The Historical Society has an immediate opening for an Executive Director.
Please submit a letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable
accomplishments to [log in to unmask] No phone calls please.

*ORGANIZATION*

The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (HSW) is a community-supported
educational and research organization that collects, interprets, and shares
the history of our nation's capital. Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse
audience through its collections, public programs, exhibitions, and
publications.

Housed in the exquisite Carnegie Library in Mt. Vernon Square, the
Historical Society, which is now partnered with Washington Convention and
Sports Authority (Events DC) in its historical building, has achieved major
milestones in the last two years: HSW successfully reopened the Kiplinger
Research Library with a new library director; integrated the prestigious
Kiplinger Washington Collection into the Societys holdings; opened the new
Window to Washington exhibit; held a very successful fundraising gala; and
developed with the library director a new vision for its mission and
programming -digitizing and increasing access to its impressive collections
that enhances the societys core strengths.

The Societys extensive collections document over 200 years of Washington
history and include prints, artworks, books, documents, maps, objects,
ephemera, and photographs. In 2013, the Society increased access to these
materials with the launch of a new online catalog of more than 97,000
records.

The library and collections also support the Societys public programs
including the Urban Photography Series; hands-on history workshops with
students and community groups; teacher workshops with D.C. Public Schools;
online research collaborations; and new and innovative programs that
encourage participants to take an active role in preserving and providing
access to the history of their neighborhoods and communities.

HSWs scholarly journal, Washington History, remains the only publication
dedicated to new research in local history. Written and edited by
distinguished historians and illustrated with archival images of the city,
Washington History interprets the stories of the people and places that
shaped the past. In addition to offering new scholarship, the recently
redesigned biannual publication also includes book reviews, collection
news, and a best of the blogs feature.

The Historical Society is committed to partner and collaborate with
libraries, museums, community organizations, academic institutions,
businesses, neighborhood associations, and other cultural heritage
institutions throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area to increase access
to local D.C. history collections and resources. Over the next five years,
the Society will work with these partners to develop a D.C. history portal,
a collaborative library initiative to integrate the related collections
found throughout the city into a single digital resource. This project is
the product of recent community discussions and will fulfill the shared
vision of a generation of Washingtonians to actively document and share the
citys history.

HSW has a 14-member Board of Trustees, four senior managers, and three
additional staff members. The current operating budget is $750,000. Since
November 2011, an Interim Executive Director and Fundraising Consultant
from the Arts Consulting Group have managed the Society.

*POSITION SUMMARY*

The Executive Director is the chief executive of the Historical Society of
Washington D.C. and reports to the Board of Trustees. The Executive
Director is responsible for the development, execution, and management of
the Societys strategic plan and the policies and goals approved by its
Board. The overall responsibilities include leadership, management,
fundraising, external and community relations, marketing, business
planning, and operational, financial, and administrative oversight of HSW.
He/she serves as the face of HSW to the local, regional, and national
communities and works closely with the Societys Board of Trustees and other
volunteers and advisors to identify, cultivate and steward major donors and
others who can help advance HSWs mission, vision, and values.

*DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*

*Vision and Strategic Leadership*

The Executive Director is responsible for guiding the Board, staff and
other stakeholders to ensure that the organization's vision and strategic
plan remain current, relevant and responsive to the changing landscape of
the diverse community in which HSW exists, including to:

   - Develop, implement, oversee, and update the strategic plan, which
   encompasses its various business plans, organization plans, etc.


   - Guide the Societys community engagement process to ensure its
   programmatic and financial success

*Institutional Growth and Advancement*

The Executive Director serves as the chief spokesperson for the Society,
represents its interests to the public and embraces a leadership role in
the Washington, D.C. community. This role will:

   - Ensure that comprehensive and effective programs exist to promote the
   Societys activities and increase the financial support available for its
   operations;


   - Build, develop, and execute a comprehensive public awareness program
   to create a measurable increase in the stature and visibility of HSW in the
   local, regional, and national community;


   - Lead the Societys fundraising efforts, working closely with the Board
   of Trustees and staff to increase capital and annual fund donations;


   - Develop and implement an effective strategy with Board leadership to
   recruit new Board members;


   - Develop outreach programs to constituencies that encourage attendance,
   membership and further involvement in the life of the Society; and,


   - Act as a public voice of HSW in matters in which the organization has
   a significant interest

*Administrative, Financial, and Operations Management*

The Executive Director has ultimate responsibility for the leadership of
the Society while guiding and mentoring an effective senior management team
and institutional operation to:

   - Oversee the implementation of annual operating plans for the Society,
   incorporating progress toward strategic goals;


   - Ensure sound financial practices, including realistic budgeting,
   prudent management of financial resources, and employment of the Societys
   assets for the most effective long-term fulfillment of its mission;


   - Develop and maintain effective relationships with Events D.C. and
   officials of the District of Columbia government in carrying out HSWs
   obligations to the city;


   -  Manage the recruitment, employment, and supervision of a variety of
   human resources, including paid staff, contractors, consultants, and
   volunteers;


   - Oversee the negotiation of all contracts and agreements, prepare
   official correspondence, and execute legal documents as authorized by the
   board leadership;


   -  Ensure that the physical spaces of the Society are maintained in a
   responsible manner that preserves the asset, historical value, and
   welcoming environment for diverse audiences of both internal and external
   stakeholders; and,


   -  Develop the agenda for the Board meetings in conjunction with the
   Board Chair, report on organizational progress and challenges, and maintain
   effective communication between Board and staff.

*Library and Collections*

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Trustees, the
Director of Library and Special Projects, and staff to implement
initiatives that are meant to advance HSWs mission to collect, interpret,
and share the history of our nations capital city.


*TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS*

The Executive Director will have a well-rounded set of competencies that
set him/her apart from others in the field as a results-oriented leader
with the ability to set, pursue, and reach goals. Leading candidates will
have a passion for the arts, culture, and history and have a visible
presence in the Washington D.C. community. This will require an individual
with exceptional organizational and persuasive communication skills with
the ability to articulate compelling messages for support that generate
enthusiasm and commitment among stakeholders. He/she will have frequent
interaction with others and must work collaboratively with all levels of
Board, staff, volunteers, donors, members, community leaders and partnering
organizations throughout the city. The Executive Director must embrace HSWs
unique mission and special character and be sensitive to and supportive of
the needs of its diverse constituencies. The successful candidate should
value knowledge and the ability to communicate the intellectual and
inspirational messages of HSW, as well as the educational and research
impact of the Society both internally and externally.


*QUALIFICATIONS*

A bachelors degree is required and an advanced degree or equivalent
experience preferred in arts and culture, history, cultural preservation,
or other related fields. The successful candidate will have a minimum 7-10
years of senior level experience and well-developed organizational,
financial, and fundraising skills. Experience working with Boards of
Directors, interacting with prospective donors, and success in leading
fundraising activities and community visibility. Competency and comfort
with all typical computer applications and equipment (MS Office) and
understanding of new and emerging technologies is expected.


*COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS*

Competitive compensation and basic benefits package.

*The Historical Society of Washington DC is an equal opportunity employer.*

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