Job Announcement

Executive Director

Summary 

Founded in 1892, the American Jewish Historical Society’s holdings include approximately 20 million documents, 60,000 books, thousands of photographs, paintings and other objects that bear witness to the remarkable contributions of the American Jewish community to American society from the 16th century to the present. The mission of AJHS is to foster awareness and appreciation of American Jewish heritage and to serve as a national information resource through the collection, preservation and dissemination of materials relating to American Jewish history. Located at the remarkable Center for Jewish History in New York City, the new Executive Director, working in partnership with the Board, will have a unique opportunity to shape the Society’s future.

Background

AJHS is the world’s leading institution for documenting the history of the Jewish people in the United States. Among the treasures of this heritage are the first American book published in Hebrew; the handwritten original of Emma Lazarus’ The New Colossus, which graces the Statue of Liberty; records of the nation’s leading Jewish communal organizations; and important collections in the fields of education, philanthropy, science, sports, business and the arts. AJHS is committed to serving educators, students, researchers, genealogists, writers, filmmakers, curators and general audiences.

AJHS’ Board of Trustees and Academic Council work closely with the Executive Director and staff, particularly in regard to acquisition of new collections and their dissemination to academic and general audiences.  Outreach and publication includes lectures, exhibits, newsletters, two website, an academic journal. To reach ever-wider audiences, AJHS is constantly reviewing and improving its outreach and dissemination strategy.

The Society recognizes the pace of change in technology and learning and is eager to craft an approach to the future that protects its precious holdings while creating broader access to them. The Executive Director will help shape the organization’s effort to understand the challenges and opportunities involved in the changing relationship between archival holdings and electronic dissemination and provide the leadership and management required to move AJHS into next-generation access and dissemination models.

Qualifications

The Society is seeking a leader with successful experience in an organization(s) of comparable size and scope (eight to twelve full-time employees and numerous volunteers) with proven professional and financial management skills.  Specific experience should include:

Demonstrated passion and commitment to shaping an organizational vision and strategy and leading the implementation of organizational plans 

  • Proven capacity to work as a collaborative team member and, importantly, with a strong governing board
  • Substantial knowledge of fundraising and development with demonstrated success
  • A hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit with strong initiative and flexibility
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve problems and exercise sound judgment
  • Significant experience in creative public programming, as well as comfort with academic communities
  • Strong supervisory and mentorship skills to inspire top performance within a small staff
  • Strong financial management acumen
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills, as well as proficiency with technology
  • A willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed 

Position Location: New York City

Compensation: Competitive annual compensation salary and benefits.

Desired Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Deadline: March 31, 2008. Appropriate applicants will be immediately contacted and interviewed.

To apply:  Interested applicants are invited to send a cover letter and resume to the AJHS Search Committee at e-mail address - ajhs.ed@gmail.com

Main Areas of Responsibility

Leadership

  • Provide vision and strategic leadership to the organization
  • Consult and collaborate with the Board to determine policy and make decisions regarding issues that arise, as appropriate
  • Identify, assess, and inform the Board of significant events and of issues that affect the Society
  • Help develop, lead and supervise AJHS staff and consultants to devise and implement programs, fundraising, communications, and collaboration with other organizations, as well as relations with the partner organizations to further AJHS objectives

Development

  •  Provide strong vision and leadership for AJHS fundraising goals, strategy and implementation in collaboration with the Board of Directors and appropriate AJHS staff
  • Identify and cultivate donors, foundations, and other funders using various means including fundraising events
  • Communicate regularly with high-level donors and supporters
  • Identify and cultivate new sources of funds including foundations
  • Work closely with the AJHS archival staff and develop clear strategies that generate financial resources for the preservation and further development and dissemination of the archive
  • Increase AJHS membership and encourage expanded member support for the AJHS

Financial Planning and Management

  • Work with the Chief Financial Officer and appropriate staff to prepare comprehensive annual budgets for Board approval, regular reports on revenues and expenditures, lead the annual auditing process, and oversee finance and accounting staff.

Programs and Collections

  • Oversee the expansion of the collection
  • Provide leadership in the preservation of the Society’s holdings
  • Develop strategies that appropriately disseminate the rich archives to broad audiences via programs using various means, including digital technology
  • Expand the audience for the Society to reach, among others, younger populations

Public and Political Affairs and Communication

  • Maintain a working knowledge of relevant developments in historical research as they relate to the Society’s goals and interests and work effectively with members of the Society’s Academic Council and other experts
  • Act as the official AJHS spokesperson, and engage members of the Board of Directors and AJHS staff who can also serve in a supportive outreach role
  • Oversee the development of all AJHS communication materials and outreach including publications, website, professional activities, and public education

Operational Management

  • Oversee the efficient and effective day to day operations of the AJHS
  • Coach and mentor AJHS staff, as appropriate, to enhance performance
  • Implement an annual staff performance management and review process
  • Recruit, interview and select staff, as needed, who have the technical expertise, skills and personal attributes to help further the AJHS objectives