The Museum of Boulder seeks a dynamic, experienced, and visionary leader for the position of Executive Director (ED). This pivotal role includes accountability for and oversight of all museum operations, ensuring institutional sustainability, representing the museum locally and state-wide, and building on the museum’s reputation as a center for history and culture. Candidates should have a successful management/leadership record, extensive fundraising experience, and a deep understanding of the role history and culture play in building a better future for all.
Background
Founded in 1944 as the Boulder Historical Society, the Museum of Boulder is unique in its mission, its collection of Boulder history materials and documents, and the preservation and presentation of Boulder area history. Through exhibits, programming for all ages, and artifact and historic document curation, the museum provides residents and visitors an historical context for the present, connects them to the past, and engages them in celebrations of our vibrant ethnic and cultural heritage. The institution serves more than 20,000 people annually and has a budget of approximately $1M.
The museum mission is: History happens here. The Museum of Boulder showcases inclusive community stories, preserves them for the future, and inspires all of us to effect positive change. The museum vision is for an institution that isa dynamic reflection of our community, a center where history is a resource for understanding our own lives and times. Additional information may be found at https://museumofboulder.org/.
Key Responsibilities
Management and Operations. The ED is accountable for leading and managing the museum to ensure that all activities are mission driven, that the Strategic Plan is goal and vision driven, and that the institution is positioned for long term service to the local community and the Boulder area. The museum must be run as a successful, nonprofit business, ensuring appropriate staffing and staff development, budgeting and financial planning, accurate and appropriate record keeping for all staff functions, high impact/cost-conscious exhibitions and programming, collection curation, fundraising, outreach, marketing and communications, and board relations.
Financial Management. The ED develops and implements cost accounting policies, procedures, operations-based financial modeling, and operational reporting in concert with the museum accounting firm and the Board Treasurer. The ED stewards and leverages existing relationships with the museum’s local banks and ensures compliance with current legal and regulatory requirements. The existing relationship with the City of Boulder must be maintained and evolved to create a partnership with the mutual goal of museum sustainability.
Fundraising and Marketing. In coordination with the Board Development Committee and staff, the ED stewards and leverages existing relationships with major donors and prospects; solicits major gifts from individuals, and leads efforts, including grant writing, to raise funds from corporations, foundations, and local governments. The ED oversees efforts to increase paid memberships and regular attendance and supervises the execution of a marketing and communication strategy to enhance museum visibility. As the public face of the museum, the ED plays a crucial role in outreach to the community, the creation and stewardship of strategic partnerships, identifying major gift opportunities, and securing program sponsorships.
Staff Relations. The ED fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, encourages teamwork, and works to maintain morale. Provides regular feedback to staff ensuring they meet performance expectations, achieve professional growth, and align their work with the museum’s mission. The ED manages and evaluates the staff performance, ensures that all staff positions are critical to museum operations, and works collaboratively with the museum’s Human Resources consultant on personnel issues.
Board Relations. The ED engages collaboratively and transparently with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to prioritize, strategize and implement plans for the museum's financial well-being and mission alignment. The ED works with the Governance Committee to develop, modify, update and enforce policies that support organizational objectives. Working with staff, the ED suggests timely modifications to the Strategic Plan for board consideration. The ED regularly discusses museum operations with the board and collaborates with the Board Chair to ensure active involvement of board members in board and committee meetings. Collaborates on setting agendas with the Chair and Vice Chair. Encourages board member participation in museum events to represent the organization effectively.
Desired Experience, Qualifications and Skills
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Experience with museum and/or non-profit operations and management
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Demonstrated skills to manage and grow a community-centric institution
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Proven ability to raise funds from individuals, corporations and foundations
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Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and collaborate with a professional staff and volunteers
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Commitment to diversity and inclusion by fostering an inclusive environment and working relationships with diverse constituencies
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Successful history of strategic planning, realistic goal setting, and execution
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Understanding of financial principles and analysis
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Proven ability to build and manage a balanced budget
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Proven ability to work cooperatively and appropriately with board members
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Strong written and verbal communications skills including public speaking
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Serves as the primary ambassador for the museum
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Proficiency in the effective use of technology for museum operations and communication
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Proven ability to make informed decisions and manage risk for successful outcomes
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Strong work ethic, accessibility, enthusiasm, sound judgment and a sense of humor
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Master’s degree in museum studies, non-profit management, history, or a related field, with five years of progressively responsible experience in museum management or non-profit leadership
Compensation– salary range is $95-$130K, depending on experience.
Application deadline is March 15, 2024. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@museumofboulder.org.
Small Museum Association