Join our dynamic team as the Executive Director and lead our organization in preserving and promoting the rich history of Luzerne County. We are seeking a visionary nonprofit leader with a passion for history, strong management skills, and a proven track record in fundraising and community engagement. Take this opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community's heritage. Please submit your resume and cover letter to the LCHS Search Committee at Search@luzernehistory.org.
The Luzerne County Historical Society seeks an Executive Director to build on past successes and guide the organization to the next level. Our mission is to preserve and promote the collective history and heritage of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, which includes but is not limited to pioneer settlements of the mid-18th Century, a Revolutionary War battle, the legacy of anthracite coal mining and waves of change through the 20th century.
Founded in 1858, the Luzerne County Historical Society is the oldest county historical society in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The LCHS continues to pursue its mission through exhibits, events, lectures and tours at its museum, library and historic houses.
The Society owns and operates three historic properties: Bishop Memorial Library, Wilkes-Barre; Swetland Homestead, Wyoming; and Denison House, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. It also manages the Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, which is on the property of the Osterhout Free Library, Wilkes-Barre. The Society is a 501(c)(3) organization with an annual budget of $200,000 and $1.9 million in restricted trusts.
The LCHS is staffed by two full-time and one part-time employees with the support of 21 members of the Board of Directors and approximately 500 members.
Position Overview
· Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred with a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in museum management, historical preservation, or nonprofit leadership.
· Excellence in organizational management with the ability to move the agency toward continuous improvement.
· Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising, grant writing and implementation, membership, and donor development, specifically with major donors.
· Strong knowledge and passion for history, heritage, and cultural preservation with an understanding of museum organization and collections management.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders. Works easily with people of all backgrounds and ages.
· Supervise and manage a team of staff members, providing guidance, support, and direction as needed.
· Past success in working and collaborating with a board of directors, committees, and volunteers, with the ability to enhance existing relationships and develop new ones.
· Proficiency in using technology and digital platforms for program development, social media, marketing, and outreach.
· Proven ability to build strong and lasting partnerships with community, corporate, government, and other organizations, and engage key stakeholders and audiences.
· Dynamic skills to serve as the internal and public face of the LCHS.
· Strong analytical skills and ability to understand financial data and make fiscally responsible decisions.
· Must possess a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to an automobile to perform program-related duties.
- · Benefits: Health Insurance
- · Rent-free housing on the grounds of the Swetland Homestead (Hancock House)
A complete position description is available at https://luzernehistory.org/career-opportunities/
Small Museum Association