Executive Director

Job Description: Executive Director, Texas Public Employees Association (TPEA)

Position Title: Executive Director

Location: Austin, TX- Hybrid

Reports To: Board of Directors

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

About TPEA:

The Texas Public Employees Association’s (TPEA) vision is for all state employees and retirees to be respected and properly compensated for their dedicated service by preserving and enhancing the salaries, benefits, and working conditions of State of Texas employees and retirees. With a strong financial foundation, a passionate membership base, and a critical advocacy role, TPEA seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for TPEA. This role will focus on strengthening membership engagement, expanding advocacy efforts, diversifying and driving revenue growth, and enhancing organizational sustainability. The Executive Director will be a dynamic leader capable of navigating complex stakeholder environments while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a strategic plan aligned with TPEA’s mission, vision, and long-term goals
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set priorities, evaluate progress, and adjust strategies as needed
• Foster a culture of innovation, equity, and inclusivity within the organization

Membership Growth & Engagement:

• Design, implement, and evaluate membership growth, retention, and engagement strategies to align with TPEA’s goals and objectives
• Strengthen member value propositions by identifying and offering value-added services, through improved communication, benefits, and engagement opportunities
• Utilize data-driven approaches and empirical studies to understand member needs and preferences

Advocacy & Public Policy:

• Identify, research, and develop policy initiatives that benefit state employees and retirees (including but not limited to remote work and prohibitions against return to work)
• Keep informed about legislative and state agency issues impacting state agencies, employees, and retirees (such as changes to position classification, turnover reports, sunset commissions reports, audits, etc.)
• Lead TPEA’s legislative advocacy efforts, representing the interests of state employees and retirees at the Capitol
• Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, legislative staff, state agency leaders, and allied organizations
• Communicate advocacy wins and initiatives effectively to members and stakeholders
• Serves as TPEA registered lobbyist
• EMPACT, TPEA’s political action committee, Treasurer

Revenue Generation & Financial Stewardship:

• Acts as point of contact and fiduciary for TPEA’s investments
• Oversees and reviews TPEA’s investment policy annually and presents changes to the Board for approval
• Develop diversified revenue streams, including membership dues, sponsorships, partnerships, and grants
• Oversee budget development, financial planning, programs, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal health
• Leverage TPEA’s financial assets strategically for long-term sustainability

Operational Management:

• Provide leadership and supervision to TPEA staff, fostering professional development and high performance
• Develop new programs such as professional education opportunities for state employees and advancing industry standards
• Optimize internal processes, technology systems, and administrative functions for efficiency
• Oversee the management of physical facilities and act as the TPEA representative for property associations and organizations (for example, as the official member of TPEA’s condominium association)
• Ensure compliance with legal, fiduciary, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Negotiate and ensure compliance with TPEA contracts

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for TPEA, promoting its mission to diverse audiences
• Cultivate strong relationships with state agencies, members, board members, staff, government officials, and partner organizations
• Facilitate transparent communication between the board, staff, and membership

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience in nonprofit management, membership organizations, advocacy, or related fields
• Demonstrated success in membership recruitment, revenue generation, and strategic growth
• Strong understanding of public policy, legislative processes, and advocacy strategies
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Financial acumen with experience developing and managing budgets and resources effectively
• Ability to lead and inspire teams, manage change, and drive organizational effectiveness
• Experience/familiarity with Microsoft Office and/or Marketing/Operations software tools including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of Texas state government and familiarity with issues affecting public employees is preferred

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Vision
• Membership Growth & Engagement
• Advocacy & Government Relations
• Financial Management & Resource Development
• Leadership & Team Development
• Communication & Public Speaking
• Change Management & Adaptability

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is between $220,000-235,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: 

• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Federal Holidays

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to careers@blueskypartners.co. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

TPEA is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

This job description reflects the general duties of the role but is not intended to be exhaustive. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs.