PI GAMMA MU SEEKS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Search for an Executive Director – 2013

Description of Qualifications and Expectations and Solicitation of Applications

Pi Gamma Mu, an international honor society affiliated with the Association of College Honor Societies, recognizes honor students who are studying social science fields of study.  The society currently has chapters at 150 colleges and universities in the United States, the Philippine Islands, and Kuwait.  Founded in 1924 at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kans., Pi Gamma Mu is headquartered in Winfield.

Pi Gamma Mu now seeks a professional nonprofit manager to fill the vacant position of executive director.  The executive director reports to the president and the Board of Trustees.  Within the framework of the society's bylaws and policies established by the board, the executive director supervises two employees and is responsible for performing a wide range of challenging administrative activities related to finance and accounting, marketing and promotion of services, human resources, and discretionary activities that serve to support effective business operations.  Under general direction from the board, he/she carries out decisions that influence operations; directs and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; and directs and ensures proper coordination of all administrative affairs.  The executive director advises and assists the board, prepares agendas and documents, attends and participates in Board of Trustees meetings, and provides staff support to all committees of the board.  This position requires a commitment to the mission and goals of Pi Gamma Mu and programs dedicated to recognition of honor students.  

The Board of Trustees hopes to make an appointment by late October 2013.  The Personnel Committee specifies the following qualifications and expectations associated with the vacant position.

A. Qualifications

1. EDUCATION

The committee requires that a candidate hold a master's degree in nonprofit management or a closely related field or, alternatively, a bachelor's degree in such a field and a minimum of four years of experience as a professional nonprofit manager.

2. SKILLS

a. Written and oral communication.  A candidate must have outstanding written and oral communication skills.  He/she must be able to write for Pi Gamma Mu publications, notably the Pi Gamma Mu Newsletter, for which he/she will be the chief editor and writer, and to compose correspondence.  He/she must be able to speak to audiences about Pi Gamma Mu and topics of interest to members of the society.  He/she must have the ability to facilitate all aspects of the operations of the society's peer-reviewed journal, the International Social Science Review.  The executive director must have the ability to "articulate[e] and promot[e] the vision and mission that guide the organization."¹

b. Convention and meeting planning.  A candidate must be able to organize conventions and meetings, including negotiation of hotel contracts and arrangement of travel and programs.

c. Growth.  A candidate must be able to foster the growth of an organization, including the retention and creation of new chapters and increasing the number of members (initiates).

d. Technology.  A candidate must have proficiency with technology, such as Microsoft Office software, Web-based software, and financial/bookkeeping software.

e. Budgeting and finance.  A candidate must have the ability to handle significant fiscal responsibility in a complex organization and manage budgets, which include multiple sources of funds.

f. Volunteer management. A candidate must have the ability to create and sustain broad relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.

B. Expectations

1. "POWER‑WITH" LEADERSHIP

The Board of Trustees requires the executive director to conduct himself/herself in accordance with the philosophy of "power‑with" leadership.  The executive director's orientation must be directed toward effective service for chapter volunteers and members, frank communication with and productive support for the board, and mutually productive relationships with employees.  The executive director must model constructive leadership by practicing "power‑with" leadership rather than "power‑over" leadership.

The executive director shall work cooperatively with the board to plan, develop strategy, and implement policies.  The executive director will demonstrate initiative and imagination in the design of plans and strategies.  He/she will keep his/her skills up to date, such as pursuit of continuing education as circumstances warrant.

2. ENLIGHTENED PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

The Board of Trustees requires the executive director to relate to subordinates in a professional, respectful manner and to be a role model.  He/she shall cultivate a professional, productive, respectful work environment in the international office.  The executive director shall inspire and motivate employees to provide their best productive efforts to deliver valuable service to the society's stakeholders and counsel employees about ways in which to improve performance when necessary.  He/she shall discuss employees' performance with them and develop annual written evaluations of their work, which the Board of Trustees shall review.  He/she shall recognize employees' accomplishments.  He/she shall not attempt to suppress communication between subordinates and volunteers, including the members of the board.  The executive director shall not regard the society's human and other resources as existing to promote his/her personal interests.  The fundamental standard for the evaluation of recognizing all employees' work shall be its contribution to accomplishing the society's mission.  In managing subordinates, the executive director shall employ the principles of nourishment, justice, respect, confidence, transparency, and accountability.²

3. VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

The executive director shall enlist the assistance of volunteers, including board members, regional and state officers, and chapter officers.  He/she is both obligated to provide staff support to volunteers and entitled to receive volunteer support from volunteers.  He/she shall provide feedback to volunteers concerning the quality of their volunteer service and shall keep records about their service and the resulting feedback.

4. CHAPTER/CUSTOMER SERVICE

A fundamental responsibility of the international office is the delivery of support and resources to the society's chapter volunteers and members.  The executive director must ensure that volunteers and members receive prompt, considerate, and effective service.

5. COORDINATION, RECORD-KEEPING, AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The executive director shall coordinate the essential operations of the society.  He/she shall ensure that all aspects of the organization operate in accordance with government laws and regulations, Pi Gamma Mu's constitution, and decisions of the Board of Trustees.  The executive director shall keep thorough, well-organized records to support long-range operations and to preserve the organization's history.  He/she shall manage the organization's financial resources responsibly, with the objectives of increasing revenue; controlling costs; monitoring investments; and keeping meticulous, accurate financial records.

6. INTEGRITY

The Board of Trustees expects the executive director to conduct himself/herself in a manner that reflects favorably on the reputation of the organization.  He/she shall manage the organization's resources, supervise other employees, and interact with volunteers in an ethical, principled manner that reflects honesty, reliability, and commendable values.  In assessing the work of the executive director, the board will be mindful of his/her demonstration of character.

C. Benefits of Service as Executive Director

The Board of Trustees will provide a fair salary to the executive director.  The board will also offer participation in a health-insurance plan.

D. Hiring Process

1. HOW TO APPLY

An applicant may submit a letter, which expresses interest in the position and specifically addresses qualifications, and a résumé by regular mail or E‑mail to the chairman of the Personnel Committee.  She is Amanda M. Wolcott, 3367 Mission Bay Blvd., Apt. 236, Orlando, Fla.   32817, [email protected].  Questions may also be directed to international president Barry D. Friedman, [email protected].  Initial review of applications will begin on August 23, 2013, and continue until the position is filled.

2. SCREENING

The Personnel Committee will screen applications.  Certain applicants selected by the committee for further consideration will be asked to submit names of references, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

3. INTERVIEWS

The Personnel Committee anticipates that interviews will occur in mid‑ to late October, most likely in Springfield, Mo.  The society will reimburse reasonable travel expenses.

ENDNOTES

¹ BoardSource, The Nonprofit Board Answer Book:  A Practical Guide for Board Members and Chief Executives, 2d ed. (San Francisco:  Jossey‑Bass, 2007), p. 268.

² Mimi Carlson and Margaret Donohoe, The Executive Director's Guide to Thriving as a Nonprofit Leader, 2d ed. (San Francisco:  Jossey‑Bass, 2010), p. 178.

amw/bdf
6/17/2013