The following is an announcement from the New England Historic Genealogical Society:
[The] New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead the oldest and largest genealogical society in the United States. For 160 years, NEHGS has advanced genealogical scholarship and enhanced the capabilities of both new and experienced researchers from around the world to trace New England heritage.
The Organization
The Society was founded in 1845. Its flagship journal, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, the oldest and most respected genealogical journal in the United States, was launched in 1847, and society members began publishing primary source materials in 1858. For more than a century, NEHGS has transcribed and preserved primary New England town records. The annual budget is approximately $5.5 million with an endowment approaching $20 million.
Today the Society is engaged in rapidly expanding access to digitized genealogical information to its 20,000+ worldwide members through the award winning website www.newenglandancestors.org. Members may access growing databases containing hundreds of millions of names. The website gets nearly 250,000 visits per month and is fed by the NEHGS Research Library, a comprehensive collection of more than 200,000 books, periodicals and microform materials as well as over one million manuscripts. The materials include published New England genealogies, local histories, copies of original town, probate, land and vital records, city directories, censuses and immigration records for most of New England, New York and eastern Canada, including special collections documenting later waves of immigration into New England. The R. Stanton Avery Special Collection comprises over one million manuscript items from the 17th century to the present, including thousands of unpublished family genealogies, vital records, bibles, diaries, ledgers, correspondence and photographs.
Other programs and services include:
- Publications: New England Ancestors magazine, the Register, NEHGS eNews (online), special scholarly programs such as The Great Migration study project, and award-winning genealogies published by the Society's imprint, Newbury Street Press.
- Research Services: in-depth research by staff available at an hourly rate. The Online Genealogist provides research guidance, orientation to online resources and library-based collections via e-mail as well as referrals to specific NEHGS staff experts. Tutorials with staff genealogists are available by phone or in person.
- Educational Programs: an array of lectures, seminars, research tours, intensive research programs and conferences for genealogists of all levels in person and on tape and CD-ROM.
The Position
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of NEHGS. S/he is responsible for the strategic direction and fundraising of the Society and, through the Chief Operating Officer, its operations. S/he represents NEHGS to the national genealogical community and engenders support for its operations through the articulation of the vision of the organization. As the senior administrator, s/he has overall responsibility for the development and wise use of the Society's financial, human and intellectual resources.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, s/he keeps the Trustees informed of policies, issues and operations. S/he will follow a 24-year incumbent who will be engaged in an important new project for the Society.
Priorities
The Executive Director is expected to achieve the following through strategic leadership:
- Scholarship: Ensure that the Society's strategy continues to advance its scholarship.
- Enhancement and promotion of national reputation: Implement strategies to maintain and enhance the stature of NEHGS in the scholarly community and with the public through high quality, innovative programs, publications and website; represent NEHGS in the national and international genealogical community.
- Membership support and development: Create and maintain positive relationships with NEHGS members.
- Revenue generation: In consultation with the Board and senior staff, establish and meet fundraising goals for major gifts, endowment, and special projects and increase other revenue producing opportunities.
- Support to the Trustees, Council and committees: Contribute to the effectiveness and productivity of key volunteers.
- Administrative oversight: Through the Chief Operating Officer ensure the effective operation of the Society, including implementation of the strategic plan, financial matters, staffing and personnel issues, membership development, maintenance of the physical plant, collections development and management, and production of publications.
Skills and Characteristics desired
- Broad knowledge of professional and management disciplines, including many of the following: finance, human relations, publishing, marketing, fundraising, library science, genealogy and history.
- Interest in and ability to support scholarship
- Post-graduate education
- Ability to evaluate and lead decisions regarding the quality and effectiveness of services, programs, practices and operations and to propose innovative solutions
- Superior interpersonal communication skills and interest in people
- Presence and effectiveness in public speaking
- Experience in public relations
- Experience working with nonprofit board(s) of trustees
- Fiscal management skills and experience
- Awareness of the impact of technology on the Society's business models
- Commitment to the mission and vision of the NEHGS
For more information visit www.newenglandancestors.org.
Nominations and applications including cover letter, resume and salary history may be sent to:
segmont@egmontassociates.com (attachments as Word documents please)
Egmont Associates
85 East India Row #24F
Boston, MA 02110
857-449-0011 fax
