The Organization of American Historians has called for applications from qualified individuals who wish to be considered for the position of executive director of the 100-year-old organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of “excellence in the scholarship, teaching, and presentation of American history.” The screening of applications began on November 15, 2008, but the search will continue until the position is filled. The appointment will initially be made for a five-year term.

The OAH is looking for candidates who have “a record of active scholarly pursuits; commitment to mobilize and communicate with historians of widely different interests and to represent their concerns in national, regional, and local settings; a sensitivity to the interests of the organization’s diverse constituencies; a vision of how the organization’s web presence and digital opportunities can be enhanced; experience with development and marketing strategies; and a sound understanding of non-profit organization finances.”

Pete Daniel (Smithsonian Institution), the co-chair of the search committee, informed AHA Today that while the search is being conducted, a Strategic Planning Committee set up by the OAH is at work, developing a blueprint for the organization’s future, and that the person selected to be the next executive director will be expected to actively contribute to the committee’s work. He also stated that promising applicants are likely to be interviewed at the AHA’s annual meeting in New York City in January 2009 and that the search committee hopes to present a finalist for consideration of the executive board of the OAH (which makes the final selection) in time for its meeting at the OAH annual meeting, scheduled to be held in March 2009 in Seattle.

Applicants are required to e-mail letters of application and c.v.’s to Pete Daniel, co-chair, OAH Executive Director Search, and have three letters of recommendation sent to the same e-mail address.

This post first appeared on AHA Today.