Description

AASA is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to serve as Senior Vice President, Leadership & Learning, responsible for leading AASA’s District Services and Rural Schools Programs.

This leadership role will shape and scale programs that support superintendents and district leadership teams as they work to transform public education and advance the Public Education Promise.  The Senior Vice President will drive strategy, innovation, and sustainable growth across a national portfolio of services designed to strengthen district leadership capacity.  

The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of K-12 leadership and rural education, combined with strong business acumen and a demonstrated ability to grow programs, cultivate partnerships, and expand organizational impact.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Lead Strategy and Growth

• Provide strategic leadership for AASA’s District Services and Rural Schools Programs, ensuring alignment with AASA’s mission, strategic priorities and member value.
• Lead a portfolio of programs and services with responsibility for strategy, impact, and sustainable growth.

Expand District Services

• Oversee the design and delivery of high-impact services and professional learning opportunities for district leadership teams.
• Guide the development of programs such as consulting services and customized leadership supports.
• Ensure services are responsive to district needs and grounded in research, best practices, and equity-driven leadership.

Strengthen Rural School Leadership

• Lead initiatives focused on the needs of rural districts and communities, helping rural leaders address challenges related to workforce, resources, innovation, and student opportunity.
• Build relationships with rural superintendents and leaders across the country to inform program design and strengthen AASA’s support network.
• Elevate national awareness of rural education issues and solutions.

Drive Program Sustainability and Business Development

• Oversee program budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
• Identify opportunities to expand revenue-generating services, partnerships, and grants aligned with AASA’s mission.
• Collaborate with marketing and business development teams to generate leads and grow the pipeline for district services and rural programs.

Lead and Supervise Team Members

• Supervise senior-level team members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support teams in delivering high-quality programs and exceptional experiences for district leaders.

Represent AASA Nationally

• Serve as a national representative for AASA through speaking engagements, conferences, and partnerships.
• Facilitate and lead professional learning experiences with district leadership teams.
• Build strong relationships with districts, state associations, and national organizations to expand AASA’s reach and influence.

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

Education

• Doctorate in Education or related field required.  An equivalent combination of education or experience may be considered.
• Valid Superintendent certification required.

Experience

• 15+ years of leadership experience in public education, nonprofit leadership, or professional learning organizations.
• Experience as a Superintendent in a small or rural school district preferred.
• Significant experience working with superintendents or district leadership teams.
• Deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural school systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading programs or services that generate organizational impact and revenue.
• Experience leading complex initiatives and managing cross-functional teams.

Leadership Strengths

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and program growth experience.
• Exceptional communicator and relationship builder with strong executive presence.
• Ability to translate vision into scalable programs and services.
• Collaborative leader who builds trust across diverse stakeholders.
• Innovative mindset with a focus on growth, sustainability, and measurable impact.

WHY JOIN AASA

AASA is the national organization representing over 13,000 school system leaders who serve millions of students across the country.  Through the Public Education Promise, AASA is helping districts reimagine what success looks like for every learner and how systems support that vision.