Executive Director | CEO

Position Overview

The Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer (ED/CEO) provides strategic, operational, and visionary leadership for NCATC, a national nonprofit organization advancing advanced technology education, workforce development, and economic vitality. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED/CEO is responsible for executing NCATC’s mission, growing membership and partnerships, ensuring financial sustainability, and representing the organization nationally.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide visionary leadership aligned with NCATC’s mission, strategic plan, and board priorities.
• Guide organizational growth, transformation, and innovation in advanced technology education and workforce development.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and national representative for NCATC.

Board & Governance

• Support the Board of Directors by preparing agendas, reports, and strategic recommendations.
• Coordinate in‑person and virtual board and committee meetings; record and distribute minutes.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws, IRS requirements (including Form 990), record retention, and governance best practices.
• Maintain official corporate records, policies, and master organizational calendar.

Financial Management

• Lead annual budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal oversight in collaboration with the Treasurer and Board.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, GAAP compliance, audits/reviews, tax filings, and reserve planning.
• Oversee revenues including membership dues, sponsorships, events, and other income streams.
• Manage financial systems, banking relationships, contracts, and insurance coverage.

Membership & Partner Engagement

• Lead membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Respond to member inquiries and support value‑added services and benefits.
• Maintain accurate membership records, reporting, and trend analysis.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with industry, education, government, and national organizations.

Programs & Member Services

• Provide leadership for NCATC’s Member Assistance Program (MAP), offering consultative services related to workforce development, ATC planning, facilities, program development, and community engagement.
• Deliver grant technical assistance and external evaluation services, including extensive experience with NSF‑ATE and other federal grant programs.

Events & Convenings

• Oversee all aspects of NCATC’s Annual Conference, board meetings, webinars, and special events.
• Lead conference planning, budgeting, site selection, contracts, marketing, registration, exhibitors, sponsorships, and on‑site execution.

Marketing, Communications & Publications

• Direct NCATC’s communications strategy including digital newsletters, website, social media, surveys, and press releases.
• Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and visibility for NCATC and its members.
• Oversee development of publications, promotional materials, and online content.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Represent NCATC with national organizations including AACC and affiliated councils.
• Participate in workforce and economic development initiatives, advisory boards, and federal or industry‑funded projects.
• Support policy awareness and education related to workforce and technology education issues.

Administration & Operations

• Oversee contracts, vendors, technology systems, data management, and day‑to‑day administrative functions.
• Supervise and collaborate with the Operations Manager and contractors.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board consistent with the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in one or more of the following (or closely related sectors):
• Nonprofit organizations
• Higher education
• Workforce development or related fields
• Demonstrated success in:
• Financial management, including budgeting, fiscal oversight, and long-term sustainability
• Building and sustaining strategic partnerships
• Working with and supporting a Board of Directors
• Strong skills in:
• Communication (written, verbal, and public-facing)
• Convening diverse stakeholders and facilitating productive discussions
• Organizational leadership and operational management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating at a national level related to one or more of the following:
• Workforce development
• Advanced technology education
• Industry or government initiatives
• Grant management

Additional Experience Valued in Competitive Applicants

While not required, competitive candidates will also bring:

• Experience managing grants, particularly federal grants (e.g., NSF–ATE)
• Comfort representing an organization externally and engaging in advocacy
• Oversight of events, membership organizations, or professional associations
• Familiarity with nonprofit compliance and governance requirements (e.g., IRS filings, board governance)

Compensation

NCATC offers a competitive compensation package that includes base compensation, along with opportunities for additional earnings through Board-approved member services, grant evaluation activities, consulting engagements, facilitation services, training programs, conference-related activities, sponsorship development, and other strategic initiatives that support the organization’s mission and membership.

The ideal candidate will bring an entrepreneurial mindset and a demonstrated ability to develop innovative programs, strengthen partnerships, create value for members, and support overall organizational growth.