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.