Executive Director

About EWA

The Education Writers Association (EWA), the nation’s premier professional organization advancing high‑quality education journalism, invites applications for the position of Executive Director. EWA seeks an experienced leader who is passionate about bolstering education journalism, has a track record of building meaningful external relationships, and represents the organization with infectious enthusiasm, credibility, and clarity. EWA is poised to build on its history of strong programming and support of a robust membership as it enters a new phase of growth and evolution at this pivotal moment.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, EWA’s Executive Director will be a visible and effective leader in education journalism and communications, acting as the nonprofit’s primary representative to members, donors, partners, and other key stakeholders. The Executive Director will lead a team of 13, stewarding people, programs, and financial resources to ensure the organization’s continued relevance, impact, and long‑term sustainability. This is a pivotal moment for EWA;

the organization seeks a dynamic leader and systems thinker with the ability to drive donor and earned revenue, energize staff, and elevate the public profile.

• In close collaboration with EWA’s director of development, build and sustain strong relationships with philanthropic partners and funders to secure financial support for the organization.
• Bring existing funder relationships to the role and actively develop new ones to sustain EWA’s impact and direction.
• Develop a dynamic fundraising strategy with metrics that demonstrate the organization’s accountability and effectiveness in advancing education journalism.
• Own revenue targets and develop strategies to meet and exceed them, identifying new revenue streams beyond traditional funding models.
• Serve as a visible, credible champion for EWA’s mission in funder conversations and public forums.

• Translate EWA's strategy into detailed, actionable operational plans in partnership with staff.
• Ensure all programs and initiatives align directly with our core mission.
• Serve as the primary external spokesperson, thought leader, and public advocate—representing EWA at national events, speaking on panels, and taking public positions in support of education journalism and democracy.
• Ensure EWA's programming is dynamic, nimble, and responsive to the rapidly changing education and media landscape.

• Build a cohesive organizational culture grounded in transparency, collaboration, mutual respect, and accountability.
• Be a visible, present leader who engages authentically with staff and fosters genuine connection and community within the team.
• Recognize and invest in the development of talented staff, while delegating and building up leadership skills.
• Serve as the primary conduit between the board and staff, providing regular updates and fostering an environment of shared vision and trust.

• Develop and deepen partnerships with peer journalism organizations, with particular emphasis on affinity groups such as the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, to reach a broader audience of education communicators.
• Cultivate coalitions that amplify EWA’s mission across the education and journalism sectors.
• Elevate EWA's brand and external profile as the definitive home for journalism about education.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to and nuanced understanding of equity, embedding it meaningfully across all aspects of EWA's work.
• Serve as an ally for journalists and storytellers from communities of color and other historically marginalized groups.
• Advance journalism that is fair, impactful, and reflects the growing diversity of lived experiences within America’s schools and higher education.
• Build and sustain an inclusive organizational culture that values and fosters a strong sense of belonging for staff and members alike.

The ideal candidate has experience in journalism and in leading a nonprofit or…