Executive Director

Recruiting Heroes • Washington D.C., WA

5d

About The Position

The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) is seeking an Executive Director to lead a national professional association serving sheriffs, deputies, and the broader law enforcement and public safety community. Chartered in 1940, NSA provides law enforcement education, training, and informational resources and represents thousands of sheriffs, deputies, other public safety professionals, and concerned citizens nationwide. Its areas of work include government affairs, legal issues, homeland security, emerging technology, court security, school safety, and victim services.

Appointed by and reporting to the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, the Executive Director will manage NSA's day-to-day affairs, represent the association in a wide range of settings, and guide its future growth and organizational stability. The role calls for a strategic leader who can also manage operations and perform hands-on work within a small association and with limited staff assistance. Candidates must live close to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area or be willing to relocate.

The search is being conducted by Recruiting Heroes on behalf of NSA. The application deadline is Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Applicants are asked to provide a resume, a cover letter outlining salary requirements, unique skills, and interest in the position, three professional references, and a link to a brief introductory video of no longer than five minutes, accessible through Dropbox or Google Drive.

Requirements

• Strong record of leadership and understanding of national law enforcement issues, particularly the responsibilities and challenges of the Office of Sheriff.
• Ability to manage a small association serving a diverse membership, including sheriffs representing some of the largest agencies in the United States.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with elected leaders, a governing board, committees, and staff.
• Sound judgment and ability to translate broad leadership direction into clear priorities and action.
• Proactive approach, strong work ethic, and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work independently with limited staff assistance while remaining responsive to the President and Board of Directors.
• Must live within close proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area or be willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Direct the association's daily operations, aligning staff activities and organizational priorities with the direction of the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Develop and execute plans that support NSA's long-term growth, organizational stability, and service to its membership.
• Represent the association in meetings, events, and engagements with law enforcement leaders, government officials, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with sheriffs, state sheriffs' associations, committee leaders, and members nationwide.
• Support association committees and coordinate efforts across law enforcement and public safety priorities.
• Maintain clear, timely communication with association leadership and provide information that supports effective decision-making.
• Support planning and execution of NSA's major meetings, including its Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., and Annual Summer Conference.
• Lead effectively within a small association, balancing strategic responsibilities with hands-on operational work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed