Chief Executive Officer Position Description

NACAS, the leading organization supporting all campus services, seeks a strategic and hands-on leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Founded in 1969 as the National Association of College Auxiliary Services, NACAS is a professional trade association that supports the non-academic segment of higher education responsible for generating business through a diverse array of campus services that students need and value – such as food services, bookstores, housing, and transportation. NACAS comprises four regions – Central, East, South, and West – delivering localized value to members and Business Partners through learning, connections, and collaborative opportunities. NACAS also has an affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable Foundation, which supports scholarships and programs that support the quality of life for students. 

This individual would be joining the NACAS team at an exciting time. Before the pandemic, the association experienced a 94% retention rate and 4% net growth. We are well-positioned to continue to grow and expand our services. Since March 2020, efforts to increase our engagement across the board have helped us break new records for webinar participation, and attendance at our annual conference is swiftly returning to Pre-COVID levels. 

Innovative programs like Benchmarking, Research, and a newly launched Women In Leadership and Diversity in Auxiliary Leadership (DIAL) programs have allowed us to tell the story of how auxiliaries impact the student experience in real-time and tangible ways while also supporting the growth of the leaders who make this possible. Our successes are only possible with the critical partnership of other higher education organizations, industry business leaders, and forward-thinking volunteers. We work hand-in-hand with Board and Committee members to track and meet the initiatives we’ve established in our four-year strategic plan. Our three strategic initiatives are: 

1. Brand & Industry: NACAS is recognized as a thought leader, trusted resource, and industry expert on auxiliary services in higher education. 
2. Programs & Services: NACAS will provide programs and services to meet the needs of the auxiliary professional. 
3. Membership: NACAS will enhance the value of membership to increase retention, recruitment, inclusivity, and engagement. 

The NACAS staff is an energetic and highly motivated team of professionals passionate about moving the association forward. The culture is built on our established values of trust, wellness, and courage. We believe in fostering every individual's leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. We constantly evaluate and update our practices to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in our association. 

All association activities are carried out under the overall leadership and direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO is a strategic partner to the Board of Directors and is responsible to the President, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors for the administration of NACAS in accordance with policies, budgets, programs, and contracts approved by the Board.

The NACAS CEO oversees the operations of the association’s national office, which consists of approximately 11 staff and a budget of $2.9 million. The CEO also supports and works with the NACAS Foundation Board of Directors and the four regions of NACAS.  While the CEO’s primary role is leadership, support and oversight of the national office, the CEO will be expected to have a working knowledge of operational areas which may require direct work in those areas.

Primary Responsibilities

NACAS Board of Directors and Volunteer Leadership 20%

The NACAS CEO will work alongside the NACAS Board of Directors to promote an inclusive volunteer recruitment process, creating a strong sense of belonging and engagement with the dedicated members pushing the association’s strategic plan forward. 

1. Facilitates volunteer leadership recruitment and ensures the association develops members for leadership positions. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and Secretary to the Board.
2. Keep the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors informed, individually or collectively, on significant issues that impact the conditions and operation of NACAS.
3. Develop and communicate the vision and mission, define the goals, set priorities, and achieve results in collaboration with volunteer leadership.
4. Propose and execute Board approved policies and programs consistent with the mission of NACAS, prescribed by the Constitution and Bylaws, and described in the NACAS Policy Manual.
5. Ensure the effective functioning of the Board under the President’s overall direction. Advise, assist, and support the President in the performance of their duties in collaboration with the board. 
6. Present the volunteer leadership and members with periodic updates and communications to ensure the total membership is kept aware of matters such as operations, updates in higher education and auxiliary/ancillary services, and the value of membership.
7. Assign or perform the duties of staff liaison to all NACAS Regions, Committees, and Task Forces.
8. Ensure all Board members and volunteers are trained appropriately to function in their volunteer roles.
9. Build and deepen relationships with the four Regional Board of Directors.
10. Collaborate and support the four Regional Board of Directors and attend all Regional Conferences.
11. Provide guidance for the Committees, Regions, and other member support organizations to ensure their continued involvement with and support of NACAS. Provide necessary resources, as may be needed, to attain Committee goals.

NACAS Foundation 10%

The NACAS CEO will work alongside the NACAS Foundation Board of Directors by setting strategic fundraising and publicization goals that help achieve the Foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life for students and supporting affordability in higher education.

1. Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the NACAS Foundation. Responsibilities are as directed by the NACAS Board and the Board of Directors of the Foundation.
2. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Foundation Board of Directors and Secretary to the Board; serve as the administrative liaison between the NACAS Board and the Foundation Board.
3. Lead and assist Foundation Board members in setting fundraising goals, soliciting gifts, raising funds, stewardship activities, grant acquisitions, and grant management activities.
4. Advise and support the Foundation Board in its work to publicize the purpose and benefits of the Foundation.
5. Prepare regular reports on the activities and status of the Foundation for the NACAS Board and general membership.
6. Develop orientation and training materials for Board members.

