National Opportunities

Executive Director

Controller/Department Director

Executive Director

The new leadership team of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is excited to announce that it is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director at its Washington, DC, office. We are looking for an energetic leader who will help transform the organization into an organized, fighting union. Our goal is to defend the higher ed sector against increasing attacks while leading a fight for fair wages, job security, academic freedom, an end to student debt, and expanded access to postsecondary education. The ideal candidate will be committed to racial justice and to transforming the AAUP into the fastest-growing union in higher education.

Duties and Responsibilities

The executive director is responsible for the efficient and economical administration of the AAUP’s central office, which includes management of the budget and day-to-day operations, oversight of the membership database, and planning and coordination of the organization’s programs and services in line with the Council’s initiatives and priorities. Currently, these include:

1. expanding the membership and reach of the AAUP,
2. building a campaign to fight for the future of higher education in the United States,
3. building a coordinated movement of higher ed workers and students, and
4. expanding AAUP work to include a focus on racial justice and bargaining for the common good.

In their role as head of the national staff, the executive director will assist AAUP leaders in setting the organization’s overall strategic direction and priorities. We are looking for someone who has a strong work ethic with the ability to delegate and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities. The successful candidate will cultivate a work environment that encourages teamwork, independent judgment, and continuous professional growth within a diverse staff.

The executive director supports the AAUP president, the Executive Committee, the Council, and the AAUP Foundation board. This may include speaking for the AAUP—as appropriate and as directed by the organization’s leadership—and working effectively with chief officers of other higher education organizations and with other key education leaders.

The executive director will be accountable to and will report directly to the Council. The Council will evaluate the performance of the executive director annually using this position description as a basis for evaluation. In the evaluation process, the Council will solicit the views of the staff, AAUP chapters and members, and others in the higher education community who work and interact with the executive director on a regular basis.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of five years of managerial experience with a diverse staff in a union setting or at a comparable organization
• An organizing background and a commitment to racial equity
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, leadership, and management skills
• Proven communications, public relations, and writing skills
• An ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• A valid driver’s license and an ability to travel regionally and nationally and to work evening and weekend hours

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a union environment with an established record of teamwork and conflict management
• Administrative experience; knowledge of collective bargaining; leadership within the AAUP at the local, state, and/or national level; and acquaintance with core AAUP principles including academic freedom and shared governance
• Experience in development/fundraising

Compensation

The expected salary range is $200,000–250,000, commensurate with qualifications and work experience. The AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacation days; and 401(k).

Position Classification

This regular full-time position is categorized as a management/supervisory position and is excluded from the staff bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is based in the DC office with an option for part-time telework.

To Apply

Candidates must submit a cover letter and a résumé with three references to https://easyapply.co/job/executive-director-242?rcid=aaup_external. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by October 30. Questions, inquiries, and nominations should also be directed to [email protected]. No phone calls please.

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act | Employee Polygraph Protection Act).

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 

Previous applicants are encouraged to reapply.

Controller/Department Director, Department of Finance and Administration

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a Washington, DC-based not-for-profit association and labor union representing 40,000 academic faculty and staff in the United States, seeks an experienced Controller. The position is to be filled as soon as possible in our Washington, DC national office. The organization has assets of approximately $17 million, annual revenues of over $8 million, and a total staff of more than twenty.

The Controller is responsible for the finance and accounting operations of the organization, including the production of periodic financial reports, the maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and the application of a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the organization's financial statements, and ensure that financial reporting complies with generally accepted accounting principles. The Controller is supervised by the Executive Director and works with the Secretary-Treasurer and other elected leadership of the organization. The Controller will serve as the Director of Finance and assist in the hiring and the supervision of approximately two accounting staff and the oversight of third-party vendors and contractors. This position requires a commitment to racial equity, especially as it pertains to organizing, and involves working with diverse individuals both inside and outside of the AAUP office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include oversight of the general ledger, revenues, and disbursements; accounting; and reconciliation of cash, investments, and fixed assets. Proficiency in the preparation of financial statements and various government tax filings is also critical to this position. The Controller will provide financial advice and counsel to the leadership of the organization, will assist with financial forecasting and planning, and, in conjunction with the Secretary-Treasurer, will prepare finance and budget presentations for the organization’s elected leadership.

Management and Supervision

• Maintain and manage a documented system of accounting policies and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure accurate and timely financial reports.
• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations for the recording and reconciliation of per-capita and other revenues, accounts payable and receivables, cash disbursements, payroll, fixed assets, cash and investments, inventory, liabilities, and other transactions.
• Supervise, train, coach, and mentor accounting staff.
• Serve as primary contact for all financial and accounting matters with the Executive Director, executive officers of the AAUP, and AAUP investment and audit committees.

Reporting and Compliance

• Coordinate the preparation of the AAUP’s monthly financial statements and reports in a timely manner.
• Review and present quarterly financial reports to the officers and the AAUP’s executive body (the Council).
• Prepare, review, and present annual organization budget and forecasts.
• Calculate variances from the budget and review significant issues with the Executive Director and officers.
• Provide financial analysis as needed.
• Interface with an outside audit firm, banks, lessors, insurance agents, and other vendors.
• Prepare and assist the external auditors in the preparation of various local, state, and federal government tax filings, including the DOL Form LM-2 and IRS Form 990.
• Maintain records and coordinate payments relating to the staff 401(k) retirement plan.
• Maintain accounting records for other related funds.
• Oversee general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll; research and resolve AP-related discrepancies and issues; and process monthly close.
• Review bank reconciliations for all cash accounts.
• Review and approve journal entries.
• Ensure all vendor invoices have appropriate documentation and approval.
• Approve employee and officer expense reimbursements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• Minimum of ten years of related experience, preferably with a labor organization, or other not-for-profit experience.
• Commitment to racial equity required. Demonstrated experience with racial equity or DEI initiatives preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, supervisory, and financial skills.
• Strong familiarity with finance and accounting software.
• Self-starter with excellent time-management and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with union or membership organization budgets and finances.
• Familiarity with Department of Labor, Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.

Compensation

The expected salary range is $150,000–$175,000, commensurate with qualifications and work experience. The AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacation days; and 401(k).

Position Classification

This regular full-time Senior Program Officer position is categorized as a management/supervisory position and is excluded from the staff bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is based in the DC office with an option for part-time telework.

To Apply

Candidates must submit a cover letter and a résumé with three references to https://easyapply.co/job/controller-475?rcid=aaup_external. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by November 6, 2024. Questions, inquiries, and nominations should be directed to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.