Executive Director

We are the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia

The mission of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia is to discover, collect, preserve, and share the history, cultural heritage, and genealogical legacy of Germanic settlers in the Russian Empire.

We provide quarterly professional journals and hold an annual convention where members meet and conduct family research, hear from scholars of German Russian history and about ongoing research and activities, learn about the latest technology for family research, and renew old and make new acquaintances.   We have purchased and translated hundreds of vital and other relevant records from Russia, conduct multiple educational classes both virtually and in person, collect stories and family histories, and assist members and nonmembers seeking their family history and connections.

Founded in 1968 with headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, we have 3000 members worldwide, four full time staff members, a museum campus with replica buildings and artifacts of our German Russian ancestors, and a library that houses one of the largest collections of German Russian ancestral records and documents in the United States. Museum and library are open 5 days/week.

Our Requirements for an Executive Director: Our Board of Directors is seeking an experienced Executive Director with a minimum of 5 years of progressive responsible experience in a nonprofit/for profit role.  An undergraduate or/graduate degree in history, historical research, business administration, management or a related field strongly preferred. 

The successful candidate must have:

• Successful Executive leadership experience in governance, strategic planning, finance, and administration
• The ability to successfully lead and grow programs, outreach, and operations
• A proven track record in successful fundraising (building/sustaining donor relationships and major gift development)
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written skills
• Working knowledge and understanding of nonprofit budgeting and financial management
• Skill in working with a wide range of age groups at all levels of the organization
• Experience working with board committees and board leadership
• A willingness to learn about and embrace the German Russian heritage and culture
• Capacity to successfully work with ambiguous situations and bring order to competing interests and priorities

To apply: Resumes must be received no later than January 5, 2022.  Email letter of interest, resume, and three professional references in PDF format to AHSGR Search Committee at kls924@gmail.com using the job title and your name in the subject line (example: “Executive Director – Sally Smith”).  All attachments should include your name in the file name (for example: “Sally Smith, Resume”).