Description

Position Overview:
The Norwegian American Historical Association (NAHA) seeks an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to lead this nationally recognized organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Norwegian-American history and culture. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of history, culture, and community engagement while managing a vital cultural institution.

The Norwegian American Historical Association inspires connections to Norwegian-American experiences through discovery, scholarship and stewardship. Archives, publications, educational programs and research are central to its mission. Located at St. Olaf College, NAHA serves as a vital resource for scholars, students, and the public interested in Norwegian-American heritage. Its website is located at https://norwegianamericanhistory.org

Essential Job Duties:

• Leadership & Governance
  • Manage board affairs including institutional records, reports, and quarterly board meetings
  • Facilitate strategic planning initiatives, task forces, and committees
  • Represent NAHA at campus and public meetings
• Financial Management
  • Prepare and monitor budgets for organizational operations
  • Issue regular financial reports to the board and stakeholders
  • Oversee bookkeeping functions and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Development & Fundraising
  • Lead member recruitment and donor relations initiatives
  • Manage annual fund appeals and major gift campaigns
  • Research, write, and manage grant applications
  • Oversee special fundraising campaigns from planning through stewardship
  • Maintain comprehensive donor records and correspondence
• Communications & Public Relations
  • Oversee production of quarterly newsletters, e-newsletters, and annual reports
  • Manage social media presence and website content
  • Coordinate advertising and publicity efforts
  • Deliver presentations to public audiences as requested
• Publications Program
  • Manage NAHA's publications program including budget oversight
  • Coordinate contracts with editors, vendors, and co-publishers
  • Oversee book sales, inventory management, and distribute
• Event Planning & Management
  • Plan and execute NAHA events including conferences and special programs
  • Manage event marketing, registration, and logistics
  • Secure presenters, volunteers, venues, and catering services
• Supervision & Collaboration
  • Supervise NAHA staff including Borgen Family Archivist, archivists, editor, and student employees
  • Coordinate work of interns and volunteers
  • Facilitate relationships with contractors and consultants
• General Administration
  • Respond to phone and email inquiries from the public
  • Purchase supplies and equipment as needed
  • Ensure compliance with organizational and institutional requirements
  • Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Reports to the Associate Provost
• This position supervises both staff and student workers

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet St. Olaf College driver authorization criteria.
  • Valid passport.
• Experience:
  • Strong knowledge of and/or demonstrated interest in Norwegian-American history and culture.
  • 2+ years of sales and/or marketing experience, OR 2+ years of non-profit development/fundraising experience.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities.
  • Proficiency with database management and office software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in History, Scandinavian Studies, Norwegian, or related field
  • Graduate degree
• Experience: Knowledge of Norwegian language.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Experience in non-profit environment including working with boards, volunteers, and development activities.
  • Experience working in an academic setting
  • Grant writing experience.
  • Event planning and management experience