The Phi Beta Kappa Society
Associate Secretary Position Description
The Phi Beta Kappa Society invites inquiries, nominations, and
applications for the position of Associate Secretary. The Associate
Secretary acts as the chief operating officer of the Phi Beta Kappa
Society. Since its founding in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has celebrated
excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and championed freedom
of thought. As America's most prestigious academic honor society,
Phi Beta Kappa is uniquely equipped to advocate for the value of
liberal arts and sciences education. The mission of the Phi Beta
Kappa Society is to champion education in the liberal arts and
sciences, to foster freedom of thought, and to recognize academic
excellence.
Phi Beta Kappa
Advocates for the importance of liberal arts and sciences
education, especially through the National Arts & Sciences
Initiative
Honors the best and brightest liberal arts and sciences
undergraduates at over 290 top colleges and universities across the
nation
Grants lifelong membership through a highly selective,
merit-based invitation process that takes into consideration
academic success and breadth of study
Connects members to a network of high achievers who are active in
science and health care, business and technology, the arts and
humanities, and law and philanthropy
Offers members quarterly publications and monthly newsletters,
which provide perspectives on public affairs, literature, science,
history, culture, and career development
Provides opportunities to participate in exciting programs
offered by the national office and local chapters and alumni
associations
Recognizes the exceptional achievement of writers and scholars in
the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and
mathematics
Phi Beta Kappa recognizes academic excellence in the liberal arts
and sciences. Only 10 percent of U.S. colleges and universities
have Phi Beta Kappa chapters. These chapters select the top 10
percent of their liberal arts and sciences graduates to join the
Society, making Phi Beta Kappa membership one of the most
prestigious honors a student can achieve. About 20,000 outstanding
undergraduate liberal arts and sciences graduates become members
each year through chapters at 293 colleges and universities in the
U.S. Phi Beta Kappa has added over 100 chapters in the last 40
years. As of 2024, Phi Beta Kappa has chapters at:
91 small liberal arts colleges
94 private universities
108 public universities
The Associate Secretary acts as the chief operating officer of the
Phi Beta Kappa Society. In this role, the Associate
Secretary:
Reports directly to the Secretary
Provides general support of the work of the Secretary in
advancing Phi Beta Kappa's mission
Serves as the Society's Chief Operating Officer with
responsibilities for human resources management, and financial and
budgetary operation
Serves as liaison to the Phi Beta Kappa Senate (the Society's
board of directors)
Oversees the general day-to-day operations of the national
office, in collaboration with the Society staff of approximately
20
Leads planning for the celebration of the Society's 250th
anniversary
Provides support for the Senate's Futures Task Force which is
reviewing the requirements for election to membership
Collaborates with and serves as a resource for the staff
responsible for Society programs
Provides strategic direction for a significant upgrade to the
membership data base
Coordinates fundraising with an external development
consultant
Serves as liaison to the board of the Phi Beta Kappa Foundation,
the external investment consultant, the investment committee and
investment managers
Participates with the Secretary, program directors and others to
develop and oversee the annual budget
Collaborates with external accounting and tax firms
Interacts with the Society's legal counsel, and other external
contacts including vendors and bankers
Manages member relations with member services support staff
Participates in planning and convening the Society's Triennial
Council, the meeting of the Society's legislative body
Occasionally represents the Society at events, conferences and
other outside efforts, with, or in lieu of, the Secretary
Directly supervises staff with responsibility for information
technology, member relations and membership records, communications
and social media, and management and maintenance of the
headquarters building.
Qualifications:
The key qualifications and attributes of the successful candidate
include:
Advanced degree and Phi Beta Kappa membership preferred
Significant background in management positions, with nonprofit
organization experience preferred, such as with higher education
institutions, foundations, membership associations or government
agencies
Demonstrated passion and commitment to Phi Beta Kappa's mission
and ideals and to the liberal arts and sciences
Clear evidence of the ability to supervise teams, and willingness
to work collaboratively, in a collegial and diplomatic manner in a
small-office environment, and to interact successfully with a wide
range of individuals from diverse backgrounds
Exceptional ability to problem-solve, with flexibility,
creativity, imagination, tact and decisiveness, in collaboration
with others
Outstanding organizational ability, allowing for the successful
development, execution, and timely completion of multiple projects
concurrently, including those with multi-year timetables
Clear capacity to attend to detail, prioritize projects, and
achieve timely results, while maintaining an attitude of
flexibility
Knowledge of and interest in financial aspects of nonprofit
management
Knowledge of and interest in membership outreach
Exceptional written and oral presentation skills
Demonstrated commitment to advancing an organization's diversity,
equity and inclusion goals
Exceptional written and oral presentation skills.
How to Apply
The position is open until filled but only applications received by
Thursday, January 2, 2025, can be assured full
consideration.
Phi Beta Kappa and Academic Search, which is assisting in this
search, will keep all nominations, applications, and inquiries
confidential. All applications must include a letter of interest,
full resume/curriculum vitae and the names, addresses, telephone
numbers, and email addresses of five professional references (who
will not be contacted without permission).
Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by
contacting consultants Ann Die Hasselmo (Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org)
and Chris Butler (Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org).
Further information about The Phi Beta Kappa Society is available
at https://www.pbk.org. Phi Beta Kappa is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a
diverse pool of candidates for this position.