Position Announcement

Chief Executive Officer

National Area Health Education Centers Organization (NAO)

Start Date: July 1, 2017

The National AHEC Organization (NAO) represents a network of more than 300 Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program offices and centers across the country that serve over 85% of United States counties. The AHEC mission is to enhance access to quality health care, particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals via strategic partnerships with academic programs, communities, and professional organizations.The NAO mission is to help its members achieve the AHEC mission through advocacy, education, and research. The ultimate goal of the NAO and individual AHEC program offices and centers is to improve health by leading the nation in recruiting, training and retaining a diverse health work force for underserved communities. These communities may consist of those identified as health professions shortage areas (HPSAs). For additional information about the National AHEC Organization and the AHEC program offices and centers, please go to

Members of the NAO Board of Directors and Leadership Transition Team are conducting a search for their nextChief Executive Officer.This is an exciting position for the right person as you will be working with constituents across the country! Growth opportunities abound. The position will beginin July, 2017 on a part-time basis (half-time, for approximately 20 hours per week) and could rapidly evolve into a full-time position. The NAO Chief Executive Officer will have the opportunity to shape this positioninto an effective, efficient operation and will be able to choose their work location.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to fill this leadership position; onewho has the skillset, ability and experiences to perform the following duties:

  • Serves members of the NAO (individually and collectively) through education and service development in support of all AHEC programs and centers missions. This includes membership benefit development, information dissemination, member support and timely responses to members’ questions;
  • Serves as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the AHEC Board of Directors (BOD) working with the BOD to establish vision and strategic direction;
  • Assists in operational policy development and governance of NAO;
  • Acts as a major resource for information and background on board related issues and serves as the staff liaison to the BOD Executive Committee
  • Develops strong collaborative relationships withmembers of the U.S. Congress, staff of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and other health-related organizations, associations as well as firms contracted for purposes of NAO advocacy and lobbying to support the NAO and AHEC missions, programs and activities;
  • Maintains a strong and cohesive national AHEC network through effective oral, written and electronic communication skills;
  • Develops an annual business plan including financial and budget requirements that assure accuracy, integrity, transparency and accountability of all fiscal operations associated with the NAO;
  • Seeks out and obtains external funding through proposal development and donor solicitations.
  • Manages the development of and follows all grants, contracts and cooperative agreements established between the NAO and other entities, assuring adherence to stated policies and procedures established by the BOD;
  • Secures a qualified, productive appropriate and diverse pool of volunteers to assist with NAO activities, including identifying those individuals who can serve as volunteer or elected leaders on NAO related committees and task forces’
  • Coordinates conference planning and associated logistics;
  • Supervises and evaluates staff under direct supervision as hired employees or as contractors;
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills with technology and provides technical assistance and support to membership, leadership and the public within available time and resources.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • National-level experience and knowledge of government relations and health policy;
  • Strong leadership and administrative skills; experience with overseeing the work of staff and volunteers;
  • Proven record of program planning, implementation and evaluation.
  • Management experience including, business development, fundraising, grants development and contract/agreement negotiation.
  • Fiscal experience including budgeting, financial management, fiscal policies and procedures, audits and compliance.
  • Experience working with a membership organization, non-profit corporations and volunteer boards of directors or trustees.
  • Demonstrated history of collaboration and/or partnering experience.
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated skill in working with diverse populations using culturally appropriate strategies.
  • Familiarity with the social, cultural, economic, demographic and health care characteristics of rural and urban underserved areas.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in technology including but not limited to electronic office applications.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; a Master’s or other advanced degree preferred.
  • Individuals withrelevant experience based on the required qualifications listed plus three-to-five years of experience as an executive with a national or state organizationin non-profit management or in a health, rural and underserved health, education, health association management, health policy and/or government agency are strongly encouraged to apply
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and an excellent driving record with no felony or DUI convictions in the past five years. Proof of current insurance coverage is also required.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit the following documents when applying for the NAO Chief Executive Office position:

1) A letter of intent/cover letter

2) A resume or curriculum vita

Information on additional steps to the search process will be shared with individuals who are asked to continue as candidates for the CEO position following the initial review and screening of all applications.

Please submit your letter of intent and resume or curriculum vita electronically by Monday, March 20, 2017to the following person and email address:

Dr. Carolyn M. Mayo, NAO Consultant