Position Vacant - Director, Manning Clark House

Print this page

Overall Context and Objectives

Manning Clark House Inc (MCH) is a not-for-profit organisation the aim of which is to promote, encourage and nurture the production and communication (especially but not only) of Australian history and literature, the literature of Australian history, and of visual and performing art works; and to promote and encourage vigorous discussion and debate in Australian society on issues of public importance and in all areas of scholarly interest. These aims are realised through events like addresses, seminars, debates, conferences, exhibitions and performances, book launches, readings and social gatherings in the home of Manning and Dymphna Clark in Forrest, Canberra, and elsewhere. A number of Residential Fellows conducting research in Canberra are hosted in the house.

MCH is funded by donations and membership fees, as well as grants from the Australian National University, philanthropic organisations and government agencies.

We seek a full-time Director based in Canberra with imagination, flair, networking and friend- and fund-raising abilities and administrative competence who is committed to the work of MCH. Hours are flexible and will include evening and weekend functions. The remuneration is $80,000 p.a., indexed, plus superannuation. The position is available from mid-September.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director is accountable to the MCH Committee. The Director is required to implement the broad objectives of MCH and to work together with the Committee in a consultative and cooperative process.

Specifically, the Director is to

1. Provide leadership in devising and organising (in consultation with the MCH Committee) an annual programme of events and activities that meet the broad objectives of the organisation.
2. Manage the administration of the MCH in a manner that complies with relevant legislation and enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation, particularly with regards to the management of its financial and archival records.
3. Undertake fundraising activities and develop strategies to increase donations, expand the membership, sponsorship and patronage of MCH to secure its long term viability and to maintain the property and assets at 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest, ACT in accordance with the Lease.
4. Develop and consistently monitor a Strategic Plan, a Business Plan and annual budgets which will realise the organisation’s objectives.
5. Seek partnerships with other cultural and scholarly organisations and tertiary institutions, in particular the ANU.
6. Liaise with the media, relevant agencies and organisations to promote the aims of the MCH and to publicise its activities.
7. Oversee the compilation of the MCH Newsletter, other publications and the MCH website to further the aims of the organisation and to protect the intellectual property of MCH.
8. Support the participation of MCH volunteers in the organisation’s work.
9. Promote and support the continued appropriate use of MCH premises and its facilities, including its Library, by approved researchers, residential fellows and other organisations and groups.
10. Keep the MCH Committee informed on factors important to the organisation’s constitutional role and responsibilities and provide written management reports at each Committee meeting.
11. Meet any reasonable requests made by the MCH Committee.

Selection Criteria

1. A strong enthusiasm for and commitment to the work of Manning Clark House.
2. Appropriate tertiary qualifications, preferably at postgraduate level.
3. Demonstrated ability to plan and organise events, and to manage resources and people.
4. Demonstrated fund raising and promotion skills.
5. High level interpersonal skills, particularly a proven ability to establish and maintain networks and to work co-operatively.
6. Evidence of communication and writing skills, incl. skills in writing grant applications.
7. Appropriate skills to effectively use MCH office technology and common software, or willingness to undertake training.

Enquiries

Enquiries may be directed in the first instance to the office of Manning Clark House, phone 02 6295 1808.

Applications

Applications addressing the selection criteria in relation to the duties and names of two referees must be received by Tuesday, 24th August, 2010.

Please send to info@manningclark.org.au or
The President,
Manning Clark House
P.O Box 3096
Manuka, ACT 2603.

Interviews will be held within two weeks after the closing date.

You can either Print this page or download a Word file of this position description and selection criteria.