Louisiana Association of Educators

Executive Director

Based in Baton Rouge, LA

 

The history of the Louisiana Association of Educators is as eclectic as the state in which it was founded. An association born from the dedication and passion of thousands of Louisiana’s hardworking public school professionals, LAE’s roots are compelling and significant, not only to association members but to the ever-changing landscape of the state’s public school system. 

The professional advocacy association known today as the LAE looked quite different 40 years ago. In the 70’s, Louisiana’s educator advocacy groups were segregated -- the Louisiana Education Association’s membership consisted of predominantly African American members, and the Louisiana Teachers Association’s members were predominantly Caucasian. Governor Edwin Edwards encouraged a merger, saying it would give educators more power with lawmakers as well as the general public. In 1977, the two groups merged to create the Louisiana Association of Educators. A bold new voice for educators had emerged; a voice fighting for fair treatment of both black and white educators in Louisiana. Lawrence Narcisse took the reins as the first president of the LAE. Shortly after the merger, the association held its first and largest joint rally at the Louisiana State Capitol in support of educator pay increases.

As the LAE continues to head further into the 21st century, it continues to change, evolving with the landscape of Louisiana’s public schools. And members continue to push their mission – to organize and empower educators, strengthen the education profession, all while creating great public schools for every child in Louisiana.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director is the Association’s chief administrative officer and management agent who leads a staff in coordination with the LAE President to ensure implementation of the full scope of policies, procedures, and programs approved and adopted by the LAE Board of Directors. In collaboration with the President and Officers, the Executive Director develops and manages an annual organizational budget and is accountable to the Board for the long-term financial and fiscal health and sustainability of the Association. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organizational Leadership – exercise inclusive and decisive leadership to advance the mission and vision of LAE in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Long Range Planning – maintain focus on the strategic goals and priorities established by systematic and strategic planning processes.
• Stewardship of Financial Resources – provides oversight and necessary due diligence to ensure the financial health of the Association. 
• Organizational Effectiveness and Accountability – implement the policies, services, and programs of the LAE and drive for continuous improvement, utilizing data and measurement to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the LAE program and services.
• Public Education Advocacy – champion public education in Louisiana, including building collaborative relationships between LAE and external stakeholders to shape the highest professional standards for education policy.
• Staff Relations – Create a culture of transparency and communication throughout the organization and address internal and external challenges to protect business interests. Ensure that programs and services reflect the diversity of the region and the communities served. 

Key Organizational Opportunities

• LAE has the opportunity to harness and leverage data to empower decision-making at every level—unlocking insight into membership trends, program outcomes, financial health, and legislative influence to help LAE become a more impactful and agile organization. 
• LAE has the opportunity to develop a strong and contemporary brand identity that deeply resonates with members, attracts new audiences, and strengthens credibility with external stakeholders, which will redefine how the LAE is perceived, making it more relevant, inspiring, and influential in today’s landscape.
• LAE has an opportunity to develop a strategic plan that aligns programs, action plans, and resources with members’ professional needs. 
• LAE has an opportunity to work in unity with the elected officers and Board to provide visionary leadership to engage its members as empowered activists and association leaders. 
• LAE has an opportunity to maintain organizing as a priority to grow the LAE membership. There is widespread support for organizing. The challenge is to harness and build on the energy of grassroots initiatives, energize the locals, give voice, autonomy, and support to new leaders. 
• LAE has an opportunity to increase the strength of its brand to encourage action and build external relationships to influence legislation that results in pro-education policies. The Executive Director must lead in developing member understanding and capacity to engage in political action. He/she must set the tone from the top through personal behaviors that directly and indirectly establish and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with other educational, labor, and business organizations, and with the governor, state legislature, and other elected and appointed government officials and their staff. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, EXPERIENCE, AND EDUCATION:
To be considered for this position, the applicant must be prepared to share and validate a record of personal achievements in the following competency areas.

Strategic Planning and Execution
Demonstrates principled executive leadership rooted in union values—solidarity, equity, and collective empowerment—with a proven ability to lead transformational change through strategic planning, financial stewardship, and operational excellence. Must have evidence of building high-performing teams, driving accountability, and communicating vision with clarity to align organizational goals with member-driven priorities.

Interpersonal Effectiveness 
Established record building fostering teamwork and consensus, effectively managing conflict, provoking creative problem-solving and risk taking, and is inclusive of diverse individual and cultural perspectives. Proven evidence of success in achieving desired outcomes when leading organizational innovation and change; a courageous leader who has shown organizational savvy and flexibility in confronting and adapting to challenging and changing political/organizational realities. Capable and willing to voice respectful and effective dissent when and where appropriate. 

Communication
An engaging and influential public speaker with strong oral and written communication skills. Must be an active listener and effective communicator who has excelled in building successful internal/external relationships. Must have an established record of fostering teamwork and consensus, effectively managing conflict, provoking creative problem-solving, necessary risk taking, and being inclusive of diverse individual and cultural perspectives. Must have the ability to process vast amounts of information; synthesize and incorporate multiple viewpoints and perspectives, including constructive feedback.

Member Focus 
A leader who values public education and is focused on member needs. Someone who believes in member engagement, trust, and loyalty, and who is committed to fostering strong relationships between LAE and its members. An experienced leader who has successfully demonstrated the ability to implement high-quality programs and services that bring value to members. An influential leader who understands membership and can expand market share has effectively led innovative strategies, programs, initiatives, and policies designed to attract and increase new membership. Has the ability to create collaborative relationships and partnerships with local, county, and state governments as well as community groups and organizations.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 3- 5 years of middle or senior management experience.
• A background in labor advocacy and collective bargaining experience is desired.
• Experience working in a member-based organization, reporting to and advising an elected board of directors, is desired. 

COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
LAE is prepared to offer a generous and competitive salary and benefits package consistent with experience, skills, and abilities demonstrated.

TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please provide the following:

• A current résumé that reflects qualifications for this position.
• A Letter of Application that specifically addresses how accomplishments in your career have prepared you to meet the challenges and opportunities presented in this position.

All materials must be sent electronically to LAE’s Search Consultant: Unionsearch.org

Patricia Johnson, Managing Partner: patjohnson@unionsearch.org

For confidential inquiries, questions, salary information, or to schedule a call, please.
Email Patricia Johnson.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 21, 2025

LAE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON RACE, CREED, RELIGION, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENETIC INFORMATION, MARITAL STATUS, or DISABILITY.