Executive Director

Utah Education Association (UEA) is an organization of public education professionals. The mission of the UEA is to advance the cause of public education in partnership with others by strengthening the teaching profession, promoting quality schools for all of Utah’s children, and advocating for the well-being of its members. The UEA represents about 18,000 active classroom teachers, retired educators, administrators, licensed educational support personnel, and students in education programs at universities.

Executive Director is the Association’s Chief of Staff and serves at the will of the UEA President and Board of Directors. The Executive Director manages a staff of approximately 30 employees and a budget that exceeds $6 million. After collaborating with the UEA President, the Executive Director is charged with adeptly advising the Board, managing and skillfully representing the Association's long-term vision and strategic direction, and implementing organizational priorities, programs, and activities as determined by the Board of Directors and guided by the UEA governing documents.

The Executive Director provides vision, direction, and operational oversight across all areas of the association, including advocacy, member engagement, organizational development, education policy, and fiscal management. The Executive Director balances innovation with sound operational management, inspiring staff to perform to the best of their abilities, so that the UEA continues to thrive as a strong advocate for education and a trusted voice for public education.

The Executive Director fosters and maintains a constructive, collaborative labor-management relationship with the staff union, ensuring that staff and evaluation processes align with the organization's goals and values.

The next Executive Director will join UEA at a pivotal time. UEA is experiencing a moment of renewal, opportunity, and rebranding. As UEA continues to champion public education and strengthen its collective power, the following key opportunities stand out for the next leader:

• Rebuild and strengthen relationships with policymakers, legislators, and education partners to expand UEA’s influence in shaping statewide education policy.
• Advance membership growth and engagement through coordinated statewide strategies, modern systems, and data-informed best practices with a continued focus on demonstrating the value of membership.
• Enhance organizational effectiveness by aligning internal processes, technology, and communication structures to serve members better and advance UEA’s mission.
• Capitalize on UEA’s existing staff talent through professional development, mentorship, and empowerment – building a stronger, more collaborative culture, impact, and leadership pipeline.
• Unify staff, board, and local leaders around a shared vision that fosters collaboration, trust, and alignment across all levels of the association.
• Elevate UEA’s voice as a leader in educator well-being, student success, and the defense of public education.
• Leverage partnerships and professional learning to strengthen leadership development, empower local associations, and expand UEA’s impact statewide.
• Champion racial and social justice by advancing equity-focused initiatives, amplifying underrepresented voices, and ensuring that diversity, inclusion, and belonging remain central to UEA’s mission and daily work.

The ideal candidate will be a leader who embodies the following core competencies:

A leader who brings clarity and foresight to complex organizational challenges.

• Brings a proven record of success in implementing strategic plans that involve significant organizational change and has utilized reliable methods to ensure accountability and timeliness in the execution of strategic goals and objectives. Models a growth mindset and communicates effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners. Someone who demonstrates the ability and confidence to lead courageously and possess resilience in a rapidly changing political environment.
• A motivational and courageous leader who…