Small Museum Association

Organization

The Whittier Home Museum is a National Historic Landmark located at 86 Friend Street, Amesbury, MA.  The purpose of the Whittier Home Association is to maintain the Amesbury home of the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, to perpetuate his memory, to promote knowledge of his life, his literary and humanitarian work as well as to care for the artifacts and documents pertinent to such.

Description:

The Whittier Home Association (WHA) seeks a part-time Executive Director with a strong background in non-profit development to provide overall leadership and management.  

In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will implement the WHA’s current strategic plan and advise the Board on refining the strategies going forward. The Director will ensure organizational excellence and financial stability, and will  cultivate and nurture relationships with donors, members, volunteers, the community and funding organizations. This position will report to the President of the Board.  

Responsibilities: 

Provides Leadership and Management:

• Ensures annual goals and objectives are consistent with the WHA mission and strategic plan.

• Develops, implements and manages operational structure including work of volunteers.

• Ensures the annual program and master calendar is developed and delivered to the WHA audience and that institutional objectives are met.

• Works with the Board to evaluate and strengthen all organizational activities.

Development/Membership/Outreach: With the support of the Board and Membership Committee, maintain, grow and execute solid strategies in fundraising and membership. Serve as the face of the organization in connection with membership, development and community outreach. 

• Prepares and implements annual development strategy, calendar, and budget. 

• Nurtures relationships with current and prospective donors, members, volunteers, board members, and other community and business members.

• Secures financial support from foundations, businesses and government funding sources as appropriate. 

• Creates and implements fundraising appeals to individual donors. 

• Oversees membership and program sponsorship processes and communications, including renewal reminders and acknowledgements 

Operations: Oversee planning and execution of organizational and financial operations. 

• Works with the WHA Treasurer and Board President to establish an  annual budget and maintain organizational financial health. 

• Manages financial and business operations such as maintaining insurance policies,  vendor relationships and timely & accurate filings of financial reports.

• Oversees maintenance of technology including website and other necessary programs.

Operations: Oversee planning and execution of organizational and financial operations. 

• Ensures that preventative maintenance and cleaning of the house and grounds occurs on a regular basis. 

• Serves as ex officio member of the Board and on all Board committees.

The Executive Director is a flexible, 20 hours/week part-time position. When events are scheduled, some weekend and evening hours may be required. Primary work location is remote, but the Executive Director must be able to regularly come to the Whittier home to host events, attend meetings, meet donors, and participate in other activities necessary to carry out the duties of the position.  

WHA embraces diversity and is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. We welcome applicants from various backgrounds and identities and ensure that race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and gender identity will not affect employment decisions.

Qualifications:

Preferred experience (at least 3 years) and education:

• Experience in administration or organizational management;

• Fundraising experience with non-profit organizations;

• Experience working with fundraising/membership software programs;

• Educational background in non-profit, museum studies and management; and

• Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, historic preservation, art history, historic site management, parks and recreation, nonprofit management or related field.

The ideal candidate will: 

• Have demonstrated leadership and management skills;

• Be an effective fundraiser;

• Have strong administrative, communication, and interpersonal skills;

• Be highly organized, collaborative, flexible; and

• Have experience in working with museums or non-profits.

This job description includes, but is not limited to, the duties and responsibilities as noted above. The essential functions of this job description are not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

How To Apply: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to whittierhome@verizon.net

Subject line: Executive Director    

Annual Salary:  $26,000 - $31,200 (Part-time, 20 hours a week)         

Application review will begin on April 18, 2025. Position open until filled.