Executive Director

Executive Director

The Western Michigan University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a faculty union that advocates for academic freedom, due process, shared governance, and the preservation of higher education as a public good, invites applications for an Executive Director who is committed to keeping the union running smoothly and effectively.

We are looking for an individual with demonstrated organizational leadership experience who can manage complex projects, work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, and strengthen the WMU-AAUP. The ideal candidate can manage multiple projects simultaneously, with the goal of increasing the AAUP’s capacity to advance the Chapter’s mission. The WMU-AAUP values the benefits that diversity brings. We seek applicants whose experience and perspective will contribute to strong representation of our diverse members.

Duties and Responsibilities.

• Represents the Chapter as an initial point of contact, responds to questions and concerns and provides referrals to the appropriate officer.

· Reconciles employment transaction forms and appointment letters for bargaining-unit members with the Chapter member database.

· Coordinates dues information and payroll deduction cards for new faculty. Records updated information and maintains the Chapter member database. Analyzes membership information for use in member outreach activities.

· Manages day-to-day operations: planning, scheduling, organizing, prioritizing, and delegating work.

• Supports negotiating team as appropriate.
• Maintains record of Chapter policies and procedures, and regularly archives documents according to Chapter policies.
• Attends meetings of officers, Executive Committee, Association Council, and Chapter membership and other meetings as appropriate

· Coordinates the maintenance and appearance of grounds and offices, including purchase of equipment.

· Coordinates the nomination and election process, tracks terms of elected representatives, sends out notices, prepares election materials, and election returns and reports.

· Coordinates Chapter finances including point-of-contact for insurance brokers, auditing firm, financial advisor, and governmental agencies (e.g. IRS and MERC).

· Coordinates the maintenance of the WMU-AAUP website.

· Coordinates data collection, preparation and distribution of the annual faculty and administrative salary survey.

· Coordinates electronic materials for faculty evaluation of administrators, and votes for elected chapter representatives.

• Manage logistics for special projects, and other duties as assigned.

Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change, or new ones may be assigned during the course of employment.

Required Qualifications

· College degree.

• At least three years’ relevant experience in a labor union or a social justice, nonprofit, community organizing, advocacy, or other mission-driven organization.
• Ability to manage complex projects and initiatives, balancing day-to-day demands with execution of long-term goals.
• Solution-oriented mindset with experience troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including ability to coordinate effectively with officers, union members, and external stakeholders.
• Clear written and oral communication skills, and strong listening, writing, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook/Office, Zoom, Adobe, and other platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative experience in a labor union.
• Masters or PhD.
• Prior operational responsibility in a membership-based organization.
• Experience with human resources and/or finance workflows.
• Knowledge of higher education and/or faculty issues.
• Motivated by collective action, solidarity, and a concern for working people.

Compensation

Salary range: $65,000-75,000. The WMU-AAUP offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacations days; and an SEP retirement package.

To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and include the names and contact information of three references to staff@wmuaaup.net. All application material are required. No phone calls or recruiters please. Review of applications will begin immediately. Full consideration of applications will be given to applications submitted by October 30, 2026. If necessary, applications submitted after October 30, 2026, may be considered on a rolling basis until November 16, 2026.

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000