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National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education

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NAPAHE is Hiring: Programs & Engagement Manager

NAPAHE is Hiring: Programs & Engagement Manager

Posted July 13, 2026

Job Title: Programs & Engagement Manager

Organization: National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE)

Compensation and Work Conditions: Competitive hourly wage.

Part-time position (generally 20-25 hours per week). Fully remote with flexible scheduling. Workload may fluctuate periodically based on organizational priorities, professional development programming, and the annual conference cycle. Must maintain a home office with reliable internet access and video conferencing capabilities. In-person attendance is required at NAPAHE’s Annual Conference and Annual Summer Planning Retreat. Salary commensurate with experience.

Reports to: Executive Director

The National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) seeks qualified candidates for the association’s inaugural Membership Experience Manager. The Membership Experience Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to provide comprehensive membership services to the association’s growing membership. This key staff member will be the first point of contact for current and prospective members, responsible for providing prompt and courteous support for all inquiries, going above and beyond to anticipate the customer’s needs and provide thorough service. This role also administers the association’s community engagement efforts, including managing the online member community, supporting programming and events, and coordinating internal/external communications. Exceptional candidates will have a desire to contribute to a growing and collaborative environment and a have a demonstrated experience in customer service or administrative roles, including in higher education, nonprofits, or similar customer-facing field.

This position works remotely. In-person attendance is required at the Annual Meeting and Conference and annual summer planning retreat.

Download Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities listed are only a summary of the typical functions of the job and not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Program Development (Approximately 45-50%)

  • Coordinate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of NAPAHE's year-round professional development portfolio, including webinars, roundtables, affinity group programming, conference educational offerings, and other learning opportunities.
  • Serve as a key staff partner to the Professional Development Committee in advancing NAPAHE's professional development strategy and Strategic Plan Goal 1 initiatives.
  • Support needs assessments, surveys, focus groups, and other research efforts that inform program development and continuous improvement.
  • Collect, analyze, and apply participation and evaluation data to improve program effectiveness and member value.
  • Identify gaps, emerging trends, and opportunities for new educational offerings aligned with member needs and organizational priorities.
  • Maintain program-related records, resources, and materials and contribute to the development of member-facing learning content.

Member Engagement & Community Building (Approximately 35-40%)

  • Coordinate member onboarding, engagement, retention, renewal, and re-engagement initiatives throughout the member lifecycle.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for member inquiries and support requests while ensuring an exceptional member experience.
  • Manage NAPAHE's online community and other initiatives that foster member connection and engagement.
  • Develop and implement opportunities for networking, mentoring, knowledge sharing, and peer connection among members.
  • Maintain accurate membership records and monitor engagement patterns to identify opportunities to strengthen retention and participation.
  • Partner with volunteer leaders to advance member engagement initiatives across diverse member segments and career stages.

Assessment, Communications & Organizational Support (Approximately 10-20%)

  • Coordinate member surveys, program evaluations, and other assessment activities that support data-informed decision-making and strategic plan implementation.
  • Develop reports, dashboards, and recommendations that help measure member engagement, program effectiveness, and organizational success.
  • Coordinate communications and marketing efforts related to professional development programs, membership initiatives, affinity groups, and organizational priorities.
  • Support the development and execution of newsletters, email campaigns, social media content, and other member-facing communications.
  • Leverage technology, including AI tools where appropriate, to improve communications, content development, analysis, and operational efficiency.
  • Partner with volunteer leaders, committees, and the Executive Director to advance strategic initiatives through effective project coordination, communication, and follow-through.

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  2. Three or more years of experience in nonprofit organizations, professional associations, membership organizations, program management, communications, or related fields.
  3. Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
  4. Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
  5. Ability to work independently in a remote environment while managing multiple priorities.
  6. Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to building relationships and delivering exceptional member experiences.
  7. Experience using Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  8. Comfort learning and utilizing new technologies, platforms, and systems.
  9. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and contribute within a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Experience in professional association management, membership organizations, or nonprofit leadership.
  2. Experience developing, coordinating, or evaluating educational programs, events, webinars, or professional development initiatives.
  3. Experience supporting volunteer leaders, committees, workgroups, or boards.
  4. Experience with Association Management Systems (AMS), CRM platforms, survey tools, webinar platforms, and email marketing systems.
  5. Experience analyzing survey data and translating findings into practical recommendations.
  6. Demonstrated experience utilizing artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, or similar tools) in a professional setting to support communications, research, program planning, content development, project management, or data analysis.
  7. Familiarity with higher education and its administrative environment.

