Chief Executive Officer
SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators)

Organization Overview

For more than 140 years, SHAPE America has been the nation’s leading voice for health and physical education. Founded in 1885, the organization advances professional practice and promotes research related to health education, physical education, physical activity, dance, and sport. Today, SHAPE America serves more than 200,000 health and physical education professionals through its membership and a network of more than 50 state affiliate organizations.

SHAPE America’s vision is a nation where all children are prepared to lead healthy, physically active lives. Through national standards, professional learning, advocacy, research, and strategic partnerships, the organization empowers educators and champions policies that improve the health and well-being of PreK–12 students across the United States. SHAPE America operates as a fully virtual organization with a dedicated professional staff and an engaged volunteer leadership structure.

The Opportunity

The Board of Directors seeks an accomplished and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead SHAPE America into its next chapter of growth and impact.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic executive who is passionate about education, public health, organizational leadership, and member service. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO serves as the organization’s chief executive and public representative, providing leadership to staff, collaborating closely with volunteer leaders, strengthening financial sustainability, expanding strategic partnerships, and advancing SHAPE America’s mission on a national stage.

The successful candidate will guide the organization through a dynamic period of opportunity while ensuring continued excellence in governance, advocacy, member engagement, professional development, and organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer will:

• Provide strategic leadership consistent with SHAPE America’s mission and Board-approved strategic plan.
• Serve as the organization’s chief spokesperson with members, policymakers, educators, partner organizations, media, and other stakeholders.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing virtual staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-focused culture.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, investments, and long-term organizational sustainability.
• Identify and develop new sources of revenue through partnerships, sponsorships, philanthropy, and innovative programs.
• Strengthen membership value, professional learning opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and constituent engagement.
• Build productive relationships with government agencies, educational institutions, corporate partners, and nonprofit organizations.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership to support effective governance and strategic decision-making.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and governance requirements.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will bring many of the following qualifications:

Required

• Significant executive leadership experience within a nonprofit, professional association, educational, healthcare, or other mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizations through strategic growth and organizational change.
• Strong financial management experience, including oversight of budgets, business operations, and long-term planning.
• Proven ability to build productive relationships with volunteer boards and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Outstanding communication, public speaking, advocacy, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing professional teams.

Preferred

• Experience within education, health, physical education, public health, or related sectors.
• Knowledge of membership organizations and association governance.
• Demonstrated fundraising, business development, or partnership development experience.
• A master’s degree or other advanced degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

Why Join SHAPE America?

Leading SHAPE America offers the opportunity to shape the future of health and physical education throughout the United States.

The CEO will work alongside dedicated educators, volunteer leaders, state affiliates, policymakers, and strategic partners to strengthen the profession, advocate for healthier schools and communities, and improve outcomes for millions of students. This position combines mission-driven leadership with the opportunity to influence national conversations surrounding education, physical activity, wellness, and child health.

Location

SHAPE America is a fully virtual organization. The successful candidate will work remotely while traveling regularly for Board meetings, national conferences, member engagement, advocacy activities, and other organizational responsibilities.

Compensation & Benefits

SHAPE America offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits program.

Application Process

Sterling Martin Associates has been retained to assist SHAPE America with this important executive search. Interested candidates—or those wishing to recommend qualified individuals—should submit a résumé and letter of interest in confidence. https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/sterlingmartin/job/hz46f83owmk1sifefqiejfdtma

David Martin
Managing Partner
Sterling Martin Associates
dmartin@smartinsearch.com

Krista DeRose
Senior Search Consultant
Sterling Martin Associates
kderose@smartinsearch.com

SHAPE America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates who are committed to advancing its mission and serving a diverse professional community.