The Georgia Genealogical Society (GGS) is seeking an Executive Director for its Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)

The following is a press release issued by the Georgia Genealogical Society:

Atlanta, GA, 25 May 2023 – Georgia Genealogical Society seeks Executive Director for the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research beginning with IGHR 2024. To apply, submit cover letter and resume by 21 June 2023 to Madelyn Nix, GGS President, [email protected].

About Us

The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), sponsored by the Georgia Genealogical Society (GGS), provides an educational forum for the discovery, critical evaluation, and use of genealogical sources and methodology through a week of intensive study led by premier genealogical educators who are leading researchers and scholars in the field. IGHR consists of 12 to 13 courses that take place either in person or online during the last full week of July. Students choose one course that lasts throughout the week.

Course levels range from basic skills to advanced methodology and evidence analysis designed to solve complex research problems; course topics range from resources for specific geographic locations to in-depth skill development on specific subjects, such as land records, military records, and DNA analysis.

Visit ighr.gagensociety.org to learn more.

Job Summary

The IGHR Executive Director coordinates the development, implementation, evaluation, and supervision of institute goals, objectives, and activities with the help of the IGHR Steering Committee, comprised of IGHR committee coordinators and select GGS officers, and the IGHR Advisory Council, comprised of IGHR faculty members. This is a part-time position with planning occurring throughout the year. Virtual meetings are held with the IGHR Steering Committee and IGHR Advisory Council. Hybrid meetings are held with the GGS Board. Compensation is paid annually based on a percentage of the net income and number of attendees for the current year’s institute. Payment based on our previous year’s institute would have been $9000 – $15,000. Planning for IGHR 2024 begins in August 2023, and it is expected that the IGHR Executive Director will begin orientation immediately with the IGHR 2023 Executive Committee and Steering Committee.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Key duties should be interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature.

• Oversees IGHR and reports to GGS Board. Attends GGS Board meetings as required.

• Liaises with IGHR Advisory Council, IGHR Steering Committee, IGHR faculty, libraries staff, and event venue staff to provide a high-level educational experience. Georgia Genealogical Society • P.O. Box 550247 • Atlanta, GA 30355-2747

• Serves as contact person with IGHR faculty and libraries staff.

• Submits new course and evening session proposals to IGHR Advisory Council for approval. Communicates status of proposals and scheduling of approved proposals.

• Prepares, distributes, and manages course coordinator and instructor contracts. Submits new faculty information to IGHR Advisory Council for approval.

• Leads IGHR Steering Committee in planning the institute and recruiting committee volunteers.

• Develops, implements, and monitors IGHR budget with input from the Steering Committee. Reviews and approves all invoices before submitting to GGS for payment.

• Provides assistance to attendees with admissions, advisory, and registration services.

• Coordinates with GGS President on in-person institute venue contracts and orders.

• Consults with IGHR Technology Coordinator to select video conferencing platform for virtual institute and purchase necessary licenses.

• Facilitates event space for institute bookstore.

• Conducts faculty and attendee orientation.

• Researches, compiles, prepares, and reviews data-based reports on the institute and shares with IGHR and GGS. Shares faculty evaluation reports with relevant course coordinators and individual faculty members.

Performs such additional duties and responsibilities as defined in the Georgia Genealogical Society Policies & Procedures Manual and/or other duties as requested by the GGS President.

Qualifications and Skills

Supports and facilitates positive interaction with others by demonstrating individual maturity, respect for others, and a team-centered approach.

Possesses and utilizes:

• working knowledge of event management skills

• ability to manage a collaborative process

• effective communication skills (both written and oral)

• effective organizational and time management skills

• ability to apply analytical and critical thinking skills and prepare accurate report of results

• familiarity with genealogy research skills

• broad understanding and knowledge of marketing and the importance it has for the viability and long-term success of IGHR

• knowledge of grant writing process and financial management 

Experience with a genealogy institute as an attendee, instructor, or organizer is preferred but not required.