Connecticut Humanities Council

Executive Director

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Mission of Connecticut Humanities

The mission of the Connecticut Humanities is to use the power of the humanities to nurture curious minds, sustain cultural literacy, strengthen community ties, and explore common threads among Connecticut’s diverse peoples.  We believe this work is essential to a democratic society, to the well being of the people of Connecticut, and to the economic vitality of our state.  We serve as an advocate for, partner of, and grant-maker to Connecticut organizations that share this vision.

Background

Connecticut Humanities (CTH), founded in 1974, operates with a staff of 16 in Middletown, CT. A nonprofit, independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), it is the third largest humanities council in the United States. CTH’s $3 million annual budget is principally funded by the State of Connecticut and the NEH. Additional support comes from individual and corporate contributions.

Each year CTH funds approximately $1 million in grants and partnerships via an in-depth application and review process.  Additionally, CTH creates programming that furthers its mission.  Major CTH-supported programs as well as details on the grant process are described on our website:  www.CTHumanities.org.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director is the chief executive of Connecticut Humanities and reports to a 25-member governing board of directors.   The current Executive Director will be retiring midsummer 2014 following a successful four-year tenure.

Externally, the Executive Director is the principal spokesperson and advocate for CTH and the humanities, engaging Connecticut’s heritage, library, cultural, educational, government, and business communities to build long-lasting support.

Internally, the Executive Director implements and evaluates the strategic direction developed over the past two years which emphasizes engaging a wider audience, greater public advocacy for the humanities, and building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. Planning challenges include the diversifying and expanding of CTH’s revenue sources as well as determining the organization’s optimal programming role.

The Executive Director will be expected to function effectively in the following areas:

Leadership and Management
• Partner with the board to establish strategy
• Develop strategic and operational plans with staff and lead plan execution
• Ensure effective board engagement and support

Advocacy and Outreach
• Advocate for the humanities and the mission of CTH locally, regionally, and nationally in order to raise public awareness and expand support
• Act as primary liaison with funders such as National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Connecticut to ensure continuation of their financial support
• Build strong, supportive, effective relationships with humanities organizations across the state

Marketing and Fundraising
• Lead development and implementation of marketing strategy  for CTH
• Direct development of private sector fundraising strategy  and play a principal role in major giving solicitations

Operations and Fiscal Management
• Lead and manage the staff of 16 and operating budget of $3 million to ensure effective management of resources and alignment with strategy
• Ensure quality and consistency of grant program application and reporting based upon board guidelines and collaborate with board grant committee for effective review process

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a highly persuasive public communicator who is passionate about the humanities and its importance to our communities and a proven, competent operational manager. 
Specific qualities required are:

Professional background, skills and knowledge

• Demonstrated senior management experience for minimum of five years in non-profit, association or foundation, including management of staff, successful generation of income and fundraising, and development and execution of strategic and operational plans
• Effective public spokesperson for an organization or cause with experience developing and executing communication plans
• Knowledge of and experience with the legislative process on the state level
• Demonstrated experience building teams, creating collaborations and maintaining effective relationships with board, staff, donors, community leaders, political leaders, educational institutions, business leaders and other stakeholders
• Fundamental understanding of the humanities with knowledge of and insight into the current direction of humanities scholarship, preferably exhibited by an advanced degree in a humanities field
• Passion for the humanities, especially as it applies to broad non-academic audiences
• Recognized commitment to staff development and energizing staff potential

Connecticut Humanities is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.

Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.