Ashtabula Maritime & Surface Transportation Museum seeks an Executive Director.

The Ashtabula Maritime & Transportation Museum (AMSTM) is seeking its first-ever Executive Director. The ideal candidate will provide dynamic leadership and in partnership with the Board implement a vision and strategic plan for the organization going forward into the future. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to refine, develop, and implement a progressive program for the Museum’s revenue generation, fundraising, exhibitions, tours, research projects, collections management, educational activities, and community outreach.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Works in conjunction with – and at times up-manages – the Board to develop a sustainable strategic direction and establish initiatives to fulfill the mission of the Museum and increase local, regional, and statewide awareness and prominence.
• Directs the Museum’s operations, to include the alignment of revenue opportunities, development, education and public programming, finance, external communications, and staffing.
• Manages and leads all Museum volunteers.
• Creates a strong financial backbone – balanced budgets, sufficient cash reserves, endowments, and financial systems that allow for monitoring of financial status.
• Works closely with Board members, volunteers, and community leaders to implement robust fundraising activities and results. Leads and participates in all fundraising and development activities, oversees grant writing and developing relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Serves as spokesperson and chief advocate for the Museum. Establishes strong partnerships in the community. Enhances the Museum’s public image to expand interest and support.
• Works to create an effective communications plan to raise the profile of the Museum. Oversees and directs development of marketing initiatives.
• Manages, secures, and maintains the property and facilities of the Museum, as well as the collections held in public trust.
• Advocates on important issues in historic preservation and underwater cultural resources on the local, regional, national, and international level.

Desired Leadership Attributes

• Board Relations – nurtures a team of Board members and volunteers that focuses on the best interests of the organization, understands the role of the team – and the individuals on the team – and follows the imperatives of the strategic plan.
• Demonstrated Success in Community Networking – develops strong community relationships to leverage goodwill, financial support, and program and service development.
• Financial Management Expertise – ensures that the Museum maintains adequate reserves and accumulates sources of capital to invest in the changes needed in the future. Understands and diligently attends to all budget and financial matters and can manage operations within budget constraints, including making hard financial decisions when required.
• Visibility – acts as “face of the Museum” to key external stakeholders, assuring that a recognizable, consistent person is leading the organization.
• Fundraising ability – leads the development of strategic and innovative fundraising approaches to broaden the source and scope of revenues for the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree and/or Museum studies would be beneficial.
• The ideal candidate would have a minimum of five years of experience in a museum, historic site or nonprofit organization or business, preferably with a cultural focus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for museums, nonprofits, or similar organizations, as well as a history of involvement in relevant professional organizations.
• Strong record of success in fundraising and audience development.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and public speaking.

Breakdown of Time (Per 40-Hour Week) for Primary Functions

Salary and Other Information

• Starting Salary: $50,000 to $55,000 Annually
• Healthcare: Open for Discussion
• PTO/Holidays: Three Weeks PTO Plus All Federal Holidays (Flex Time Available for Holiday Hours)
  
  

Salary range: $50,000 - $55,000

Job classification: Full-time, salary

To apply: Please submit resume and other supporting information to:
Ashtabula Maritime & Surface Transportation Museum
Attn: Jenny Luhta, Search Committee Chair
P.O. Box 1546
Ashtabula, OH 44005
Email Information To: [email protected]. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2024. For more information, visit www.ashtabulamaritime.org.

Posted: April 3, 2024
Deadline: May 31, 2024