Members include classroom teachers, school administrators, college and university professors, and educational specialists of many types. This diverse membership finds a fellowship based on common interests and ideas which focus on the promotion and improvement of education, particularly publicly supported education. The governing body of Phi Delta Kappa is the Board of Directors. The president-elect and two vice presidents are elected during the legislative council. The district representatives are elected, by the respective districts, during the district conference.
Board members serve two-year terms.
All of the paid staff of Phi Delta Kappa are located at the international office in Bloomington, Indiana. There are approximately 65 full-time employees. The staff works under the direction of the executive director. Senior professional staff members are responsible for specific service areas. These include administration, publications, research, professional development, membership development, business management, information technology, the Kappan, and the Educational Foundation.