Executive Director - American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

At this defining moment in the history of school libraries, the American Library Association (ALA) seeks a full-time Executive Director for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division dedicated to empowering leaders in the school library field.

AASL is the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. AASL serves 5,000 school librarians across all types of school settings, public and private, in the United States, Canada, and around the world, supported by 47 state and regional chapters. Having championed the profession for 75 years, AASL understands the current realities and evolving dynamics of the professional environment and is positioned to help members achieve universal recognition of school librarians as indispensable educational leaders.

AASL develops standards, publications, continuing education, national conferences, and advocacy initiatives that advance excellence in school librarianship. Signature programs include the biennial national conference, the National School Library Standards, and two journals - School Library Research (SLR) and Knowledge Quest. This role provides strategic vision, operational leadership, and financial stewardship for the division while advancing ALA’s broader mission and representing AASL within ALA and across the school librarian and K–12 education communities.

The 2024-2027 AASL Strategic Plan incorporates AASL's existing Mission and Vision and includes the association's five core values. The new plan centers engagement as the key focus area, recognizing engagement as a critical action to advance our member association. The new AASL Executive Director will have an extraordinary opportunity to work alongside the AASL Executive Board to advance this strategic plan.

The AASL Executive Director plays a critical leadership role at both the division and association levels. This position works closely with the ALA Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, as well as the elected AASL Board of Directors. In addition to division oversight, the AASL Executive Director is expected to serve as a strategic and collaborative leader for the association and align AASL’s priorities with ALA’s strategic plan and organization-wide strategy.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Leading 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.

Board and Governance Support

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

Representation, Advocacy, and Collaboration

• 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.

Management and Operational Oversight

• 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

Financial and Organizational Stewardship

• Providing strategic financial leadership for AASL, managing an operating budget of up to $1.7 million and leading the planning of the biennial AASL National Conference, which has a budget of over $1 million.
• Collaborating 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.

This is a regular full-time position based in our Chicago office. ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have any truly remote positions in states outside of our workplace sites.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Starting salary range is negotiable from $135k based on relevant experience. ALA has an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid vacation, retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. Employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Requirements:

• A four-year college or university degree required. An MLIS or other graduate-level degree with relevance to the position preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible management experience in an association, non-profit, or other member- or customer-driven environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising and managing strong staff teams.
• Demonstrated credibility and expertise within school librarianship or related educational fields preferred.
• The AASL Executive Director will attend a variety of meetings, some of which may occur in the evenings or on weekends. Regular travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Relevant cumulative professional accomplishments and experience demonstrating managerial and leadership skills, as well as strategic decision-making, collaboration, and service-orientation.
• Deep understanding of school libraries, librarianship, and relevant educational issues.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, evaluation, and operational management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteer boards and elected leadership.
• Ability to balance competing demands and priorities in a challenging and complex organizational environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort navigating ambiguity.
• Ability to build partnerships and represent the division externally.
• Familiarity with technology trends, standard software, and social media tools.

For Consideration:

Apply online with a cover letter and resume.

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran