VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PRESIDENT AND CEO

The Virginia Historical Society (VHS), one of the nation’s most distinguished historical institutions, seeks qualified candidates for the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. The mission of the VHS is “connecting people to America’s past through the unparalleled story of Virginia.”

The Virginia Historical Society (VHS) was founded in 1831, making it the fourth oldest such institution in the nation. The VHS is the only organization dedicated to collecting and interpreting all of Virginia’s history—all areas, all time periods, and all people. Although the VHS is an entirely private nonprofit, it was designated by the Virginia General Assembly as the official historical society of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Currently the VHS serves a wide range of constituents, including K-12 students and teachers, scholars, genealogists, and life-long learners, by a diverse array of exhibitions, lectures, publications, travel opportunities, educational programs, and digital initiatives. Supporting all of these efforts are the nationally significant collections, which now number nearly nine million manuscripts, books, photographs, paintings, pieces of furniture, and other artifacts.

The VHS recently concluded a capital campaign that reached and exceeded its goal of $38 million.

The President and CEO will report to the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities and Qualifications:

  • Stellar interpersonal skills
  • Visionary thinking with the strategic and managements skills to make the vision a reality
  • An eye for talent and an ability to attract, develop, and retain a first-rate staff
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Awareness of how contemporary technologies can be used to preserve and share historical resources and attract new audiences
  • Astute financial management skills
  • Superior public and private fundraising skills
  • The ability and confidence to work with a strong board and staff, donors, government officials and the general public
  • Effective communication skills
  • Strong professional connections

Personal Characteristics:

  • Integrity, trustworthiness and credibility
  • Excellent communicator with people at every level
  • Tactful and diplomatic
  • Proven success in leadership
  • A passion for, and understanding of, history with a talent to tell its stories

Professional Qualifications:

  • Education: Advanced degree preferred in history or a field directly relevant to the responsibilities of President and CEO and to the mission of the VHS
  • Experience: Minimum of seven years of successful and progressively responsible experience; relevant executive experience working with a board and leading a staff

Candidates for this position should submit answers to the position questionnaire, resume, and appropriate references by July 29 to:

Bryan & Jordan Consulting, LLC

Meredith Handakas, Associate

meredith@bryanandjordan.com

Contact Ms. Handakas with questions at 804.356.4948

Compensation and benefits are market competitive. The Virginia Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.

 
Virginia Historical Society

President and CEO Candidate Questionnaire

 

Please answer the questions listed below. Use as much space as you need between questions. You need only submit this form and your resume to be considered for employment.

Full name

  1. Preferred address
  2. Preferred email address
  3. Preferred phone number
  4. List all academic degrees and any supplemental training you have had
  5. What experience have you had in the field of public history or a related field?  Describe what you did and how it might help prepare you to lead the VHS.
  6. What experience have you had in working with volunteer boards?
  7. What experience have you had in supervising a staff?
  8. What successful program(s) have you created and implemented at your current or a former institution?
  9. What experience have you had in fundraising? Are there any gifts you have secured that make you particularly proud?
  10. Are you or have you been involved in any professional organizations that keep you informed on current best practices?
  11. What, if any, connections do you have with Richmond and Virginia?
  12. Why do you want this job?