Executive Director

Executive Director,

American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies

The American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies seeks qualified applicants for the position of Executive Director.

About the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies

The American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (ASECS), established in 1969, is the foremost learned society in the United States for the study of all aspects of the period from the later seventeenth through the early nineteenth century. Numbering between 1200-1400, our members are literary scholars and writers, historians, theorists of gender, race, sexuality disability, nation, and empire; philosophers and political theorists; art historians and artists; musicologists and musicians; theater historians and practitioners; biographers and bibliographers; and specialists in other humanistic, artistic, and social scientific fields with a range of broad and more particular interests. We welcome scholars pursuing all aspects of eighteenth-century studies and in all careers and career stages: in graduate studies, in tenured, tenure track, or non-tenure track academic positions; in part-time or temporary positions in the academy; and in situations beyond the academy including teaching, libraries, museums and galleries, and publishing, as well as independent scholars. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment in which all members participate fully in the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

The Position of Executive Director

For the first fifty years of its existence, the Society relied on a university affiliated Executive Director, who combined teaching, publishing, and running the affairs of the Society. With the growth of the Society and the expansion of the duties of the Executive Director, the Board has decided it is time to engage a full time Executive Director, dedicated entirely to the task.

The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of the Society and manages its official business. ASECS seeks an Executive Director who will enhance the Society’s mission and national and international profile. The Executive Director works closely with the Treasurer in managing the financial affairs of the Society. The Executive Director is an ex officio non-voting member of the Executive Board and of the Steering Committee of the Executive Board.

The position of Executive Director has been conceived as a telecommunicating position that can take place from anywhere. Occasional travel, flexible hours, and work on weekends for programs and meetings will be required.

Responsibilities

The duties of Executive Director include but are not limited to:

• Administering the internal day-to-day business and external presence of the Society
• Maintaining financial records and assisting the Treasurer in preparation of the annual budget
• Developing and overseeing strategic planning initiatives, in consultation with the Executive Board
• Planning and arranging meetings of the Steering Committee and the Executive Board, in person and by teleconference
• Overseeing all details of the Annual Meeting, including identifying meeting sites; contracting/negotiating arrangements with conference venues and vendors; coordinating conference budget and logistics; organizing the program in consultation with the Program Committee; producing and distributing the program; managing registration; arranging meals and other events; etc.
• Maintaining the Society’s website and other social media
• Overseeing the Society’s Bylaws
• Handling correspondence and inquiries from members
• Directing fellowship, prize, and travel award programs
• Overseeing fundraising activities
• Editing the online ASECS News Circular
• Working with Editors of Eighteenth-Century Studies (ECS) and Studies in Eighteenth-Century Culture (SECC)
• Supervising the publication, editing, and distribution of other ASECS publications
• Maintaining the Society’s records and archive
• Monitoring the activity of caucuses and, with the Affiliates Coordinator, the activities of affiliated organizations
• Maintaining the membership database, and the print production and overseas mailing of ECS and SECC
• Arranging elections with assistance of the Nominating Committee
• Establishing and maintaining relations with other learned societies
• Serving on the Council of Executive Officers of the American Council of Learned Societies (2 meetings per year)
• Serving as member of the Executive Committee of the International Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (one meeting per year, usually in Europe)

Qualifications

ASECS seeks an entrepreneurial and experienced leader with commitment and vision to serve as its Executive Director. The following is a broad list of skills and attributes important for success in this role:

• Demonstrated commitment to ASECS’s mission and desire to serve the Society
• A strong commitment to increasing diversity, inclusivity, and transparency in organizational culture
• An advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. in eighteenth-century studies or a related field in the arts and humanities
• Significant managerial, planning, and administrative experience in higher education, research, nonprofits, association management, foundations, and/or government
• Strong technological/computer skills
• Excellent professional and interpersonal communication and negotiation skills
• Familiarity with budgeting, financial statements, and accounting software
• Familiarity with best practices for fundraising
• Experience with publications, conference planning, and advocacy

Terms and Compensation

The Executive Director will be an independent contractor with an initial 3-year term (subject to annual review) and with opportunity for renewal. The salary will be $75,000 or greater, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus benefits.

Start Date

June 1, 2021

Anti-Discrimination Statement

ASECS is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our Society, staff, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

ASECS does not discriminate in employment on any basis, including but not limited to race, color, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law where we do business.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis January 2-February 15 with a preliminary round of interviews conducted in early March. Send a cover letter and CV, with the names and contact information of three references to: ASECS ED Applications

Queries may be directed to:  ASECSEDSEARCH@gmail.com