The Historical Society of Alberta (HSA) is a registered non-profit charitable society. The Society works to document and promote the history of Alberta.  It does this through the following objects:

• to encourage the study of the history of Alberta and Canada;
• to rescue from oblivion the memories of the original inhabitants, the early missionaries, fur traders, explorers, and settlers of the north and west of Canada;
• to obtain and preserve narratives in print, manuscript or otherwise of their travels, adventures, labour and observations, and;
• to secure and preserve objects generally illustrative of the civil, religious, literary and natural history of the country.

HSA is currently seeking individuals to serve on this working board in the position of President, and Director at Large. Each position is a two-year term, to a maximum of eight years in total, starting in September at the AGM. These are volunteer roles: there is no remuneration for serving on Council, though Council members will be reimbursed for pre-authorized expenses.

Qualifications:

Potential new Council members

• Should live in Alberta, have an interest in history, and support the objects of the Society
• Should be community minded, team players who demonstrate leadership qualities
• Should demonstrate passion for the Society through attendance, volunteerism or financial support
• Should have good communication skills
• Should have board experience, or be willing to take training
• Shall be, or be willing to become, a member of the Society

To Apply:

Please see the position descriptions below for more information specific to each role. To apply, please send an email to info@albertahistory.ca and indicate the role you are interested in, and include a letter of intent describing your background (including any relevant board experience), and what you think you can add to the Society.

The deadline for expressions of interest is May 1, 2021

For more information please send your enquiries via email to info@albertahistory.ca.

Position Descriptions

Director at Large

The items listed below are expectations and responsibilities of all Council members:

• Attend Council meetings and the AGM.
• Participate in discussions. Ask questions. Provide a record of hours volunteered.
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board / committee meetings.
• Serve on, or chair, committees / task forces and offer to take on special tasks (e.g., fundraising, policy, program). Work within the parameters of committee terms of reference and budget. Provide reports as required, especially for the Annual Report.
• Provide financial oversight including developing and approving an annual budget.
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability.
• Contribute to the Society’sVision and Mission statements and set yearly and long-range goals (Strategic Plan).
• Assist in implementing and monitoring progress of the Strategic Plan.
• Participate in periodic review of and setting of governing policies.
• Attend/support Society functions.
• Suggest possible nominees to the Society’s Council. Recruit new members.
• Recruit new Society members.
• Enhance the Society’s public profile and credibility.
• Keep up-to-date on developments in the Society’s field.
• Be informed about what the Society does and how it does it and about the environment in which the Society operates.
• Follow conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies.

President:

The President has overall responsibility for all aspects of the Society’s activities. In addition to the expectations and responsibilities above, he or she leads the HSA Executive and the Council in setting and meeting the goals and objectives of the Society. More specifically, the President:

• Is responsible for the effective functioning of the Council in its role of governing the Society
• Is the chief spokesperson for the Society with its members, with government organizations and with the general public
• Sets the agenda to achieve the Society’s goals and objectives
• Chairs all meetings of the Council
• In consultation with Council, appoints people to the Council’s committees and assigns committee chairs
• Serves as one of the signing officers for financial and legal activities
• Is responsible for organizing and chairing the AGM
• Ensures reporting requirements to government agencies are met.