Growth & Professional Development Opportunity

NAPAHE is committed to investing in staff development and organizational growth. As the association expands its programs, membership, and staffing capacity, this position is expected to evolve in scope and responsibility. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to organizational strategy, assume increasing leadership responsibilities, and help shape the future direction of the association. Over time, this position may grow alongside the organization to support expanded programming, enhanced member services, and additional organizational capacity.

To Apply

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume/CV, and the names and contact information of three references, to Stuart Schmidt, Executive Director of NAPAHE, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with the subject line “NAPAHE Programs & Engagement Manager”. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by Monday, August 10, 2026. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of the candidate.

NAPAHE does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, or military status in its administration of programs or activities or in employment practices. NAPAHE is committed to the highest standard of excellence and will select the best qualified candidate.

Employment will require background check.

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Call for Applications: Serve on the NAPAHE Board of Directors

Published Monday, July 6, 2026

 

Dear NAPAHE Members,

The NAPAHE Nominating Committee is pleased to invite applications and nominations for service on the NAPAHE Board of Directors. As our association continues to advance its mission of supporting presidential assistants and higher education administrative professionals, we are seeking thoughtful, engaged, and forward-looking leaders who are committed to strengthening our community and helping shape NAPAHE's future.

Board service offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the association, champion the needs of our members, and collaborate with colleagues from institutions across the country. Whether you are an emerging leader looking to broaden your professional impact or a seasoned member eager to give back to the profession, we encourage you to consider this meaningful opportunity.

About Board Service

Members elected to the Board of Directors play an important role in advancing NAPAHE's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.

Key responsibilities and expectations include:

  • Serving as an ambassador and advocate for NAPAHE and its members.
  • Providing strategic leadership and governance oversight.
  • Participating actively in board meetings, committee work, and organizational initiatives.
  • Supporting the association's commitment to professional development, networking, and member engagement.

Board members:

  • Must hold a NAPAHE membership in good standing.
  • Serve a three-year term, with the opportunity to serve a second term in accordance with NAPAHE bylaws.
  • Attend board meetings held throughout the year, including:
    • In-person meetings during the Annual Conference and summer board retreat; and
    • Periodic virtual meetings and committee meetings.

Who Should Apply?

The Nominating Committee is seeking a diverse and talented pool of candidates whose experiences and perspectives will strengthen the Board and the association. We welcome applications from members across institution types, career stages, skill sets, geographic regions, and demographic backgrounds.

Apply or Nominate a Colleague

If you know a NAPAHE member whose leadership, experience, and commitment would benefit the association, please encourage them to apply. Self-nominations are also warmly welcomed.

Interested candidates should complete the Board Application:

Click Here to Apply for the NAPAHE Board of Directors

Application Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026

Applicants may also be asked to provide a current résumé or CV as part of the review process.

The Nominating Committee will carefully review all applications and develop a slate of candidates for election by the membership.

A Call to Lead

NAPAHE's strength has always come from the dedication, expertise, and generosity of its members. Serving on the Board of Directors is an opportunity to help guide the association's next chapter, foster meaningful connections across our profession, and ensure that NAPAHE remains a vibrant and valuable resource for years to come.

I hope you will consider sharing your talents through board service and encourage others to do the same.

With appreciation,

Joanna Carey Cleveland
Chair, Nominating Committee, NAPAHE

Happy Administrative Professionals Week 2026!

Administrative Professionals Week 2026: Five Reminders for Those Who Support Senior Leaders in Higher Education

A Message from Stuart Schmidt

NAPAHE's Executive Director

Each year, Administrative Professionals Week gives organizations across the country an opportunity to recognize the vital work of administrative assistants, executive assistants, chiefs of staff, office managers, receptionists, and support professionals.

At NAPAHE, we believe this week tells the story of our members.

Our community is made up of professionals who support presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and governing boards across higher education. You work behind the scenes in roles that demand discretion, judgment, agility, and an extraordinary understanding of institutional culture and leadership dynamics. More often than not, you do this work quietly, without fanfare, and without a desire for recognition.

