The Shakespeare Association of America (SAA) invites applications for the position of Executive Director. Founded in 1972, the SAA is a non-profit professional organization for the advanced academic study of William Shakespeare’s plays and poems, their cultural and theatrical contexts, and the many roles these have played in world culture. Comprising around 2000 members, the SAA is governed by a board of twelve 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 academic organizations; and communicating with the membership in consultation with the SAA President. The position entails managing the organization’s day-to-day financial operations; 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 the SAA Board’s committee work and initiatives; and coordinating elections in consultation with the SAA President.
The position is a five-year position (renewable), with a start date of 1 September 2025.
We invite applications from full-time faculty (including academic administrators) to put forward a proposal for their institution to become the headquarters of the SAA. Applicants may put themselves forward as the prospective Executive Director or outline an appointment process by which their institution will hire a tenured faculty member or convert an existing tenured faculty position. Prospective Executive Directors must hold a Ph.D., have significant administrative experience, scholarly expertise, and a guarantee of financial backing from a host institution willing to serve as headquarters for the organization. The sponsoring institution would provide substantial support including teaching or in-kind relief for the Executive Director, at least one full-time support staff (with benefits), office space, and equipment. The Executive Director receives a supplemental stipend from the SAA.
We will begin reviewing applications on 15 October 2024 and will schedule interviews in December or January. Please send the following materials to the Chair of the Search Committee, Patricia Akhimie at [email protected].
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.
The search committee welcomes any questions about the position, institutional commitments required, or application process; please reach out to the chair or any of the search committee members.
Patricia Akhimie
Bernadette Andrea
Mario DiGangi
Michelle Dowd
Ruben Espinosa
Wendy Beth Hyman
Peter Kirwan
Lucy Munro
Adam Zucker