NEA-NM
National Education Association of New Mexico

Executive Director

Based in Santa Fe, NM

 

BACKGROUND/HISTORY
The history of the National Education Association of New Mexico (NEA-NM) covers more than twelve decades of pride and accomplishment. Since our active participation in the creation of the state’s public schools, the efforts of NEA-NM have continued to shape and improve public education in New Mexico. 

In 1880, more than 60% of New Mexico’s population over the age of 10 could not read or write. In those days, there were only 162 private and church-run schools, with a student attendance of 3,150. There was no public-school system in 1880. Attempts to establish a public-school system failed to pass the territorial legislature in 1876, 1878, and again in 1880. In 1878, the legislature passed a statute authorizing the Jesuits to own unlimited land for educational institutions without taxation. The U.S. Congress unanimously annulled the act. 

In the fall of 1886, a group of educators got together to call for the formation of an education association of New Mexico. On November 26, 1886, during the Thanksgiving break, a group of mostly Santa Fe educators met and adopted a resolution calling for a convention to establish the “Territorial Education Association” (TEA). The first convention of the TEA assembled on December 28, 1886. After statehood, the TEA became the New Mexico Education Association (NMEA) which later changed its name to the National Education Association of New Mexico (NEA-New Mexico). 

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of NEA-New Mexico, and reports directly to the Board of Directors. This role provides strategic leadership, advises the Board, partners closely with the President, and represents the long-term vision and direction of the Association. The Executive Director ensures that all operations, programs, and advocacy efforts align with NEA-New Mexico mission, bylaws, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful candidates will be responsible for:

• Providing institutional leadership that advances NEA-New Mexico’s mission and vision while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Guiding strategic and long-range planning, maintaining focus on organizational priorities and supporting the implementation of established goals.
• Ensuring strong financial stewardship through sound oversight, due diligence, and responsible resource management.
• Strengthening organizational effectiveness and accountability by using data and performance measures to improve the efficiency and impact of NEA-New Mexico’s programs and services.
• Cultivating a culture of reciprocal accountability, creativity, innovation, and transparent decision-making across the organization.
• Establishing clear performance expectations and success metrics for staff and teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Championing public education in New Mexico, building collaborative relationships with external partners to influence high professional standards and sound education policy.
• Supporting positive staff relations, upholding high standards of work on behalf of NEA-New Mexico’s members, and maintaining productive relationships with management and the staff union.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Strategic Planning and Execution
Successful candidates bring documented experience guiding organization-wide efforts in planning, implementation, process improvement, innovation, fiscal management, and the development of high-performing teams. They demonstrate a record of leading significant organizational change and applying reliable methods to ensure accountability and timely execution. Candidates show the ability to manage multiple projects, set clear priorities, and connect long-term vision to actionable plans and milestones.

Leadership with Emphasis on Communication
Successful candidates exhibit a deep commitment to public education, and an understanding of the central role educators play in leading change. They communicate with clarity, integrity, and persuasive skills across diverse audiences, and lead collaboratively and confidently in rapidly changing environments. Candidates display resilience, organizational savvy, and the capacity to navigate shifting political and organizational realities. They cultivate strong coalitions, strengthen engagement, and foster high-performing teams through empathetic and inclusive leadership.

Motivation and Courage
Successful candidates highlight a strong personal commitment to NEA-New Mexico’s mission and values, translating that commitment into disciplined action and measurable results. They demonstrate the ability to set ambitious goals, maintain focus on priorities, and make principled decisions under pressure. Candidates model resilience, encourage thoughtful risk-taking, and promote a culture of motivation, ownership, and high performance. Integrity, transparency, and consistency define their leadership approach.

Member Value and Engagement
Successful candidates understand members’ needs and prioritize building trust, loyalty, and strong relationships between NEA-New Mexico and its membership. They deliver high-quality programs and services that add meaningful value to members’ professional practice and careers and use data to identify emerging needs and opportunities for enhanced support. Candidates ensure NEA-New Mexico remains vibrant and relevant as the education landscape evolves, and demonstrate success in expanding market share, attracting new members, and increasing member retention.

ORGANIZATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Successful candidates will recognize and embrace opportunities to:

• Rebuild organizational strength following recent transitions.
• Engage non-members and leverage untapped potential to expand influence and reach.
• Improve alignment across teams, regions, and functions.
• Enhance training, development, and support for locals and UniServs.
• Strengthen internal systems and operational capacity.
• Increase visibility of NEA-New Mexico’s value proposition in a shifting education landscape.
• Listen deeply and respond effectively to member needs.
• Ensure equitable and consistent support across regions.
• Refine recruitment messaging and outreach strategies.
• Build leadership capacity at all levels.
• Strengthen communication channels and practices.
• Adapt to changing workforce demographics and external pressures to keep NEA-New Mexico vibrant and future-focused.

EXPERIENCE 

• A record of 5-7 years of senior level leadership experience in positions of increasing responsibility. 
• Background in public policy and/or labor advocacy and collective bargaining desired 
• Experience in public education advocacy is preferred. 
• Experience reporting to and advising an elected board of directors. 

EDUCATION 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college is required, advance degree preferred. 
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE 
$126,000 – $145,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position is full time, in-person, based in the Sante Fe, New Mexico office. 

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

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

All materials must be sent electronically to NEA-New Mexico Search Consultant at Movement Talent.
Submit your application via the Movement Talent Opportunity Board application portal.

For all questions regarding this search, including confidential inquiries, please contact: Linda Nguyen, linda@movementtalent.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 4, 2026

NEA – New Mexico 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.