Executive Director of the Shakespeare Association of America

The Shakespeare Association of America (SAA) invites applications for the position of Executive Director.  The SAA is a learned society devoted to academic study of Shakespeare’s works, their cultural and theatrical contexts, and their place in world cultures. Comprising around 2000 members, the SAA is governed by a board of nine Trustees who fulfill rotating terms of three years each.

As chief administrative officer, the Executive Director implements and oversees all daily operations of the organization, with key responsibilities in executing the program for the annual conference; undertaking institutional outreach to other organizations; and communicating with participants and the membership. The position entails managing the organization’s financial operations and budget planning; supervising staff who maintain the website and membership databases, among other administrative duties; conference planning, including regional fundraising, site selection, negotiations with hotels, and special events planning; supporting subcommittee work and initiatives; and coordinating elections.

The directorship is a five-year position (renewable), with a start date of September 1, 2018. The location for the Executive Directorship will be that of the host organization.

We invite applications from full-time, non-contingent faculty (including academic administrators), with a strong preference for faculty with tenure. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and have significant administrative experience as well as scholarly expertise. All applications must include guarantee of financial backing from a host institution willing to serve as headquarters for the organization. The sponsoring institution must provide substantial teaching relief for the Executive Director, at least one full-time support staff (with benefits), office space, and equipment. The Executive Director receives a summer stipend from the SAA.

Please send the following, by October 15, 2017 to Chair of the Search Committee, Rebecca Bushnell [bushnell@sas.upenn.edu] 

            1) c.v.;

            2) letter of application addressing qualifications, interests, and record of participation in the SAA;

            3) names and email addresses for three professional references;

            4) statement from an institution guaranteeing required support.