EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Council of State Archivists (CoSA) Application deadline: September 8, 2017
OVERVIEW
The Council of State Archivists (CoSA) is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. CoSA is a small but dynamic national organization representing the directors of state archives and records management operations in the 56 states and territories. CoSA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, with a mission to support and strengthen state and territorial archives in their work to preserve America’s historic records. This is accomplished through: fostering collaborations among state and territorial archives and with allied professions; providing a range of services to state archives to strengthen their programs; and working at the national level to advocate and secure funding and resources for records programs. CoSA’s projects have significantly influenced how state governments manage paper and digital records, protect citizen rights, and preserve their history.
CoSA’s annual operating budget is approximately $200,000 which supports the position of Executive Director, a part-time program manager and contractual support services for functions such as bookkeeping. The operating budget is supplemented by grant funds for specific projects which can support additional project staff and/or additional time for incumbents. Since 2012, CoSA has administered programmatic grant funds in excess of $679,000.
BASIC FUNCTIONS
The Executive Director is the chief operating officer responsible for the daily operations of the organization. Guided by CoSA’s mission and reporting to the CoSA Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides oversight and management of operations, staff, member services and relations, communications, budgeting and financial planning, accounting and fiscal management, grants administration, contract and grant compliance, and relations with counterparts in allied organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director:
§ Plans, formulates, and recommends to the Board policies and programs that will further the objectives of CoSA.
§ Oversees CoSA office operations, including staff supervision and evaluation, contractual arrangements for services and consultants, and internal records management.
§ In consultation with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, develops and recommends an annual budget for Board approval and manages CoSA finances within the parameters of the Board-approved budget and CoSA policies.
§ Seeks external funding to support Board-approved grant funded programs; supervises development and submission of all grant proposals and ensures that progress reports to funding organizations are submitted accurately and on time.
§ Serves as project director for CoSA’s major grant-funded initiatives, performing duties as specified in grant awards and overseeing staff and contractors assigned to the project.
§ Oversees program development in collaboration with the Board and CoSA membership; monitors and evaluates programs; provides regular reports to Board and funding agencies on program and funding status.
§ Oversees and plans CoSA’s annual membership meeting and mid-year Board meeting.
§ Provides services to members by responding to queries, maintaining websites and lists, and communicating information to the state archives.
§ With Board authorization, serves as spokesperson for CoSA.
§ Monitors the activities of federal, state, and local governments and allied professions and organizations that are of interest to CoSA, and reports regularly on these to the membership.
§ Maintains effective relationships and communications with allied archival and records management organizations and with other related professional associations, such as the National Governor’s Association, the National Association of Secretaries of State, the National Association of State CIOs, and others.
§ Assists in fundraising and development activities for the organization in concert with the Development Committee.
§ Assists in advocacy efforts of the CoSA Advocacy Committee and Joint Advocacy Task Force in support of CoSA’s mission to secure resources for records programs nationwide and in conjunction with CoSA’s strategic plan.
CANDIDATE PROFILE:
Required:
§ Demonstrated ability to manage staff, projects, grants, and finances.
§ Demonstrated ability to work in a complex environment with competing demands.
§ Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
§ Demonstrated knowledge of technology and emerging technologies applicable to the archives and records management profession.
§ Proven ability to communicate effectively in oral presentations and in writing.
§ Bachelor’s degree.
Preferred but not required:
§ Advanced degree
§ Knowledge of and experience in:
o government archives
o association management
o marketing
o board management
o statistical analysis
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Some travel required.
CoSA has the ability to provide office space in Albany, New York, or Annapolis or Baltimore, Maryland. Location of the office, however, is negotiable. Applicants may suggest alternate locations such as a home office. Applicants must indicate work place preference in their letter of application.
Employment is through an annually renewable contract.
CoSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
APPLICATION PACKAGE
Application packages shall include:
1. A letter of application that explains: (a) why you are interested in the position, (b) how your background and experience have prepared you for this job, (c) what other personal or organizational qualities and skills you possess which will help you succeed as CoSA’s next Executive Director, and (d) work place location preference,
2. A detailed resume,
3. A professional writing sample that demonstrates your ability to analyze issues, explain complex concepts, and/or present persuasive arguments, e.g., project report, grant proposal, advocacy materials, and
4. Names and contact information for three references.
Application packages should be emailed to as a single pdf with the following naming convention: lastname_firstname.pdf
Questions can be sent to
Application deadline: September 8, 2017