus building.
• Builds a culture of respect, responsibility, and collaboration, and an inclusive workplace and membership environment, which is aligned with a broader organizational equity agenda that prioritizes research and initiatives aimed at understanding and dismantling barriers to equitable education.
• Creates an environment that engages, inspires, and motivates the team to meet and exceed their commitments and reach their full potential.
• Defines measurable goals and regularly collects data to track where the organization stands in achieving its goals, including on its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

COMPENSATION
The estimated annual base salary range for this position is $325,000 - 360,000. Actual base salary will be dependent on the individual’s skills, experience and qualifications.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS
If you wish to submit application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Executive Director of AERA, please email: AERAED@spencerstuart.com.

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