Executive Director

Organizational Overview

The International Churchill Society (ICS) is the world’s preeminent member organization dedicated to preserving the historic legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and reaffirming his lasting impact. At a time when leadership is challenged at every turn, that legacy looms larger and remains more relevant than ever. Churchill’s life and legacy serve as a guidepost in addressing contemporary issues of leadership, promoting his values in an increasingly complex and everchanging world.

“So, there you have, a man of extraordinary courage, physical and moral. A man with the capacity of foresight […], who learned from his mistakes. And then on top of everything else, that eloquence. As a result therefore, you have somebody who was able to go beyond even what he had predicted and prescribed for himself as a 16-year-old schoolboy. Because he was not just able to save London and England. He also saved civilization itself.” – Andrew Roberts, Historian

Position Overview

ICS is searching for an Executive Director (ED) to be responsible for the organization’s overall leadership, vision, and execution of the organization’s mission. This person should have a passion for driving forward Churchill’s legacy and building ICS’s brand globally. The ED will work autonomously while reporting to and collaborating with the Board of Directors and the Board Chair to develop and maintain alignment with ICS’s long-term goals.

The ED will be the driving force behind ICS’s fundraising, educational programs, membership engagement, and international partnerships, serving as the public face of the organization. This position requires a high-energy, entrepreneurial leader with the ability to manage multiple priorities, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and oversee both day-to-day operations and large-scale initiatives.

As the principal staff representative of ICS, the ED must be an effective communicator who can inspire donors, collaborate with institutions, and engage the broader public on the importance of Sir Winston Churchill’s life, leadership, and legacy. The ED must have a working knowledge of Washington, D.C., including its policy, academic, and cultural institutions, as well as strong networking capabilities within the city.

This position is based in Washington, D.C., and requires regular travel, both domestically and internationally, to strengthen ICS’s global presence and partnerships. ICS is headquartered at the National Churchill Leadership Center (NCLC) on the first floor of Gelman Library at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Opened in late 2016, the 5,000 sq. ft. NCLC, managed in partnership with GWU, features a library with 1,000+ Churchill-related volumes, a conference room, exhibit space, and a reading/event area for 100+ attendees. It also includes offices for the Executive Director, administrative staff, and visiting scholars.

This person is expected to be in office 3-4 days per week. The ED will also have the ability to hire and manage an executive assistant to support administrative and operational responsibilities.

 Key Responsibilities

 Organizational Leadership & Governance

• Lead and oversee all daily and annual activities of ICS.
• Serve as the principal public face of ICS, engaging with members, donors, sponsors, affiliates, and thought leaders worldwide.
• Report directly to the Board of Directors and the Chair, ensuring transparency and alignment with ICS’s mission.
• Plan and execute quarterly and special Board meetings, working with Board committees and officers.

 Mission & Program Development

• Champion ICS’s mission to promote, educate, and inform the public about Sir Winston Churchill’s life, leadership, and legacy.
• Develop and manage educational programming and public events, including partnerships with institutions like America’s National Churchill Museum and the National Churchill Leadership Center at George Washington University.
• Engage with the Churchill family, the International Churchill Society (UK), and global ICS chapters to support ICS initiatives.

 Fundraising & Financial Management

• Lead fundraising efforts, including broad-based campaigns and major gift initiatives.
• Develop and execute strategies to recruit and retain members, ensuring sustained engagement and growth.
• Oversee financial operations, including budget planning and management, with support from the Board’s Finance Committee and external accounting vendors.

 Event Planning & Communications

• Plan and manage the annual ICS International Conference, including securing sponsors and speakers and managing external consultants.
• Organize multiple public events throughout the year.
• Oversee ICS’s quarterly publications, website, social media, and communications strategy, in collaboration with the Board Communications Committee.

 Team & Vendor Management

• Recruit, manage, and motivate ICS staff, consultants, and vendors.
• Directly hire and oversee an executive assistant to support administrative and operational functions.

 Qualifications & Skills

• 7-10 years or greater of leadership experience in a non-profit, policy-oriented organization, or a related field.
• Proven experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated energy and hunger for organizational growth and invigoration.
• Strong knowledge of Washington, D.C., and experience navigating its institutions, networks, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional fundraising, budgeting, and financial literacy skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with the Board.
• Passion for history and Churchill’s legacy, with a willingness to develop expertise in this area.
• Excellent communication, event planning, and public engagement skills.

This is a full-time role requiring commitment, flexibility, and the ability to engage with international stakeholders across time zones.

Salary: starting at $150,000 annually; commensurate with experience. Incentivized compensation available based on performance.