The Bill of Rights Institute (BRI) is dedicated to educating young people about the words and ideas of America’s Founders, the liberties guaranteed in the Founding documents, and how the Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society. Specifically, BRI develops instructional material and educational programs on America’s Founding documents and principles for high school American History and Civics teachers and students.
Since its inception in 1999, the Institute has assembled a talented team to create each of our programs, including a full-time staff with more than 50 years combined experience in the classroom. In addition, we partner with experts, including outstanding secondary school teachers; academics from the fields of American history, political science, and constitutional law; video producers; web site designers; and evaluation and curriculum experts. As a result of this combination of talent and experience, we have successfully reached more than 44,000 high school teachers who have in turn taught over two millions students about our country’s Founding principles. With an annual operating budget of over $2 million, the Institute is grateful to be supported by hundreds of individual, corporate, and foundation donors as we work to strengthen civic knowledge and foster civic values among the next generation of citizens.
BRI, headquartered in Arlington, VA, seeks a leader who shares our passion and excitement for educating young people on the liberties and responsibilities outlined in America’s founding documents. The President will promote the mission of BRI nationwide by working effectively and creatively with board members, staff, donors, schoolteachers, and related constituents.
The board of directors seeks an individual with strong leadership skills who will lead a dedicated staff in implementation of the strategic plan, and who will ensure continued fiscal integrity of BRI. The board will consider candidates who have held similar management positions, as well as less senior candidates who exhibit the capacity to take on a position of greater responsibility. Less senior candidates will need to be hungry and passionate, and must clearly demonstrate a track record of increasing responsibility and success. All candidates must show a history of positive growth in revenue, programs, and talent.
We seek an individual with the following attributes:
- Demonstrated passion for, and understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the principles that inform it
- 10+ years of professional experience, with at least 5 years of management experience
- Experience working with volunteer boards of directors; understanding of the role of the governing board; a commitment to working in partnership with the board
- Experience managing, coaching, and mentoring staff
- Positive attitude
- Strong decision-making ability
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience fundraising from individuals, corporations, and foundations
- Prior experience in the education field or with education-related nonprofits is desirable, but not required
- Bachelor’s degree
To help BRI grow, the individual must understand the importance of staying mission-focused and remaining non-partisan. The President is supported by a talented team, which in turn relies on a network of teachers and scholars to produce and evaluate educational materials.
The Search Committee of the Board will begin reviewing applications in May 2013 and will continue that review until a suitable candidate is selected.
Interested candidates should submit the following application materials:
1. A résumé
2. A cover letter (not to exceed two pages) explaining:
a. Philosophical interest in the mission of BRI
b. Organization and administrative skills in the nonprofit environment
c. Experience with fundraising (including specific figures on dollars raised, etc.)
d. Experience with talent management (including specific figures on numbers of individuals directly managed/mentored and ability to motivate volunteers/staff)
e. Experience building business, coalition, or affiliate relationships
3. A separate page outlining the individual’s salary and compensation growth and history
4. A list of at least four references who can attest to the material presented by the candidate
It is vital that candidates include all of the requested information; only complete applications will be considered.
E-mail all requested information to Claire Kittle, executive director of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: claire@talentmarket.org.
The Bill of Rights Institute is an equal opportunity employer. www.billofrightsinstitute.org.