Administrative Professionals Week is a moment to pause and say what we all know to be true:

Your work matters. Your role matters. And you matter.

Earlier this year, at NAPAHE’s Annual Conference, we reflected on five touchstones that define this profession and guide the work you do every day. As we celebrate Administrative Professionals Week, we return to those five reminders, both as recognition and as affirmation.

Reminder 1: Know Who You Serve

Administrative professionals in higher education are not “just support.” You are strategic partners and trusted advisors.

You anticipate needs before they’re voiced. You stage the right conversations at the right time. You help leaders navigate complex environments where context, timing, and institutional memory matter. Long before decisions are public, your insight and judgment shape outcomes.

Aligning for Impact

Take time to reflect on what keeps your leader up at night. When you align your work with those priorities, you move from task management to institutional impact.

Reminder 2: You're a Trusted Advisor

You may support a president, chancellor, provost, vice president, dean, or board—but in reality, you serve something much bigger.

You serve an office, an institution, and ultimately the students and communities whose lives are shaped by higher education leadership. Knowing who you serve means understanding your leader’s priorities, pressures, communication style, and decision‑making rhythm—and translating those insights into clarity and execution.

Building Trust

Trust is built through consistency, clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and the ability to offer perspective when it’s most needed. Your voice matters, even when it’s offered quietly.

Reminder 3: Keep Your Secrets Secret

Confidentiality is not simply a responsibility of the role—it is the foundation of your credibility.

You hold sensitive information, early drafts, difficult conversations, and moments of uncertainty. Leaders trust you because you protect that trust. In many ways, your influence comes not from formal authority, but from the confidence others have in your discretion and integrity.

Making Space

Your professionalism creates safe spaces for leadership to be honest, reflective, and effective. That work is invisible, although essential.

Reminder 4: Have a Life Outside of Your Role

This profession is service‑oriented by nature. Many administrative professionals spend their days absorbing urgency, solving problems, and supporting others—and it can be easy to put yourself last.

Administrative Professionals Week is also a reminder that sustainable excellence requires boundaries. Rest, renewal, relationships, and interests outside of work are not indulgences: they are necessities.

Creating Balance

Protect moments that refill your cup. A rested, supported professional is better equipped to think strategically and lead with clarity.

Reminder 5: You're Not Alone

Supporting senior leaders can feel isolating. That is why NAPAHE exists.

NAPAHE is a professional home for those who lead from behind the scenes, a community built by and for administrative professionals in higher education. Through conferences, webinars, affinity groups, discussion boards, and peer connections, NAPAHE provides spaces to ask honest questions, share best practices, and support one another through the complexities of the work.

Building Your Network

Your network is an asset. Engage with it. Lean on it. And if you’re new to NAPAHE (or are considering joining), know that there is a place for you here.

Administrative Professionals Week is not just about appreciation: it’s about recognition of a profession that quietly anchors our institutions every day. The work you do enables leaders to lead, institutions to function, and missions to move forward.

At NAPAHE, we are committed to supporting you through community-building, professional development, connection, and advocacy, not only this week, but throughout the year.

To our members: thank you for your expertise, integrity, and commitment to higher education.

To those considering joining us: you belong here.

Happy Administrative Professionals Week.

Don't Miss Our Administrative Professionals Week Webinar

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:30 AM Central Time

Join NAPAHE and AAC&U for a special virtual program hosted in recognition of Administrative Professionals Day. This collaborative webinar honors the vital leadership, expertise, and care administrative professionals bring to higher education—often under intense pressure and behind the scenes.

Designed for professionals navigating confidential, fast-paced, and complex leadership environments, this session explores how building strong professional communities can reduce isolation, amplify leadership impact, and sustain energy. Experienced higher education leaders will share practical strategies for fostering collaborative teams, supporting well-being and self-care, and intentionally building networks of support both within institutions and across higher education.

Celebrate Administrative Professionals Day by investing in connection, leadership, and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn alongside peers from across the nation and gain actionable insights that support both your humanity and your institution’s mission. This event is complimentary and open to current and prospective NAPAHE members.

Register or Learn More

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