Executive Director

About American Classical League

The American Classical League (ACL) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that has been the leading advocate for classical language education in North America since 1919. With a mission to preserve and promote the study of Latin, Ancient Greek, and ancient civilizations, ACL unites a diverse community of educators, students, and scholars through professional development, programming, and shared purpose. Membership is open to anyone passionate about advancing classical learning and currently includes thousands of individuals across the U.S. and beyond.

ACL serves as the parent organization for several high-impact educational entities. The National Junior Classical League (NJCL) is the largest classical organization in the world, with over 50,000 student members across middle and high schools in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The Excellence Through Classics (ETC) committee supports early language programs at the elementary and middle school levels. ACL also supports the National Latin Exam (NLE) and National Greek Exam (NGE), which collectively reach tens of thousands of students annually. ACL’s flagship event, the ACL Annual Institute, welcomes 400–600 attendees for workshops, panels, and networking, while the NJCL Convention brings together over 1,000 students and teachers each summer in celebration of classical learning.

Today, ACL is building on its rich legacy with a renewed focus on growth, sustainability, and innovation. With a committed membership, a portfolio of respected programs, and a clear mission, the organization is poised to evolve in ways that will deepen its impact and expand access to classical education for generations to come.

Position Summary

The American Classical League seeks a strategic, relational, and mission-driven Executive Director to serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson, leading day-to-day operations, cultivating financial stability, driving membership growth, and advancing the organization’s strategic vision. Reporting to the Executive Committee and ACL Board of Governors, the Executive Director will manage daily functions, including staff management (2.5 direct reports), financial oversight of a $1M+ budget, and coordination across multiple affiliated programs. This individual will ensure smooth internal operations, provide transparent reporting, and uphold the ACL’s commitment to service, scholarship, and community.

A key priority for the next Executive Director will be to strengthen ACL’s financial foundation through revenue growth and diversified fundraising. The ideal candidate will bring the strategic mindset and relational approach necessary to cultivate new donors, deepen engagement with current supporters, and steward meaningful partnerships with individuals, foundations, and institutions. This leader will also guide ACL through important operational transitions—professionalizing systems, upgrading digital infrastructure, and facilitating the shift to a fully remote team.

The ideal candidate is a strong administrator, fundraiser, and communicator with the skills to drive innovation, lead change, and unify a vibrant yet diverse membership community around a shared vision for the future of Classical Studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the ACL and its affiliated entities (NJCL, ETC, NLE, NGE, NSCL), ensuring alignment with mission and strategic goals.
• Lead, support, and supervise a small team, fostering a remote-first, collaborative, and high-performance culture.
• Strengthen organizational infrastructure by modernizing systems, digitizing workflows, and improving financial, administrative, and IT processes.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies, including annual giving, major gifts, and sponsorships, to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Grow and engage ACL’s membership through improved outreach, communication, and responsiveness to new and legacy members alike.
• Collaborate with volunteer boards and committees to plan and execute national events, including the ACL Institute and NJCL Convention.
• Provide oversight of the budget, manage financial operations in partnership with the Treasurer, and lead audit and reporting processes.
• Serve as the primary liaison to funders, partner organizations, and the public, representing ACL with integrity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Support board governance, including relationship-building, strategic planning, regular reporting, and collaboration with the Executive Committee and the Board.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with members, ensuring engagement, retention, and responsiveness across all programs and communication channels.
• Oversee membership systems and collaborate with volunteers and leadership to develop resources, programs, and benefits that enhance the member experience.

Candidate Profile

A Financially Grounded Strategist

The ideal candidate will bring sound financial judgment and a steady hand to guide the organization’s ongoing fiscal health. ACL has experienced financial pressures in recent years—as many membership-based nonprofits have—but thanks to thoughtful adjustments and disciplined oversight, the organization is now on a more stable path. The next Executive Director will be instrumental in continuing this progress by ensuring strong budget management, building surplus when possible, and helping ACL remain financially resilient. In addition to safeguarding the organization’s resources, this leader will play a key role in expanding and diversifying revenue through fundraising, strategic partnerships, and other mission-aligned opportunities.

A Cheerleader for the Mission and Its Members

This role requires more than operational savvy—it demands someone who is deeply enthusiastic about the ACL mission and genuinely enjoys connecting with its diverse membership base. The Executive Director will serve as a key bridge between long-standing members and new voices, uniting them with positivity, clarity, and a sense of purpose. They should bring emotional intelligence, optimism, and a collaborative spirit to foster trust and excitement across generations.

A Relationship-Builder and Change Leader

The successful candidate will be a compelling communicator who can build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels—from students and teachers to board members, donors, and volunteers. They will have the ability to manage complex dynamics and lead change with diplomacy, vision, and inclusion, especially as the organization modernizes and navigates generational shifts in its community.

A Systems-Thinker Who Gets Things Done

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strategic foresight and day-to-day execution. The Executive Director must be a strong administrator and effective project manager—capable of setting priorities, tracking progress, and moving complex initiatives forward. ACL is rich in human capital, with hundreds of passionate volunteers, a highly engaged membership base, and a working board. The next leader will need to think creatively and resourcefully about how to engage and mobilize this community to achieve shared goals. Whether through process design, technology tools, or collaborative delegation, this individual must know how to make the most of the resources available while building systems that foster clarity, accountability, and momentum.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and values-driven leader who brings a balance of strategic thinking, hands-on management, and deep enthusiasm for ACL’s mission.

While it’s understood that no single candidate will bring every single competency, strong candidates will offer the following skills, characteristics, and experiences:

• Experience in nonprofit leadership, preferably within education or a membership-based organization.
• Comfort with financial oversight, including managing budgets, accounting systems, and audit preparation.
• Proven ability—or a strong enthusiasm—to grow revenue through fundraising, donor cultivation, grant writing, or development strategy.
• Familiarity with fundraising infrastructure such as CRM systems, campaign design, or donor engagement best practices.
• Confidence and willingness to make the ask, whether through grant writing, major donor outreach, or sponsorship development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect across diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Track record of building or improving administrative systems and guiding organizational transitions.
• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset and strong interpersonal relationship skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• A background in Classical Studies or interest in or understanding of the field
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or nonprofit management certification preferred.
• Prior involvement in turning around or modernizing a small nonprofit, especially a membership-based one, is a significant plus.

Location, Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt, remote position based in the United States. The Executive Director must be available to travel several times per year to attend national events, conferences, and board meetings. The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $100,000 and is based on a variety of factors. The American Classical League’s benefits package includes 25 days of paid time off annually, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and the option to participate in a 403(b)-retirement plan.

How to Apply

To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter here.

About Maneva Group

Maneva Group is a leading woman and minority owned executive search firm dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with organizations committed to making a meaningful impact. Through a consultative and client-focused approach, Maneva Group partners with mission-driven organizations to build transformative leadership teams.