MREA has opened the application period for the next Executive Director. This search is following the announced retirement of current Executive Director Bob Indihar, who will retire this summer.
MREA is seeking a motivated, visionary leader to serve as full-time Executive Director and guide the organization’s strategic efforts in representing the voice of Greater Minnesota education and advocating for what puts learners first.
The application period will be open through Feb 11, 2024, with the announcement of the selected candidate in April. The new Executive Director will begin this position July 1, 2024.
Executive Director Job Posting
Summary
The Executive Director is responsible for the successful overall executive leadership of MREA in accordance with its core mission and vision, to include strategic planning, board relations, advocacy, financial operations, leadership of MREA team, contracts and compliance, communications and public relations, conferences and education, member relations, retaining and increasing membership, and other responsibilities related to effectively leading MREA.
Experience Required
The successful leader must have held a significant leadership role in a rural Minnesota school district. Professional licensure in education is desired.
- Master’s Degree or higher in Education
- 5 years required, 10 years preferred of School Administrator experience
- Foundational skills in board governance, finance and operations, strategic direction, communications, relationship building, membership services, personnel leadership, advocacy
- Demonstrated rural community involvement
Qualifications Desired
- Exceptional collaboration, networking, and relationship-building skills to positively influence a diverse constituency of members, legislators, and educational allies
- Analytical thinking to synthesize complex information and communicate in writing and presentations
- Strong problem resolution that builds a culture of advocacy for local and state educational issues
- Exceptional motivational and leadership skills to guide MREA team
- Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with board of directors and set organizational direction
- Leadership to interpret and adapt to shifting opportunities and formulate strategic vision
- Responsible management of financial and human resources to build and sustain organization and adhere to legal requirements
- Desire and capacity to travel statewide to meet members and represent MREA
Major Responsibilities
- State and National Representation. Advance public awareness and concern for Greater Minnesota educational issues to members as well as external constituents and audiences
- Member Advocacy. Actively advocate for Greater Minnesota education issues, provide legislative and public testimony, and act as liaison for members’ unique legislative priorities
- Innovative Services and Programs. Ensure MREA stability and growth through membership recruitment and retention and timely, relevant services and programs that meet member needs
- Visionary Partnership with Board of Directors. Assist the Board in establishing policies, objectives, goals and priorities that lead to mission excellence
- Strategic Leadership to MREA Team. Actively engage high-performing team to solve challenges, build inclusive culture, and initiate change
- Operational Effectiveness. Monitor administrative and business controls to ensure legal compliance and minimize financial and other risks to organization
- Key Communications. Craft and align strategic messaging to articulate organization vision, engage and inform members, and build a commitment to public rural education
About MREA
- MREA is the voice for Greater Minnesota education through effective legislative advocacy and member engagement. It is a 501(c)4 nonprofit membership association.
- MREA is funded primarily by annual membership dues from 237 Greater Minnesota public school districts and 90+ education-associated businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational entities.
- MREA’s 22-member Board of Directors is comprised of elected and appointed members representing geographic membership zones across the state. Directors include school district superintendents, board members, teachers, and other educational administrators, with 0 to 10+ years of experience on the MREA Board. The board meets 4 times per year online and in person in locations throughout Minnesota.
- MREA has one office in St. Cloud with a full-time operations director and a part-time office assistant. MREA contracts year round for legislative advocacy, communications and bookkeeping services and as needed for other professional services.
- The current Executive Director has led MREA since 2020. The organization has experienced steady growth during this time and needs to remain focused on its growth to continue funding its advocacy and membership services. View recent advocacy results. View current legislative platform.
- Additional organization information is available at www.MREAVoice.org
Compensation Package
MREA offers a benefits package that includes retirement plan, health benefits, holidays and personal time off, national conferences, and mobile phone, internet, and business travel reimbursement. Additionally, the Executive Director may work from the MREA office or remote work elsewhere. The total compensation package range is $195,000-$210,000.
Application Process
Email the following information in PDF format to diane@mreavoice.org. Applications accepted through Sunday, February 11, 2024:
- Cover letter
- Detailed resume including accomplishments, relevant licensure, etc.
- Three professional references (name and contact information)
- Vision statement (2-4 pages) outlining how you will lead and grow MREA in the next 5-7 years
The hire process is managed under the direction of the MREA Board of Directors. All applicants will remain confidential.
Professional references will be contacted prior to interviews. Interviews will take place Friday, March 15 in St. Cloud.
A background check will be completed after an offer of employment is extended. The final candidate will be made public after an employment agreement is reached.
Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Bob Indihar, Executive Director, at bob@mreavoice.org or (218) 565.8277.
