Executive Director

National Sheriffs' Association | Recruiting Heroes

Location: Alexandria, Virginia / Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
Application Deadline: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Salary: $250,000 - $300,000

Recruiting Heroes is conducting a national search on behalf of the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) for its next Executive Director. This is an opportunity for an accomplished leader to guide a national association serving sheriffs, deputies, and the broader law enforcement and public safety community.

The Executive Director will manage the association's day-to-day affairs, represent NSA in a wide range of settings, and guide its future growth and organizational stability. Appointed by and reporting to the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, this leader must combine strategic vision with the ability to manage operations and work effectively with a small staff.

About the National Sheriffs' Association

Chartered in 1940, NSA is a professional association dedicated to serving the Office of Sheriff and its affiliates through law enforcement education, training, and informational resources. The association represents thousands of sheriffs, deputies, other law enforcement and public safety professionals, and concerned citizens nationwide.

NSA's work encompasses government affairs, legal issues, homeland security, emerging technology, court security, school safety, victim services, and other priorities affecting sheriffs and their communities.

Key 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 a broad range of law enforcement and public safety priorities.
• Maintain clear, timely communication with association leadership and provide information that supports effective decision-making.
• Support the 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.

Qualifications and Leadership Expectations

NSA seeks a candidate who brings:

• A strong record of leadership and an understanding of national law enforcement issues, particularly the responsibilities and challenges of the Office of Sheriff.
• The 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.
• The ability to work effectively with elected leaders, a governing board, committees, and staff.
• Sound judgment and the ability to translate broad leadership direction into clear priorities and action.
• A proactive approach, strong work ethic, and sense of urgency.
• The ability to work independently with limited staff assistance while remaining responsive to the President and Board of Directors.

Candidates must live within close proximity to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area or be willing to relocate.

How to Apply

Recruiting Heroes is supporting NSA's executive search. Should your resume be a good fit for the position, we will contact you to complete the remainder of the application. The full application will require the following materials:

• Resume
• Cover letter outlining salary requirements, unique skills, and interest in the position
• Three professional references
• A link to a brief introductory video, no longer than five minutes, introducing yourself and explaining why you should be appointed Executive Director. The video must be accessible through Dropbox or Google Drive.

 Contact colin.whittington@recruitingheroesllc.com with any questions.