BASTROP COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Executive Director: Museum and Visitor Center Position Specification

The Bastrop County Historical Society (BCHS) has accomplished much in the past few years, including receiving prestigious awards from state and local organizations, upgrading capital building needs, and hiring additional professional staff.   The Executive Director plays a critical role in the operations of both the Museum and the Visitor Center. The mission statement of the BCHS is To Preserve and Promote the History of Bastrop County.  The goals of the BCHS are:

(1)  Strengthen Programs:  Examine and refresh exhibits and programs.

(2)  Strengthen Relationships:  Engage new strategies to increase our community awareness and impact.

(3)  Strengthen Diversity:  Recognize and reflect the diversity of Bastrop.

(4)  Strengthen Operations:  Improve our facilities and governance function to increase our impact and efficiency.

(5)  Strengthen Fundraising:  Expand our financial resources to strengthen our programs.

The Executive Director will implement actions directed towards these goals, working with the President and Trustees to secure the funding needed to accomplish these goals. In addition, the position will oversee the overall operation of the Visitor Center and visitor programs in Bastrop, TX.

History and Structure:  The Bastrop Ladies Reading Circle founded the Bastrop County Historical Society (BCHS) in 1952. For more than 60 years, BCHS operated a small rural county museum in the rapidly growing community of Bastrop, Texas. Since then, BCHS has amassed a unique collection of materials, documents and artifacts dating from before the County’s founding in 1836, including some from pre-historic times.  The Society has a collection of approximately 18,000 artifacts. 

The current building housing the Museum and Visitor Center was first leased from the City of Bastrop in 2013.  The building is currently undergoing capital and maintenance upgrades, which are almost complete.  The museum has a permanent gallery and a gallery for rotating exhibits.

As a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, the Museum is primarily funded through an annual Historic Homes Symposium, Homes Tour, and Holiday Gala, business and personal memberships, individual donations, corporate donations, and Hotel Occupancy Tax funding from the City of Bastrop.  The Bastrop Old Town Visitor Center (BOTVC) is a separate 512 (c) 3 nonprofit funded through applications to Hotel Occupancy Tax funds to the City of Bastrop.

REPORTS TO: President of BCHS

 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS: BCHS Board of Trustees and BOTVC Board of Directors, City Officials, Bastrop County Historical Commission, County Tourism Coordinator, Main Street Director, Visit Bastrop, and various non-profit groups: Chamber of Commerce, Lost Pines Arts League, Bastrop Opera House, regional museums, and others.

Staff and Volunteers: Two full time employees, five part time employees, and approximately 40 volunteers.

Major Responsibilities

• ·      Collaborate with the Board in long range and strategic planning.  Lead the changes and growth planned for BCHS, and develop and implement annual business plans as approved by the Trustees.

·      Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization.  Provide public presentations, media interviews, and press coverage.

·      Ensure full and transparent communication with the Board of Trustees.  Attend Board and committee meetings and maintain a strong working relationship with the Board and its committees.

• ·      Recruit, develop and lead staff in a collaborative manner. Direct, develop, and supervise job performance of staff including conducting regular performance reviews. Schedule training, counsel, and impose corrective action up to and including termination. Conduct regular staff meetings and conferences.
• ·      Establish docent and volunteer programs including recruiting, training, and recognition. Provide staff and volunteer support to committees.
• ·      Develop comprehensive membership services programs to recruit, engage and retain members and/or supporters.
• ·      Oversee production of website, newsletter and other communications and correspondence.
• ·      Ensure that permanent exhibits are well maintained. Oversee temporary exhibits. Oversee the collection and preservation and de-accession of artifacts through the Collections Manager in accordance with policies.
• ·      Working closely with Trustees, raise funds to support operations, staffing and special projects and programs. Identify and secure revenue generation opportunities and adequate resourcing for the Society.
• ·      Oversee financial operations. Supervise office manager to collect dues, pay for expenses, and maintain financial accounts. Develop budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee.  Maintain systems and infrastructure for recordkeeping of membership, financials, employee records, etc.

 

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

Required Proficiencies:

·      Bachelor’s degree

·      Successful resource development and grant-writing ability

• ·      Exceptional oral and written communications skills.
• ·      Proficient with Quickbooks Desktop, Microsoft Office products, and graphic design programs.
• ·      Robust problem-solving skills
• ·      Skilled in collaboration with stakeholders
• ·      Prior leadership role in museum and tourism preferred; leadership role in nonprofit considered

Ideal Experience:

• ·      Three to five years of experience in a strategic leadership role of a museum

·      One to two years of experience promoting heritage tourism.

·      One to two years of experience with human resources supervision

• ·      Has built, managed and led high-performing teams.
• ·      Diplomacy

 

Salary Range:  $58,000-$63,000 annually plus health care stipend

 

Email resume and cover letter to sherri.bchs@gmail.com by September 1, 2024.