United States Capitol Historical Society

Dontai Smalls, Chairman of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society’s Board of Trustees, is leading the search for the Society’s next President and CEO with a special Board search committee. Mr. Smalls laid out his goals and expectations:

“We are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader to serve as the fifth President and CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. This person will be the strategic and operational leader of the organization, responsible for furthering the Society’s mission, expanding its reach, and ensuring its financial sustainability. Reflecting the unique position of the Society, the President and CEO works closely with the Congress, educators, historians, and donors, in addition to serving as the public face of the organization – significant experience in these areas is a must-have.”

Potential candidates are asked to review the key responsibilities and ideal candidate qualities below and express their interest in consideration by emailing a letter of interest and resume to CEOSearch@uschs.org.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership: Advance the Society’s mission and long-term vision.

  • Fundraising and Development: Drive major gift campaigns, partnerships, and membership growth.

  • Educational Innovation: Expand dynamic programs that reach audiences nationwide.

  • Public Representation: Serve as the Society’s chief ambassador and spokesperson.

  • Operational Excellence: Oversee budget management, staffing, and compliance.

Ideal Candidate Qualities

  • Passion for American history, government, and civic education with a commitment to nonpartisan values.

  • Executive leadership experience in nonprofit, educational, cultural, or historical organizations with a demonstrable record of strategic planning.

  • Proven success in fundraising, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Ten or more years’ experience within or with the Congress.

  • Strong communication skills; experience in institutional communications across traditional, digital, and social media preferred.

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Image courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol.

The Honorable Jane L. Campbell, fourth President/CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, announced her intention to retire in 2025 upon the appointment of her successor.

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We believe that every student deserves an education about our nation’s history, that inspires them to be the best citizens they can be, no matter their background. Our “We the People” Constitution Tours™ provide immersive educational experiences for eighth-grade students from D.C. Title I schools, ensuring that students from historically underserved communities can explore the foundations of our democracy firsthand. During the program, students visit important sites related to the Constitution including the George Mason Memorial, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol Building, and The People’s House: A White House Experience. As the cost of providing these tours continues to rise, your donation will help cover essential expenses, including transportation, lunches, knowledgeable tour guides, and educational materials.

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  • A donation of $3,880 will sponsor an entire trip for one class.

“We the People,” speaks to the freedoms and responsibilities inherent in the Constitution of the United States of America. For Jim and me, it has been of the greatest importance that all citizens have an understanding of the democratic process and rule of law in order to be active participants in the form of self-governance laid out by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe that my support in Jim’s name of the “We the People” tours is essential for the future of our country.

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