Current open position
Deadline for applications: July 9, 2008
The California Council for the Humanities (CCH) is a nonprofit organization devoted to strengthening communities in California by creating, sponsoring and promoting public humanities programs across the state. An innovator in statewide humanities programming, CCH has supported and created award-winning programs, including community-based history programs, youth programs, statewide reading and discussion programs, and Academy Award-winning documentary films. CCH is an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), which provides a stable base of funding. Created in 1975 as a grantmaking organization, the Council now creates and manages projects of its own.
The mission of the California Council for the Humanities is to foster understanding between people and encourage their engagement in community life through the public use of the humanities. The Council has supplemented its annual grant from NEH by raising additional funds from foundations and donors committed to improving cross-cultural understanding and community engagement. The Council has a staff of 13 and its main office is located in San Francisco and houses all but two senior programs managers, who are located in Los Angeles and San Diego.
“How I See It,” the latest phase of California Stories, the Council’s multiyear initiative, was launched in early 2007 and includes thoughtful and exciting programs focused on youth. Program descriptions are available on the Council’s website: www.californiastories.org. These programs are expected to run into 2009. CCH is set to embark on a strategic planning process and the director of programs would be expected to join the staff and board in shaping a new direction for the organization and its programs.
JOB SUMMARY:
The director of programs reports to the executive director and is responsible for the Council's programs.
Duties include:
(1) Oversee and facilitate the development, implementation and coordination of all programs conducted or contracted by the Council and ensure that they meet Council strategic goals and objectives; (2) Coordinate and manage program staff to achieve Council strategic goals and objectives; (3) Oversee grants program and participate in the development of guidelines, counseling of applicants, review of proposals, and monitoring of funded projects; (4) Facilitate development and implementation of programmatic outreach strategy; (5) Establish and maintain relationships with partner organizations; (6) Work with staff to advance public relations, fundraising and organizational performance; (7) Such duties as may be assigned by the executive director.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Proven record of managing and inspiring creative staff to achieve organizational strategic goals and objectives;
• Demonstrated experience in program development and implementation;
• In-depth understanding of the humanities and how they can be used to further civic engagement around issues of importance to California and American democracy;
• Understanding of the role and potential of new technologies in program development and implementation;
• Experience developing departmental budgets;
• Experience working in a team environment and as a teambuilder;
• Knowledge and appreciation of California’s cultural diversity and the needs of the diverse constituency served by the Council;
• Demonstrated capacity as a problem solver with strong strategic and organizational abilities;
• Excellent written and oral communications skills;
• Spanish language skills are desirable;
• Advanced degree in humanities is desirable;
• Sense of humor is desirable.
This position is located in the San Francisco office of the Council. Candidates must be willing to travel as part of their work. The position currently supervises four full-time professional program staff. Equal employment opportunity; a diverse staff is important to the Council.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
How to Apply: Please e-mail a letter of interest and resume to:
jobs@calhum.org
Subject line: Director of Programs
Applications will be accepted through July 9, 2008.
No phone calls, please.