career center

The Executive Director of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) is the chief executive leader of this 501c4 non-profit membership association. As the voice of Illinois’s retired educators, IRTA defends pension and healthcare protection via its lobbying efforts, advocates for retirees, creates community, and provides a variety of valuable benefits for its members. The Executive Director is the visible leader and represents retired educators to elected, government agencies, and public and private sector officials and organizations. The Executive Director reports to the IRTA Board of Directors and provides strategic leadership and executive management consistent with the strategic plan and the direction of the board. The Executive Director manages and leads the professional staff of approximately six and the association's day-to-day operations to achieve the association’s mission and financial and operational objectives. The Executive Director leads the association to a place of credibility in diversity, equity, and inclusion while nurturing strategic relationships and representing the association to the media, lawmakers, and other audiences. This in-person position is based at the IRTA HQ in Springfield, Illinois.

Essential Responsibilities

IRTAPAC

Administer the Illinois Retired Teachers Association Political Action Committee (IRTAPAC). oversee fundraising efforts, administration of the PAC, and support for the PAC’s Board of Directors. In collaboration with the contract lobbyist, advise the board on elections and political contributions.

Foundation

Serve as the state coordinator of the Foundation, leading the Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation, Inc. The Foundation provides scholarships, grants, and financial assistance to teachers of the past, present and future. Oversee fundraising efforts, administration of the Foundation, and support for the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

 Advocacy

Lead policy advocacy and lobbying efforts: oversee research, media outreach, legislative education, and member engagement in the policy process. Manage alliances and relationships with other organizations that support advocacy efforts. Serve in various roles with related subsidiaries.

Board of Directors

Advise and support the Board of Directors in governing the organization; participate fully in deliberations of the board, board committees, and other elements of governance; participate in the development of the strategic plan; provide the board with regular reports, thought leadership, data, analysis, and recommendations to assist in governance and strategic thinking. Inform the board regarding the condition and operations of the organization and trends, events, or emerging issues that can impact the association’s success.

Operations

Develop and propose the annual Plan of Work and Budget; Board and Operational Policies; New program and service opportunities; amendments to the by-laws and other governing documents. Execute the annual plan of work and budget as adopted by the board. Maintain a strong and effective Visual Identity Standard, protecting the association’s trademarks and service marks. Select, engage, and supervise vendors, contractors, and other service providers. Evaluate and sign contracts and other agreements. Work closely with professional advisors to the board, such as the general counsel and official auditor. Develop and manage relationships with sponsors, partners, advertisers, strategic allies, and others. Manage the office, infrastructure, systems, policies, and procedures necessary to administer the headquarters operation. Serve members and local units and ensure consistent, high-quality, professional operations.

Unit Support

Support the growth and development of local units; provide a range of unit services, including consulting and board development.

Membership Engagement

Produce the biennial convention, maintaining its stature as the association’s premier conference; deliver outstanding attendee experiences and achieve budget targets. Produce other conferences and meetings as scheduled to deliver outstanding attendee experiences and achieve budget targets. Develop, implement, and market other products, programs, and services.

Communications

Provide timely updates to members via written communication. Serve as executive publisher of the association’s newsletter and other publications.

Financial Management and Budget

Provide thoughtful stewardship of the association’s assets, including cash, investments, tangible property, and intellectual property.

Team Development & Management

Hire, develop, review, and terminate the professional staff. Establish a customer-focused staff culture supporting innovation, continuous improvement, career-long learning, and professional development within a safe, welcoming, diverse workplace. Set the tone and demonstrate ongoing support of a staff culture where employees of all levels report comfort in discussing and taking action in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Skills and Attributes

The successful candidate will embody the following skills and attributes:

• Spokesperson, ambassador, and enthusiastic advocate for the association.
• Financial steward with budgeting and fiduciary experience.
• A leader who listens, able to develop credibility with the membership, staff, and board.
• Personable, self-confident, and positive.
• Self-reflective and excellent communicator.
• A tech savvy innovator, who looks to the future.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20 percent of the time on behalf of the association.
• Trustworthy; operates with the highest level of integrity and ethical behavior.
• Skilled in interpersonal and organizational conflict analysis, management, and resolution.
• Open, candid management style.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of work experience with at least 5 years in a management position.
• Previous association CEO experience is preferred but not required.
• Leadership and Financial/budget management
• Association Management and Board management, CAE Preferred
• Knowledge of the Profession and/or Education
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree Preferred

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Outstanding fringe benefit package including PTO, medical, dental, disability, and a retirement savings program.