The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

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. AASL develops standards, publications, continuing education, national conferences, and advocacy initiatives that advance excellence in school librarianship nationwide.

ALA’s multi-year strategic plan focuses on strengthening libraries, growing the library workforce, advancing innovation, expanding advocacy, and increasing community impact. Developed through a data-driven and collaborative process with broad member engagement, the plan reflects the evolving needs of the library community.

The AASL Executive Director plays a critical leadership role at both the division and association levels. Serving as an ex officio member of the AASL Board of Directors and reporting to ALA, the Executive Director aligns AASL’s priorities with ALA’s organization-wide strategy. This role provides strategic vision, operational leadership, and financial stewardship for the division while advancing ALA’s broader mission and representing AASL within the larger ALA framework and across the school librarian and K–12 education communities.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.
• 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.

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.

ALA currently requires that employees be fully vaccinated as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proof of vaccination will be required on or before the start date.

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 $130k 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

Education: 

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program or M.Ed. with specialization in school library media is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including staff supervision.
• Demonstrated credibility and expertise within school librarianship or related educational fields.
• Regular travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.
• 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.