Teach Abroad: Executive Director opening in

About CEESA:

History

The Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) was founded as a result of the growth of American and international schools in central and eastern Europe. In many cases, the schools were geographically isolated from each other and from the main stream of American and international education. CEESA was formed to broaden the horizons of schools and to promote professional growth. Membership now includes more than 60 schools as full or associate members, and more than two dozen associate member businesses.

Goal

The primary goal of CEESA is to provide a forum for on-going communication, cooperation, and professional growth among member institutions. CEESA's objective is to promote intercultural understanding and international friendship, as well as exchanges between staff and students to foster professionalism, scholarship, and understanding in a manner that maximizes the talents and resources of all participating members.

Professional Development

One of the main functions of CEESA is to help teachers in member schools find and participate in useful professional development opportunities, whether within the CEESA organization or not.

Sports and Activities

The sports and activities of CEESA facilitate the development of each student through academic, athletic, and artistic/cultural endeavors. CEESA seeks to create, promote, and foster cooperation among its member schools by providing a forum for communication and discussion, and by promoting student activities. At every activity or competition, CEESA Sports and Activities attempts to maximize the cultural, social and intercultural opportunities associated with the host venue.

CEESA Strategic Plan

Core Values - CEESA believes:

• All people deserve to be treated fairly and with compassion and respect
• People have a responsibility to themselves and to the community
• People thrive in a supportive environment of learning and joy

Mission

• CEESA is a collaborative community of international schools which enhances school effectiveness and inspires student learning and development.

Vision

• CEESA members actively participate in the organization with a sense of common purpose
• CEESA provides extensive collaborative networks that improve school effectiveness
• CEESA celebrates the cultures of its regions and its schools
• CEESA supports the goals of its members to instill a genuine desire for community service and concern for global issues
• CEESA is a dynamic and prestigious organization

Strategic Objectives

• CEESA programs include a focus on culture, global issues, and/or service
• All member schools participate in collaborative projects that support the mission and vision

Delimiters- We will not:

• Pursue new activities without generating real, lasting support
• Fail to communicate
• Allow operational issues to interfere with our strategic focus

Position Description

Job Responsibilities:

The Executive Director’s responsibilities include, and are not limited to, the following areas and activities:

Program

• Organizes one annual regional conference for Association members.
• Produces 3 newsletters per year and an annual membership brochure.
• Visits and provides support to member schools.
• Serves as a liaison among Association members.
• Oversees the implementation of the strategic plan.
• Creates annual CEESA Survey for member schools.

Administration

• Attends all Executive Committee and Board of Directors’ meetings and other appropriate association meetings.
• Communicates regularly with all members.
• Responds to a variety of written and verbal requests related to membership in the Association as well as to such areas as curriculum, employment, and information concerning Association members.
• Actively contacts prospective members and promotes and encourages them to join the Association.
• Proposes an annual budget in conjunction with the Treasurer for submission to the Executive Committee.
• Monitors all association funds in accordance with the financial policies of the Association.
• Provides periodic budget reports and makes appropriate budget projections.
• Develops A/OS Grant Proposals, submits grant requests, monitors the expenditures from grant funds, and completes required grant reports.
• Works closely with the Regional Education Officer (REO) for Central and Eastern Europe, A/OS, as well as with other appropriate U.S. State Department officials.
• Keeps updated procedure file for activities.
• Monitors and disseminates information on The Health Care Program.
• Negotiates on behalf of CEESA schools.
• Is accessible to CEESA member schools.
• Maintains an appropriately staffed office.

Public Relations

• Serves as a spokesperson and representative of the Association promoting the Association’s Mission and Objectives.
• Serves on appropriate boards representing the Association and maintains a close relationship with other organizations.
• Represents the Association on the AAIE board.
• Regularly contributes news articles and photographs about the Association and its activities to publications such as The International Educator, News Links, and InterEd.
• Maintains relationships with other regional associations. Attends at least one other regional conference per year and while there represents the Association and serves as a presenter whenever possible.

Reports to

The Executive Committee who in turn reports to the Board of Directors of the Association.

Contract

The terms of contract are those as agreed and signed between the Executive Director and the Executive Committee of the Association.

Benefits

Benefits of the Executive Director such as housing, insurance and home leave are determined by the Executive Committee and will be competitive and comparable to similar positions within member schools.

Performance Evaluation

The Executive Director will be evaluated annually in writing by the Executive Committee. This evaluation will be based on the Executive Director’s job description, annual goals, and on the Administrative Policies of the Association.

Desired Qualifications

• A proven track record in educational leadership with extensive experience in the international school arena in multiple settings.
• The ability to lead and work collaboratively with a large, diverse, and talented Board of Directors.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Vision that will enable the organization to remain on the cutting edge of educational trends.
• Ability to put on a profitable and meaningful conference.
• Ability to listen to a variety of points of view and make all contributors feel heard.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by sending (in a single PDF file) a letter of application (no longer than 3 pages), CV, 2 or more letters of reference, and names and contact information of at least 3 references via e-mail to: ingrid@ceesa.org. CEESA will be accepting applications until March 12, 2010. The CEESA Search Committee and The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors will short list candidates for interviews to be conducted mid-May 2010, with appointment anticipated before the summer of 2010.