The National Coalition for History (NCH), which serves as the central educational and advocacy outreach office for the history and archival communities, is seeking applications for the position of executive director. A consortium of over 75 organizations, the NCH concentrates on issues involving federal funding and policies that have an impact on history-related programs, research, and teaching. These include policy issues related to the support of historical research and public programming, federal historical offices, archival policies, FOIA and access to government information, copyright and intellectual property issues, and historic preservation.

Description of the Position: The executive director serves as the organization’s voice on Capitol Hill. In addition, the executive director is responsible for maintaining the organization’s web pages; writing and publishing a weekly electronic newsletter—the NCH Washington Update—that is distributed via H-NET to professionals across the nation; and encouraging cooperation and, when appropriate, united action among member organizations.

The NCH is a nonprofit 501 (c)-(3) charitable organization that is overseen by a 20-member policy board; the executive director, who is the only staff person, is a registered lobbyist. The NCH operates out of an office in the American Historical Association’s headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Candidates interested in the position are urged to visit the organization’s web page at http://www.h-net.org/~nch/ where past annual reports and the organization’s strategic plan may be consulted.

Preferred Qualifications: The NCH seeks candidates with qualifications in a history-related field (an advanced degree in history or archives is preferred), advocacy experience, effective communication skills (particularly the ability to write concise and clear prose under the pressure of deadlines), expertise in relevant policy and legislative issues, background of working with boards and professional associations, demonstrated ability to work with a diverse constituency, administrative capabilities, and facility at performing disparate tasks. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Procedure: An application letter; resume; names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references; and a short writing sample, should be sent to the Chair of the Search Committee, National Coalition for History, 400 A St., SE, Washington, DC 20003.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to Arnita Jones. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2006, and will continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted beginning in mid-October. The anticipated start date for the successful candidate is negotiable but January 1, 2007 is the target; there will be a short overlap with the current executive director.