We are currently accepting applications for the positions listed below.
Leadership Dean, American Ethical Union
Posting Date: March 1, 2026
Organization: American Ethical Union (AEU)
Title: Leadership Dean
Reports to: Developmental Director
Location: Remote with Occasional Travel
Hours/Week: Up to 20
Salary Range: $30,000 – $35,000 Annually
About the Position
The American Ethical Union seeks a Leadership Dean to coordinate and support the activities of the Union’s lay and professional leadership training program, administered by the Board of Director’s Leadership Committee in collaboration with the National Leaders Council.
As the Leadership Dean, you will support building processes, services, and programs related to lay and professional certified training for the AEU and its constituent member organizations. This is a dynamic role intended to support the Ethical Culture Movement as we evaluate legacy structures and discern how tradition and innovation can come together to better serve the Movement and respond. The specific responsibilities for this position may be adjusted as the training program develops, though the position will remain dedicated to facilitating training and education for the Movement.
The ideal candidate is comfortable with change management, conflict transformation, course-corrective feedback cycles, and other developmental processes. An ideal candidate can solicit, evaluate, and synthesize feedback in response to the emerging needs of member organizations, lay and professional clergy leaders, and the current American social, cultural, and political landscape.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of the Leadership Training Initiative, the AEU’s competency-based training and certification program for lay and professional leadership training, and its associated curricula and certification(s).
- Support the AEU Leadership Committee, its volunteer members, and individuals engaging the Leadership Committee through administrative coordination, including official meeting administration, scheduling, and other tasks as required.
- Review, organize, and revitalize or sunset legacy educational resources on a virtual platform that prioritizes accessibility and continuity.
- Engage and recruit applicants to lay leadership cohorts and Ethical Culture Leader training, supporting the Leadership Committee’s decisions regarding admission and certification.
- Manage and coordinate cohort experiences for lay leaders, and certification training for Movement clergy (Ethical Culture Leaders).
- Recommend Leadership Committee direction in alignment with the AEU Roadmap and current AEU budget.
- Provide monthly reports to the AEU Board of Directors and a more comprehensive quarterly or bi-annual report to internal and external Leadership Training Initiative funders in collaboration with the Leadership Committee chair. Other reports may be requested as needed.
- Attend or participate in AEU Board of Directors meetings, National Leaders Council meetings, and other meetings of relevant Union organizing groups as requested.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as requested by director-level staff.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment to the values of Ethical Culture, Humanism, or a related philosophical or religious tradition aligned with Ethical Culture values.
- Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively across remote and hybrid environments.
- Experience with program coordination, educational administration, or nonprofit leadership.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Significant experience with curriculum development, training facilitation, or adult education best practices.
- Proficiency with digital tools for project management, communication, and content distribution.
- Ability to manage with agility, responding to emergent needs and circumstances.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification as an Ethical Culture Leader, training in Humanist chaplaincy, or clergy training in a progressive, pluralistic tradition.
- Significant involvement with an Ethical Society or similar community (e.g. a progressive, religious congregation).
- Significant experience coordinating clergy training, volunteer development programs, or leadership pipelines.
- Understanding of competency-based education models, stackable credentialing, or learning management systems.
- Demonstrated success in managing budgets and grants or nonprofit reporting obligations.
- Familiarity with the history, mission, and organizational structure of the American Ethical Union and its affiliated Societies.
Education
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Religious Studies, Organizational Leadership, Nonprofit Management, or a related field — or its equivalence in career or lived experience.
- Preferred: Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Ethical Leadership, Leadership Studies, Divinity, Education, or Humanist Chaplaincy.
Reports To & Collaborates With
The Leadership Dean reports to the AEU Developmental Director and collaborates closely with the volunteer AEU Leadership Committee. The Developmental Director is responsible for periodic and annual performance reviews in consultation with the Leadership Committee.
The Leadership Committee is responsible for training Humanist clergy to serve Ethical Societies and the Ethical Culture Movement and for developing a training program for the general membership of Ethical Societies.
Salary, Location, and Hours
This is a part-time exempt position for up to 20 hours/week paying approximately $30,000 – $35,000 per year. Working 20 hours each week qualifies this position for a prorated healthcare stipend ($2,500 – $3,500) and 401k employer match benefits in addition to professional development opportunities.
Hours are flexible, except for NLC meetings, relevant committee meetings, and Board meetings, which may be scheduled for evenings or occasional Saturdays.
This is a remote position requiring occasional travel for on-site meetings and AEU Assemblies.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted in two parts: a Google Form and an email with your cover letter and CV. Instructions for submitting your application are included in the Google Form.
→ Click here to apply for this position
The American Ethical Union is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
The AEU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please indicate as such when you submit your application.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
About the American Ethical Union (AEU)
The American Ethical Union creates, nurtures, and inspires ethical humanist communities to foster a world that is democratic, compassionate, just, and sustainable. Ethical Culture is a humanist, congregational Movement focusing on human goodness and building ethical relationships with each other and the Earth.
We recognize the unique worth and dignity of all people, advocate for reason, compassion, and rational thinking, and act to elicit the best in others and thereby in ourselves, celebrating with and supporting each other through life.
We also train future humanist leaders to promote responsible and ethical living.
Support for the Mission and Values of the Union
The American Ethical Union is the organizing institution for Ethical Culture, also known as Ethical Humanism — a progressive humanist Movement focusing on human goodness and ethical relationships. All AEU staff are expected to perform their job duties in accordance with the AEU’s mission and vision. The following statements from the AEU’s vision are especially important for the AEU’s work environment and staff culture:
- We recognize the unique worth and dignity of all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity, economic status, level of ability, or religious beliefs.
- We advocate for reason, compassion, and rational thinking so we can progress as individuals, communities, and a world.
- We act to elicit the best in others and thereby in ourselves, celebrating with and supporting each other through life.