Description

WASDA Executive Director Job Description

The Executive Director shall serve as the chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA) and shall administer its affairs in accordance with policies adopted by the Board of Directors and accepted business practices on behalf of the membership.

The duties shall be as follows:

A. Leadership of Association Business and Operations

• Serve as the executive officer of the Association and administer its affairs and funds.
• Report directly to the WASDA Board of Directors in a Policy Governance model of governing.
• Ensure achievement of the Board established Ends of the Association.
• Recommend changes in policy to the Executive Committee.
• Keep the Executive Committee informed of all matters related to its function.
• Prepare meeting agendas for Board of Directors meetings in collaboration with the Board President
• Ensure organizational focus as a membership driven association and prioritize value in WASDA membership for members with the assistance of the elected Board of Directors of the Association.
• Coordinate activities of the Association with interested groups and implement the Association's policies, goals, and objectives.
• Represent and engage the Association in appropriate affairs at a state and national level and ensure the travel necessary for effective, direct engagement.
• Ensure appropriate communication processes and structures for membership.
• Develop and maintain:
  • Proper legal, regulatory records in alignment with best business practices  
  • Information files
  • Publications for membership and other relevant entities
  • Miscellaneous data necessary to business and professional needs of members
• Oversee collection of all funds due to the Association and ensure deposits in approved depositories.
• Oversee WASDA asset investments.
• Keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements.
• Provide for annual audit.
• Administer the WASDA Foundation
• Oversee the operations of the WASDA video library.
• Oversee the operations of the Wisconsin School Leadership Center (WSLC).
• Oversee and supervise the WASDA Staff.
• Prepare annual and special reports of the Association

B. Member Service and Support

• Provide continuous, effective direct service and support to members in all areas of their professional practice.
• Ensure quality and effective professional development programs for District Administrators as well as the Superintendent Administrative Assistants group.
• Provide relevant and timely counsel and advice to members on all matters of employment and best professional practice.
• Coordinate and plan association conventions, state and regional workshops, academies, and on-line programming to improve communications, administrative techniques and to facilitate membership objectives.
• Channel appropriate information to individual members and maintain effective communication systems and processes.

C. Represent the Voice of Superintendents and Advocate on their Behalf

• Actively advocate for the needs of an effective Wisconsin public education system in both the policy and regulatory environment at the state and national level.
• Serve as "spokesperson" for WASDA and its membership in all endeavors.
• Interpret and make recommendations on legislative matters to the Board of Directors and the general membership, as well as to other groups interested in education.
• Represent WASDA on the School Administrator Alliance (SAA) Executive Board to ensure effective governance and operations of the School Administrators Alliance and the effectiveness of its Executive Director.
• Maintain a close and effective working relationship with the Wisconsin State Superintendent and Executive level leadership in the Department of Education.

D. Establish and Maintain Networks, Partnerships and Alliances in Support of Superintendents with groups to include but not limited to:

• School Administrators Alliance organizations Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO), Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS) and Wisconsin Association of Public Relations Association (WASPA)
• Wisconsin Retired Educators Association (WREA – SAA Affiliate)
• The Wisconsin Schools Attorney Association
• The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
• The WI Governor’s Office
• Wisconsin State Agency Officials
• Legislative Caucuses and Individual Legislators
• American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
• Association of State Executives (ASE)
• Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB)
• Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA)
• State Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and related Affiliates
• Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• Wisconsin delegation to the US Congress
• Other groups and associations whose interests are related to public education.

E. Other Duties Assigned by the Board of Directors 

F. Office Location - 4797 Hayes Rd #201, Madison, WI 53704. 

G. Participate appropriately in an annual evaluation of the Executive Director conducted by the WASDA Board of Directors in accordance with the tenets of Policy Governance

Applications Instructions – Executive Director

Welcome to the application process for the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators.

1. We will be utilizing the Wisconsin School Leadership Career Center for all application materials. Candidates will apply by uploading the seven (7) items required which are listed below as items A-G.
2. The WASDA Board of Directors is requiring all informational contacts from prospective candidates to go through Dr. Jon Bales at 608.235.8622 ([email protected]) or Dr. Brian Busler at 608.333.6169 ([email protected]).
3. A completed application will include:
   1. Cover Letter
      • Candidates will write a cover letter to the WASDA Board of Directors
   2. Resume
      • Resume must include:
        • Contact information
        • Employment history
        • Educational licenses
        • Memberships in professional organizations
        • Other related experiences
   3. 3-5 Letters of recommendation
      • Letters of recommendation must be signed and dated from within the past five years.
   4. 3-5 References
      • Provide a list of 3-5 references including names and contact information. One of these must include the most immediate supervisor.
   5. Transcripts
      • Transcripts from your college/university verifying course work and degrees conferred. 
   6. Legal Form
      • Candidates will print, sign, and date the legal form to accompany their application materials.
   7. Essay Question
      • Candidates will write a two (2) page double spaced (12-point font) response to the ESSAY QUESTION (listed below).
        "How will you utilize this role to best position WASDA to meet the End Statements in service of WI Superintendents?"
      • Candidates must sign and date the Essay Question.
4. IMPORTANT: A candidate’s application will not be complete until all items A-G are uploaded into the Wisconsin School Leadership Center WASDA Executive Director job posting on or before Monday, October 13, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CST.
5. Application Deadline:  Monday, October 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CST