Agricultural History Society Requests Proposals for New Executive Secretary/Treasurer

Agricultural History Society
Request for Proposals

 Position:  Executive Secretary
Position:  Treasurer
Released July 2022
Proposals due: January 31st, 2023

The Agricultural History Society (AHS) invites applications for Executive Secretary and Treasurer, with a start date of June 1, 2024. Since 1919, the AHS has served as the leading scholarly organization in the world dedicated to the study of rural life and agriculture, with our journal Agricultural History serving the scholarly community since 1927. AHS members research and teach the history of agriculture and rural life from multiple perspectives across various time periods and geographies.

In June 2024, the AHS will conclude five years of successful leadership by Executive Secretary Joseph L. Anderson (Mount Royal University) and Treasurer Sara E. Morris (University of Kansas). AHS members and officers now look forward to welcoming new leadership. Proposals need not reflect the pattern of two officers at different institutions and may combine the two roles. Professor Anderson and Dr. Morris will provide counsel during the transition. Proposals from candidates with institutional support, such as course release and student assistance, are particularly welcomed.

The principal duties of the Executive Secretary include:

·       Providing strategic vision for the AHS in cooperation with officers and the Executive Committee.
·       Maintaining membership rolls and supporting membership drives and other member initiatives.
·       Maintaining society records, including committee assignments and award winners and relevant information on the society website.
·       Communicating with members, officers, and the public regarding AHS activities.
·       Planning and providing organizational support for annual meetings of the society.
·       Supporting the work of officers, the Executive Committee, and other committees.
·       Conducting annual elections for leadership positions.
·       Support the society’s journal by liaising with the editor and vendors on issues relating to the business of the journal. 

The principal duties of the Treasurer include:

·       Managing AHS financial assets in consultation with the Executive Committee, with primary responsibility for monitoring deposits and issuing payments.
·       Filing tax returns for the organization in consultation with a CPA.
·       Ensuring the timely filing of governmental and regulatory compliance documents.
·       Reporting the financial affairs of the AHS to the Executive Committee and membership on a periodic basis.
·       Liaising with the Executive Secretary and Editor of Agricultural History regarding membership, conferences, and the journal.
·       Implementing improved workflows and processes for managing the society’s financial accounts. 

The search committee welcomes succinct proposals of approximately 3-5 pages. The successful proposal(s) will address the following:

·       Clear vision for building on past success.
·       Plan for support from host institution (i.e., course releases, overhead, student assistants).
·       Expected level of support from AHS.
·       Proposals must present a plan for maintaining AHS funds as U.S. dollars; at least one individual must be domiciled in the United States.
·       Plan for covering the two positions (i.e., two individuals at one institution, two individuals at different institutions, or one individual for both roles). The society is open to all configurations for these positions. 

Inquiries about these positions should be addressed to AHS President Shane Hamilton (shane.hamilton@york.ac.uk) or the current Executive Secretary, Joe Anderson (jlanderson@mtroyal.ca).

All proposals should be emailed to Shane Hamilton at: shane.hamilton@york.ac.uk

Due Date: January 31st, 2023