Job Opening: AATG Executive Director

Job Opening: AATG Executive Director

The American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director of the Association. As the oldest and largest educational association dedicated to promoting German language education in the United States, AATG supports teachers and students at 4,000 institutions throughout the entire country. The Executive Director is the key spokesperson for the organization, and is a visible representative promoting the study of and teaching of the German language and the literatures and cultures of the German-speaking world. The AATG is located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. This is a full-time remote position based anywhere in the United States. The Executive Director will be on site in Cherry Hill periodically, on a schedule set with the Board, and will attend some Board meetings and major AATG events in person. Outside professional activities are subject to AATG’s conflict-of-interest policy. The salary range is $135,000-$140,000. Benefits include medical and dental coverage on the same basis as AATG staff, a 5% employer retirement contribution, life and disability insurance, four weeks of paid vacation, and a multi-year employment agreement. The planned start date for the position is February 1, 2027.

Overview

The Executive Director (ED) of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) serves as the organization’s chief strategic leader, responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening its position within the field, and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability.

Leadership Focus

The Executive Director will prioritize leadership in the following areas:

• External partnerships and field leadership
• Membership growth and engagement
• Financial sustainability and resource development

The ED will align time and resources accordingly and ensure effective delegation of operational responsibilities.

Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and execute strategic planning initiatives, which include strategies, objectives, and programs that deliver on AATG’s mission, goals, and priorities
• Serve as the primary external representative for the organization by attending professional conferences and meetings with members, partners, and stakeholders
• Advance partnerships and visibility, and advocate for German language education consistent with positions adopted by the Board
• Ensure effective financial management and sustainability, including reporting to the Board quarterly with financial statements that accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization

Organizational Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversee operations through staff and systems
• Support program delivery
• Oversee membership recruitment and engagement strategy and initiatives that respond to the needs of a diverse and multigenerational professional community
• Maintain organizational infrastructure

Governance

The Executive Director partners with the Board of Directors to align priorities, support governance, and ensure effective decision-making. The ED is responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and its Steering Committee and, between their meetings, to the President.

Organizational Capacity & Sustainability

The ED builds organizational capacity through delegation, systems improvement, and staff development, ensuring healthy fiscal management and sustainable leadership.

Measures of Success

Within the first 90 days, the Executive Director and the Board of Directors will adopt measurable goals in each of the following areas, with the Board having final approval. Progress will be reviewed annually.

• Advancing the organization’s strategic priorities
• Visibility and awareness of the organization
• Membership engagement and growth
• Financial sustainability of the organization
• Representation of the organization to internal and external stakeholders and the general public
• Relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, external partners, and membership

Qualifications and Skills

Candidates will be evaluated on the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher (or equivalent) in a relevant field
• Professional fluency in German and English
• Teaching experience at any level (K-16) and/or demonstrated understanding of the educational, state, and political systems of the U.S. and German-speaking Europe
• Demonstrated record of administrative leadership experience including personnel management and strategic planning
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through programming, leadership, and collaboration with members, staff, professional organizations, and government entities
• Experience with budget planning and fundraising, as well as writing and administering grants
• Experience with advocacy for an organization within the educational, legislative, and/or community spheres
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff, members, professional organizations, and government entities
• Ability to travel throughout the year, both domestically and internationally, to represent the AATG in professional settings

Offers are contingent on satisfactory criminal background and credit checks, conducted with the candidate’s written authorization before the start date.

AATG is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who need an accommodation during the application process may contact aatgsearch@gmail.com.

Interested applicants should submit a detailed cover letter with a resume, along with contact information for five professional references, to aatgsearch@gmail.com. Questions about the position may be directed to Board President Jennifer Redmann at the same address. Review of applications will begin on November 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.