ANNOUNCEMENT OF EXECUTIVE POSITION VACANCY

The Iberia African American Historical Society (IAAHS),a non-profit organization based in New Iberia, Louisiana, is seeking a dynamic professional to become its first Executive Director. Since 2017, The IAAHS has worked to foster the appreciation, understanding, and teaching of the long, rich, and unique history of African Americans in Iberia Parish. They have done this through various programs and activities and by encouraging and promoting the research, preservation, and publication of materials related to the history of African Americans in the Parish. To apply, send a resume and three professional references to Dr. Phebe A. Hayes at phebe530@gmail.com no later than November 15, 2024.

Job Summary

The Executive Director reports to the President of The Iberia African American Historical Society (IAAHS) and is responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies, goals, and programmatic initiatives to achieve the mission of the IAAHS. This includes directing the operations of the IAAHS Research & Learning Center. 

This position is responsible for managing and achieving the required deliverables of the Descendant & Family Stewardship Initiative grant awarded to the IAAHS by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The position will work closely with the Executive Director of Shadows-on-the-Teche in administering the Memorandum of Agreement between the two organizations and in carrying out research and programmatic initiatives in which the organizations collaborate.

The position is grant-funded for three years from the date of hire. 

Duties

  • Work with the IAAHS Board of Directors and Committees to grow IAAHS into a self-sustaining research-based organization.
  • Build, maintain, and nurture relationships with members of the descendant community and expand their engagement in historical research and interpretation. 
  • Build relationships with key stakeholders to gain broad-based support for the IAAHS mission.
  • Work closely with the President of IAAHS in coordinating meetings of the IAAHS Board of Directors to ensure Board effectiveness. 
  • Utilizing best practices in financial and organizational management. 
  • Collaborate with the IAAHS Board in developing a capital campaign to raise funds for an endowment.
  • Write and manage grants to support the work and mission of the IAAHS.
  • Develop internal operating policies and procedures related to human resources, financial management, and adherence to legal requirements.
  • Conduct outreach and marketing strategies to communicate the mission of the IAAHS and its offering of services to the public.
  • Seek opportunities to teach the public about the history of African Americans in Iberia Parish and to share this research through public talks, media interviews, preparation of manuscripts for publication, etc.
  • Develop an annual budget for approval by the IAAHS Board of Directors and manage it regularly. 
  • Supervise hired staff.
  • Collaborate with the ULL Public History Department in developing and administering programs that support the missions of both organizations. 

Qualifications 

  • At least 3 years of relevant professional level experience, particularly at a historic site, museum, library, or similar organization. 
  • Experience in education, historical research, archival studies, communications, or museum studies is a plus. 
  • Excellent project-management skills and ability to achieve results with moderate supervision. 
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with key stakeholders to achieve mission-driven organizational goals.
  • Proven ability to work successfully in close proximity to others.
  • Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, and to maintain productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals.
  • Demonstrated success working with culturally diverse colleagues and stakeholders. Bi-lingual language skills at plus. Ties to culturally diverse affinity groups, professional organizations, or related associations are a plus. 
  • Ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices. 
  • Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required. Familiarity with other software including databases, a plus.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is required. 

Salary: $56,000 plus benefits