More information on Maryland Humanities, the organization's accomplishments and strategic priorities here.

The Position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director works closely with each Board Committee and supervises directly or indirectly all other staff to maintain every aspect of the organization’s work.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will:

• Provide vision and intellectual vigor for the activities and directions of Maryland Humanities.
• Provide statewide leadership for the public humanities and promote public understanding and appreciation of the humanities in Maryland.
• Lead high-level fundraising activities including major individual giving, grants from foundations and corporations, corporate sponsorships, special campaigns, and more; secure and protect public funding for the organization, including advocacy for federal and state funding.
• Increase visibility for Maryland Humanities both in Baltimore and beyond, with approximately 50% of time spent out of the office engaged in public programs and events, as well as meetings with partners, public officials, and funders.
• Represent Maryland Humanities as a leader in lifelong learning in the humanities to agencies, organizations, public officials, and the general public.
• Build on and advance Maryland Humanities’ work deepening its commitment to racial equity; continue to seek ways to reach diverse audiences and implement programs in ways that center principles of equity and inclusion.
• Facilitate partnerships with stakeholders on all levels, including government. Serve as a liaison with the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), including organizing and executing Maryland Humanities’ self-assessment and three-day site visit every five years conducted by NEH.
• Monitor state and national policy in the humanities, and initiate appropriate action in response to changes. Monitor all organization communications including enews, radio program, website, and more.
• Oversee the day-to-day administration of the organization, including major contracts with all vendors and subcontractors.
• Manage the budget and ensure compliance with federal and state funding regulations.
• Oversee all aspects of staffing, including recruitment, training, retention, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with the Board and its committees to develop, implement, and evaluate policies, programs, and strategic and long-term plans for Maryland Humanities.
• Keep board members engaged and informed on all that happens with the organization; build collaborative relationship with the Board.

Skills and Attributes

The next Executive Director must share the organization’s belief that the power of lifelong learning in the humanities creates thoughtful citizens who have the power to exchange ideas openly and enrich their communities. The next executive must also have:

• Passion for and knowledge about the humanities; value the humanities as a rich source of knowledge and an invaluable set of skills that promotes rigorous thinking and challenge people to consider new alternative points of view.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership and outline a vision that translates into measurable actions and results.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing innovative programs and practices.
• Exceptional skills in persuasive communications (verbal and written) and the ability to serve as Maryland Humanities’ primary media spokesperson, as well as educate, inspire, persuade, and motivate a variety of key audiences across the state of Maryland.
• Strong fundraising record with an emphasis on experience with federal, state, and local grants, as well as corporate donors.
• Demonstrated advocacy experience at the state and federal government levels.
• Respect for diverse backgrounds and opinions, and the ability to connect with individuals of all backgrounds; demonstrated experience in advancing programs through an equity lens.
• Willingness to collaborate and build partnerships with schools, libraries, museums, and more entities that share Maryland Humanities’ goals of building strong communities.
• Stellar leadership and organizational management skills, especially with a small organization.
• Solid financial acumen and budgeting skills.
• Inclusive leadership and management style that encourages staff in ways that motivate them to provide feedback and perform at their best.
• Past success supporting and working with a board of directors in its governance role a plus.