*The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. has an opening for a new
Executive Director.
Visit http://www.historydc.org/about/employment.aspx for the complete
position description.
*
*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 Society’s 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 society’s core strengths.

The Society’s 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 Society’s 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.

The Society's 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
city’s 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, the Society has been managed by an Interim Executive
Director and Fundraising Consultant from Arts Consulting Group.

*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 Society’s 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 Society’s Board of Trustees
and other volunteers and advisors to identify, cultivate and steward major
donors and others who can help advance HSW’s 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 Society’s 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
   Society’s 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 Society’s 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 Society’s
   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 HSW’s
   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 HSW’s mission to collect, interpret,
and share the history of our nation’s capital city.


*TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS*
The Executive Director will have a well-rounded set of competencies that
sets 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 HSW’s 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 bachelor’s 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.

*APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES*
Please   submit   a   letter   and   resume   with   a   summary   of
demonstrable   accomplishments   to [log in to unmask] No
phone calls please.


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

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