Open Position
Executive Director - Folk Education Association of America (FEAA)
The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Folk Education Association of America (FEAA). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission, vision, and financial objectives. The Executive Director will provide leadership, vision, and direction for FEAA, oversee the development and implementation of programs, build partnerships, and ensure the organization’s sustainability and growth. This position requires a commitment to anti-racism, cultural diversity, and community development, as well as a passion for Folk Education and its traditions of peer education and critical analysis of oppressive systems.
This position is remote, with some travel required for international, national, or regional meetings, conferences, and events. The schedule is flexible, though some fixed hours will be required in order to meet with stakeholders and attend FEAA programs and meetings. It is a 10-month contract anticipated to start in March 2026 with an initial 3-month probationary period and performance review. Contingent on fundraising and job performance, and at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the contract may be extended at the end of the 10 months with approval from both parties. Compensation is $45 per hour, with a 10-hour workweek. The successful candidate must have authorization to legally work in the United States.
Position Overview
The Executive Director will oversee the following areas. The position is currently part-time, and on a time-limited contract, so the Executive Director, in consultation with the Board of Directors and staff will be expected to make strategic decisions about organizational priorities and time management:
1. Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development
Develop and implement strategy to achieve FEAA’s mission and ensure consistent progress toward goals.
Cultivate a strong, transparent relationship with the Board of Directors, ensuring open communication about financial, programmatic, time management, and impact performance.
Provide leadership in developing organizational, programmatic, and financial plans with the Board and staff, and execute plans and policies authorized by the Board.
Build strategic partnerships with funders, stakeholders, and community organizations to expand FEAA’s reach and impact.
2. Program and Resource Development and Coordination
Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support FEAA’s mission and growth.
Coordinate day-to-day operations of the FEAA and its programs and initiatives, including scheduling, organizing, and overseeing or co-hosting meetings, events, and activities (primarily online).
Facilitate participatory research and evaluation processes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, as required.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with regional site representatives, folk schools, Communities of Practice (African American Craft Alliance, Folk School Alliance), and other stakeholders.
Collaborate with and support staff in the development of online learning resources and webinars.
3. Philanthropy, Fundraising, and Communications
Lead revenue-generating and fundraising activities to ensure long-term organizational sustainability, including continuation of the Executive Director role.
Develop and implement fundraising plans and policies, including grant prospecting, proposal drafting, donor engagement, membership growth and retention, and expanded paid service.
Manage marketing and communications, including media relations, branding, website and CRM (customer relationship management) system to strengthen and clarify the FEAA’s identity.
Collaborate with staff on social media and Community of Practice communication and outreach.
Represent FEAA in public settings, including conferences, meetings, and community events, to promote the organization’s mission and programs.
Effectively communicate organizational impact to stakeholders, funders, and the public.
4. Finance and Operations
Oversee the financial integrity of the organization, including developing financial plans, monitoring budgets, and ensuring financial controls are in place, at the discretion and approval of the Board of Directors.
Ensure effective administration of FEAA operations, including policies, procedures, and day-to-day functions.
Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Manage program budgets, track financial transactions, and oversee grant reporting and deliverables as required.
5. Staff and Volunteer Management
Recruit, hire, manage, and evaluate staff and volunteers, ensuring job descriptions, performance evaluations, and sound human resource practices are in place.
Foster staff and volunteer development and education, encouraging professional growth and collaboration.
Maintain a positive, inclusive work environment that supports strategy and impact.
Other duties, as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director will be thoroughly committed to FEAA’s mission and values. We invite applications from all interested candidates, even if not all of the desired qualifications are met. Desired qualifications include:
Advanced degree or equivalent work experience, with significant senior management experience.
Proven track record of leading and scaling a performance- and outcomes-based organization.
Financially savvy with the ability to set clear priorities, delegate effectively, and create effective systems.
Demonstrated understanding of structural racism and inequity, with a commitment to fostering inclusive organizations and advocating for equitable policies and practices.
Strong commitment to quality programs, data-driven evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Experience recruiting, retaining, and developing a high-performing, diverse team.
Proven success working with a Board of Directors, including cultivating and engaging board members to achieve strategic goals.
Persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal, presentation, and project management skills.
Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to organization planning and program development.
Strong coalition-building skills and ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and resource development.
Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.
Proficiency in technology, including online learning platforms, website management, bookkeeping software, CRM programs, video conferencing, and social media.
Qualifications
The Folk Education Association of America or FEAA was founded in 1976 to promote humanistic personal development, understanding of one's own and others' cultural diversity, and commitment to community growth. The FEAA identifies, supports, and facilitates community-based, learner-led education as a strategic tool for community organizing.
Folk, or people’s education includes many traditions of peer education involving critical analysis of oppressive systems to create alternative possibilities for institutions that shape our lives. We believe that this democratic, participatory method of analysis and action entails participants being leaders, collectively using their voices and actions for social change. FEAA supports this type of education as a tool in working toward economic equality, workers’ rights, anti-racism and sexism, environmental restoration and protection, as well as alternatives to environmental racism, militarism, and the weakening power of people’s voices in the face of unaccountable politicians and corporations.
About FEAA
Please send the following documents addressed to the Board of Directors at Admin@folkeducation.org no later than
January 19, 2026.
Cover Letter
Resume
References (name, role, and contact information for 3 references)
(Optional) Writing sample, such as an excerpt from a grant application, narrative for a fundraising drive, website content, etc.