Job ID: 49358
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Last Updated: 7 days ago
About SC Humanities
Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. SC Humanities presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.
About the Position
SC Humanities seeks a visionary Executive Director to collaboratively lead and shape the future of its mission to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. The Executive Director is the primary advocate for humanities in South Carolina, representing the organization to state, regional, and national stakeholders. The Executive Director drive strategic initiatives and daily operations that support humanities programs that impact over 250,000 individuals each year across South Carolina.
This position calls for a dynamic thinker with exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities and building strong partnerships across diverse constituencies. The Executive Director will lead the organization in making a meaningful impact by supporting and growing high-quality, far-reaching, and inspiring programs in South Carolina.
Reports to: SC Humanities’ Board of Directors
Located in: Columbia, SC
FY24 Budget: $1.1M
Number of Direct Reports: 4 Full Time Staff, 3 Consultants
Organizational Structure: Full time staff include an Assistant Director, an Operations Director, a Director of Development, and a Communications Coordinator. SC Humanities utilizes consultants for accounting, information technology, and website design.
To view the full position profile, please visit SC Humanities Position Profile
Areas of Responsibility
Leadership and Strategic Direction
The Executive Director will oversee all operations to ensure the organization’s mission and strategic objectives are achieved by working closely with the Board of Directors to determine strategic direction and with internal staff to implement the vision, policies, procedures, and planning necessary to achieve organizational goals and objectives. The Executive Director will lead short- and long-range planning efforts and will spearhead new initiatives, programs, and projects that align with the mission and expand SC Humanities reach and impact.
Financial Management and Budgeting
The Executive Director will oversee the organization’s budget and fiscal operations. This will include developing and implementing annual budgets and reports that adhere to financial guidelines and legal requirements and working with staff and the Board to monitor spending and ensure financial stability and transparency.
Fundraising and Resource Development
Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. SC Humanities presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.
About the Position
SC Humanities seeks a visionary Executive Director to collaboratively lead and shape the future of its mission to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. The Executive Director is the primary advocate for humanities in South Carolina, representing the organization to state, regional, and national stakeholders. The Executive Director drive strategic initiatives and daily operations that support humanities programs that impact over 250,000 individuals each year across South Carolina.
This position calls for a dynamic thinker with exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities and building strong partnerships across diverse constituencies. The Executive Director will lead the organization in making a meaningful impact by supporting and growing high-quality, far-reaching, and inspiring programs in South Carolina.
Reports to: SC Humanities’ Board of Directors
Located in: Columbia, SC
FY24 Budget: $1.1M
Number of Direct Reports: 4 Full Time Staff, 3 Consultants
Organizational Structure: Full time staff include an Assistant Director, an Operations Director, a Director of Development, and a Communications Coordinator. SC Humanities utilizes consultants for accounting, information technology, and website design.
To view the full position profile, please visit SC Humanities Position Profile
Areas of Responsibility
Leadership and Strategic Direction
The Executive Director will oversee all operations to ensure the organization’s mission and strategic objectives are achieved by working closely with the Board of Directors to determine strategic direction and with internal staff to implement the vision, policies, procedures, and planning necessary to achieve organizational goals and objectives. The Executive Director will lead short- and long-range planning efforts and will spearhead new initiatives, programs, and projects that align with the mission and expand SC Humanities reach and impact.
Financial Management and Budgeting
The Executive Director will oversee the organization’s budget and fiscal operations. This will include developing and implementing annual budgets and reports that adhere to financial guidelines and legal requirements and working with staff and the Board to monitor spending and ensure financial stability and transparency.
Fundraising and Resource Development
The Executive Director leads the organization’s fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor relations, and event planning, to secure essential financial resources. This role involves cultivating new sources of funding through potential partners, donors, and corporate sponsorships. Additionally, the Executive Director collaborates closely with the Board and senior staff to develop and implement fundraising strategies, ensuring the organization’s long- term financial sustainability and growth.
External Engagement and Partnership Management
As the primary spokesperson, the Executive Director maintains relationships with government agencies, cultural institutions, and external partners. This includes managing the relationship with the Federal State Partnership at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and ensuring the organization meets all reporting and compliance requirements. The Executive Director coordinates with the Federation of State Humanities Councils to build relationships, collaborate on joint initiatives, and engage in advocacy efforts. The Executive Director represents the organization in advocating for the humanities at both the state and national levels. Other responsibilities include overseeing the development and implementation of public relations campaigns, media outreach, and marketing strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation. Additionally, the role acts as a liaison between the Board of Directors, staff, and external organizations.
Program Management and Evaluation
The Executive Director manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs, fostering innovation and creativity in enhancing existing programs or in championing new programs. This activity includes determining performance metrics and evaluating outcomes effectively. The role also involves coordinating activities that promote the organization’s mission across South Carolina.
Board Relations and Governance
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and proactively engages with members, providing information related to the organization’s financial health, program successes and challenges, and overall organizational performance. This will involve regular reporting and communication, effective governance policies that promote transparency and accountability, and partnership in enhancing the organization’s mission. The Executive Director also assists in the orientation and training of new Board members and is responsible for planning and coordinating Board meetings in consultation with the Chairperson. This entails developing meeting agendas that align with the Board’s priorities, facilitating productive meetings by keeping discussions focused, and ensuring all meeting planning activities allow for effective decision-making.
Staff Management and Development
The Executive Director supervises and provides guidance to staff, clearly communicating organizational goals and objectives to ensure alignment and engagement in pursuit of the mission. Responsibilities include hiring staff, conducting staff evaluations, offering professional development opportunities, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive work environment.External Engagement and Partnership Management
As the primary spokesperson, the Executive Director maintains relationships with government agencies, cultural institutions, and external partners. This includes managing the relationship with the Federal State Partnership at the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and ensuring the organization meets all reporting and compliance requirements. The Executive Director coordinates with the Federation of State Humanities Councils to build relationships, collaborate on joint initiatives, and engage in advocacy efforts. The Executive Director represents the organization in advocating for the humanities at both the state and national levels. Other responsibilities include overseeing the development and implementation of public relations campaigns, media outreach, and marketing strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation. Additionally, the role acts as a liaison between the Board of Directors, staff, and external organizations.
Program Management and Evaluation
The Executive Director manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs, fostering innovation and creativity in enhancing existing programs or in championing new programs. This activity includes determining performance metrics and evaluating outcomes effectively. The role also involves coordinating activities that promote the organization’s mission across South Carolina.
Board Relations and Governance
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and proactively engages with members, providing information related to the organization’s financial health, program successes and challenges, and overall organizational performance. This will involve regular reporting and communication, effective governance policies that promote transparency and accountability, and partnership in enhancing the organization’s mission. The Executive Director also assists in the orientation and training of new Board members and is responsible for planning and coordinating Board meetings in consultation with the Chairperson. This entails developing meeting agendas that align with the Board’s priorities, facilitating productive meetings by keeping discussions focused, and ensuring all meeting planning activities allow for effective decision-making.
Staff Management and Development
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in the humanities, nonprofit management, or related field is required for consideration. A Master’s degree is preferred but not required for consideration.
- Proven leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, preferably within the humanities or a related field.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit management, including budgeting, program evaluation, fundraising, and staff supervision.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and media relations.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, partners, and community organizations.
- A deep commitment to the values and mission of the organization.
- Experience working with Board of Directors and supporting governance processes. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex projects.
- Proficiency in the use of technology for communication, reporting, and program management.
- Experience with fundraising and securing grants from private and public sources.
- Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative team environment.