Administration and Management 20%

1. Implement the strategic goals and objectives of NACAS and ensure the efficient administration of the office, programs, and services.
2. Foster a healthy, inclusive organizational culture; encourage teamwork and collaboration; guide, support, challenge, inspire, and motivate staff and volunteers to fulfill the mission and vision of NACAS.
3. Oversee the recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, and supervision of staff, including establishing organizational, departmental, and reporting structures to carry out the goals and programs of NACAS.
4. Maintain an understanding of the legal, ethical, national, and international trends of auxiliary/ancillary services within higher education and nonprofit associations.
5. Maintain an understanding of risk management regarding current practices, laws, and association management.

Financial Oversight and Development 10%

1. Develop and operate within the budgetary limitations and work plan approved by the Board.
2. Work with the NACAS Finance Committee to oversee the current budget, develop future budgets, projections, and manage investments.
3. Work with the Foundation Finance Committee to develop an annual budget and report the Foundation's financial status.
4. Ensure that all disbursements are for budgeted purposes of NACAS and the Foundation and align with policies, procedures, and proper financial control procedures.
5. Ensure timely financial reporting and execution of the annual audit of financial statements. 
6. Develop and maintain alternative sources of non-­?dues revenue, seek new sponsorships, and engage new business partners and new opportunities to collaborate.
7. Foster an entrepreneurial culture emphasizing long-term fiscal sustainability. 

Image Management, Communication, and Advocacy 20%

The NACAS CEO will be the association's primary spokesperson and brand ambassador. The CEO sets the tone and messaging for all communication touchpoints with stakeholders and the public. 

1. Maintain the brand and image of NACAS as a premier support organization for auxiliary/ancillary services among institutional and business partner members and their employees and stakeholders.
2. Represent or secure volunteers or staff to represent NACAS to sister associations, agencies, and stakeholders related to the mission of NACAS.
3. Where directed by the President, Executive Committee, and Board, serve as the spokesperson for NACAS and support others to serve as spokesperson with related groups.
4. Effectively advocate and lobby for the auxiliary/ancillary services profession. Work with higher education institutions, agencies, and associations in response to political and social agendas that affect higher education and auxiliary/ancillary services.

Member Services 10%

The NACAS CEO will serve as the primary advocate for the value of association membership by ideating, developing, and promoting inclusive programs and resources that benefit both institutional members and business partners. 

1. Develop and execute a work plan to increase and retain the number of member institutions and business partners within NACAS.
2. Ensure that professional development programs, including the Annual Conference, provide value and support to NACAS membership, corporate sponsors, and business partners.
3. Explore new services and programs for the NACAS membership and continue to support and expand successful existing programs, such as Certification.
4. Maintain and execute NACAS’ commitment to Inclusive Excellence through programs that enhance inclusivity, sustainability, and globalism.

Corporate Relations and Advancement 10%

1. Lead efforts to identify, cultivate, and solicit financial support for NACAS from business partners and individuals.
2. Articulate and promote the mission of NACAS, cultivate relationships with potential new business partners/sponsors, and deepen relationships with existing business partners/sponsors.
3. Support and continue to cultivate new donors to the Foundation.

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• Significant travel during certain times of the year.
• Historically, the national office was in Charlottesville, VA. As a result of COVID-19, the national office lease was discontinued, and all staff positions shifted to a virtual format. The CEO position currently operates virtually. The CEO will collaborate with the Board and NACAS staff on the vision for the future office, whether physical, virtual, or hybrid.

Minimum Qualifications

• Qualified candidates must have a Master’s degree or an equivalent of a bachelor’s degree plus ten years of progressive work experience in higher education or higher education/nonprofit/association-related fields.
• Possess a general understanding of auxiliary/ancillary services, preferably in higher education.
• A minimum of five years of experience in the supervision of professional staff
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and projects
• Experience evaluating and articulating the success of an organization in achieving financial and non-financial metrics. 
• Strong conceptual, analytical, entrepreneurial, and organizational skills
• Exceptional listening, written, and oral communication skills
• A demonstrated expertise in building and developing an inclusive environment
• Experience working with Boards, committees, and volunteers
• A leader able to create a team dedicated to service and forward-thinking, along with external relations skills to provide direction and ensure success in a results-oriented organization
• Maintains a current passport in order to ensure support to members in foreign countries. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship, and corporate partnerships
• Senior-level position in higher education or a national association
• Auxiliary Services professional and a professional supporting the higher education marketplace.

About NACAS

Founded in 1969 as the National Association of College Auxiliary Services, NACAS is a professional trade association that supports the non-academic segment of higher education responsible for generating business through a diverse array of campus services that students need and value – such as food services, bookstores, housing, and transportation. As the leading organization supporting all campus services, NACAS is the community-of-choice for strategic leaders who advance campus environments to improve the quality of life for students.

Connections working at NACAS