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Executive Director

The Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America, Inc - New York, NY

The Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America, Inc. (PIASA) is 501c(3) tax exempt not for profit educational organization supported exclusively by its members, friends and the public. Founded in 1942, it has become the leading center of learning and source of information in the United States about Poland's history and culture, its arts and sciences, and the Polish ethnic group's role and contributions to America. Its headquarters at 203 East 30th Street, New York, New York serves as a research center with an extensive library and archives. Its publications, The Polish Review and PIASA Books, an annual academic meeting, lectures and exhibitions at the Institute, and an awards program support the Institute's mission of promoting learning and scholarship. The Institute has cooperative relations and arrangements with leading Polish scholarly and cultural institutions. Information about PIASA is available at www.piasa.org

The Executive Director (ED) is the Chief Executive Officer of the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences and is responsible for leading and managing the Institute's operations. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors which is elected by the membership and led by an executive committee. Executive Director may be supported by an Associate Director and/or Administrative Assistant.

Responsibilities.
Programmatic: Provide leadership and initiative, plan and manage implementation of programs to advance the Institute's mission.
Finances: Develop annual budget, in cooperation with Treasurer, for Board approval. Maintain sound financial practices and operate within budget guidelines. Provide timely filing of all federal and city reports for maintenance of tax exemptions.
Property Management: Provide for safety and security of the Institute's 5-story townhouse, its library, archives, art work, staff and visitors, ensuring proper maintenance and utilization; file reports and forms required by City of New York, insurance and other organizations
Membership: Develop and implement membership retention and recruitment program.
Fundraising: Work closely with Board members to identify funding sources and secure grants and sponsorships. Maintain funding arrangements with other institutions.
Public Relations: Manage the Institute's communication with members, academic organizations, universities, and the media. Forge supportive relationships with scholarly associations, institutions of higher learning, foundations, ethnic organizations, and government agencies both in the United States and Poland.
Library and Archives: Oversee and supervise the operation of PIASA's Library and Archives; manage relationships for obtaining services of visiting research archivists and librarians from Poland.
Personnel: Develop an effective staffing structure, drawing in volunteers to the maximum extent possible, and provide effective management of staff, both salaried and volunteer.
Corporate: Work cooperatively with the President, the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors and its committees. See that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the Institute and all important factors influencing it.

Qualifications:
Required
Passion and vision for the mission of the Polish Institute.
Proven professional excellence in providing intellectual and managerial leadership.
Knowledge of Polish arts, culture, society, history and/or sciences.
Business acumen; basic understanding of budgeting and financing and legal/fiscal requirements for non-profits.
Proven management, organizational, and communications skills.
Ability to motivate, guide and lead and work well with a wide range of persons and institutions.
Resident within commuting distance of Manhattan.
Highly Desirable
An earned doctorate or other terminal degree.
Some knowledge of Polish.
Experience working with associations or other non-profit membership groups.
Fund-raising and grant-writing experience.

Start Date: The selectee is expected to take up the position no later than June 1, 2011.

To Apply: Applicants are invited to submit a letter of interest covering qualifications, availability in terms of hours per week and start date, and requirements, along with a resume. Nominations also are welcomed. Materials should be sent by e-mail to the committee chair, Dr. Susanne S. Lotarski at: vp_piasa_lotarski@verizon.net. Questions can also be sent to this address.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin June 1, 2010; however, applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled.

Posted on March 24, 2010.