The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland
Posted: 13-Feb-26
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Salary: $115,000 to $128,000
Categories:
Required Education:
Introduction
NACUBO is committed to diversity because it enriches and strengthens how we advance our mission, just as it does for institutions of higher education. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Our goal is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work.
Creativity and cross-team collaboration drive NACUBO’s achievements and contribute to individual success. All staff members are encouraged to think creatively about how they and NACUBO can address mission, member needs, and challenges that will inevitably arise from time to time. They are also encouraged to develop and nurture strong partnerships throughout the association. These partnerships help individuals, teams, and the association accomplish the activities, goals and strategies of the organization and of individual positions.
Imagination, innovation, and curiosity are welcome, and all require some risk taking. NACUBO encourages staff to engage in bold thinking, to put forward new ideas and proposals, and to openly debate the risks – upside and downside – associated with new ideas.
Each member of the NACUBO staff is responsible for creating and sustaining esprit de corps across the organization.
To accomplish all of this, staff will need strong communication and strategic thinking skills. NACUBO is committed to nurturing these skills in all staff members.
Position Summary
The Director of Executive Programs provides strategic leadership and operational management for NACUBO’s executive education portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President of Leadership Development, who oversees the organization’s full educational portfolio, the Director is responsible for designing and delivering high-impact learning experiences for senior higher education business officers and other executive-level institutional leaders. This position works closely with the Director of Leadership Development, who oversees NACUBO’s online learning programs and the Emerging Leaders Program, to ensure an integrated and cohesive approach to leadership education that meets the evolving needs of NACUBO’s members and the higher education community.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Lead the strategic direction and continuous enhancement of NACUBO’s executive education programs for senior higher education leaders and customized leadership experiences, including the New Business Officers Program.
- Partner closely with the Vice President of Leadership Development and the Director of Leadership Development to align executive programs with other NACUBO learning initiatives, ensuring a seamless member experience across platforms and modalities.
- Identify emerging leadership challenges and trends in higher education to inform program development and innovation.
- Collaborate with NACUBO staff, member institutions, and external experts to design curriculum content that reflects current and future leadership competencies.
- Collaborate across NACUBO departments to integrate executive education with broader member engagement, research, and advocacy efforts.
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of in-person, virtual, and hybrid executive programs.
- Recruit, brief, and support faculty, speakers, and facilitators to ensure engaging, relevant, and high-quality learning experiences.
- Develop and monitor program budgets and timelines, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
- Utilize participant feedback and assessment data to evaluate impact and guide continuous improvement.
- Support strategic partnerships and sponsorship opportunities that enhance program reach and sustainability.
- Contribute to the overall leadership of the Leadership Development team, participating in cross-functional planning and organizational initiatives.
- Represent NACUBO at meetings, conferences, and member events, promoting the value of NACUBO membership, executive learning, and professional development.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Self-starter: Have the discipline to fulfill commitments to staff, members, and other stakeholders.
- Team Player: Possess a team spirit, approach relationships with a win-win perspective, and be accountable for their interactions in a collaborative work environment.
- Adaptable: Comfort working through ambiguous situations and advising senior management on appropriate courses of action.
- Analytical: Understand the elements of business and financial management of institutions from a holistic, top-level perspective.
- Strategic: Able to seek out and piece together fragments of information, recognize patterns and draw conclusions based on sometimes incomplete information, and develop appropriate strategies to meet member needs and the association’s objectives.
- Excellent speaking and writing skills: Ability to author communications and present in ways that are clear, concise, and compelling.
- Financial acumen: Ability to oversee budgets, guide area staff in budget management, understand implications of financial decisions, make wise choices related to expenditures, and contribute to the organization’s overall strategy for reaching revenue goals.
- Consultative: Comfort listening to member needs, synthesizing this information, and making recommendations for association action, strategies, and priorities.
- Presence: The candidate will regularly interact with senior executives from member institutions, senior leaders of the regions and other higher education associations and other partners, and other stakeholders and must feel comfortable stating their views, making recommendations, and motivating others to take action.
Work Environment
This position is remote, but the incumbent sometimes works in the office. The incumbent will use standard office equipment such as a laptop or computer, phone, and printer/copier. Temperatures in a remote and office environment may fluctuate.
Physical Demands
- Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally. Active while managing onsite meetings/programs: Exerting up to 40 pounds.
- To perform the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may frequently be required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to type, handle or feel, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time regular position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This position may be eligible for an alternate work arrangement (i.e., flextime), please refer to the Employee Handbook for details. There may be occasional evening and weekend work as job duties or projects require it.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day however, travel may become extensive for in-person meetings/programs requiring overnight travel. Travel is expected between 25-35% of the time.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Other Duties
Please note this position description does not cover, contain or list a fully comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Competitive Benefits
- Healthcare benefits are available with this position.
- Other benefits available include dental and vision.
- Life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), short- and long-term disability, and access to our employee assistance program (EAP).
- Retirement: Voluntary employee contributions and employer matching.
- Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off.
For best consideration, submit applications by Friday, March 20, 2026.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; Master’s degree preferred.
- 7–10 years of experience in executive education, leadership development, or professional learning, ideally within higher education, a membership association, or similar organization.
- Demonstrated record of success in developing, designing, and managing learning programs for senior executives.
- Demonstrated interest in and a sophisticated understanding of higher education institutions.
- Strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in using Windows-based applications and database administration.
- Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
