MUSEUM DESCRIPTION
The Iroquois Indian Museum (IIM) is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to fostering
understanding of Iroquois culture using Iroquois art as a window to that culture. Noted as a venue for
promoting Iroquois art and artists, and a meeting place for all peoples to celebrate Iroquois culture and
diversity, IIM is informed by research on archaeology, history, and the common creative spirit of modern
artists and craftspeople. The museum’s exhibits, festivals, interactive Children’s Museum, and 45-acre
Nature Park celebrate the cultural diversity, rich history, archaeology, and artistic expression of the
Iroquois—Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora.
MUSEUM DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Director is the chief executive officer of the Iroquois Indian Museum, responsible for providing leadership
and administrative oversight by maintaining the strategic vision of the museum and carrying out a plan of work
to achieve the museum’s mission, profitability and growth. As an individual excited about and equipped with
the knowledge and demonstrated experience that will advance the Museum, the Director has the overall
responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, supervising and coordinating all museum operations and
activities. Managerial areas include administration, finances, fundraising, staff, curation, educational
programing, public events planning, promotion, grounds, operations and support.
The Director’s responsibilities are:
1) Developing and maintaining a productive working relationship with the Board of Trustees and its committees
on a regular schedule through advisory meetings and informal communication. Working with board members
on policy-making, managerial duties, and budgetary matters, and preparing a variety of reports as requested
by board members. Advising and informing the board of operational and environmental circumstances affecting
the museum. Liaising between the IIM Board of Trustees and the museum staff and volunteers and
communicating the goals, policies and strategic vision of the Museum to them.
2) In concert with the Board of trustees and staff, updating and improving the Museum’s a long range plans
and strategies with clear objectives and anticipated outcomes.
3) Maintaining quality of operations and artistic oversight, assuring a growing collection of the world’s best
Iroquois creativity, outstanding exhibits, programming and research on Iroquois creativity.
4) Working with a board member to create an annual budget; Monitoring compliance with the budget ;
monitoring the Museum’s finances and assuring that the Museum is on a firm financial footing, and assisting a
board member with the monthly financial analysis.
5) Creating, implementing and leading an annual development strategy which includes annual giving,
membership drives, endowment, capital campaigns, special projects, and other Museum related solicitations in
consultation with the Board of Trustees. Working with staff and trustees, the Director is responsible for all
fundraising activities. Fundraising activities will include cultivating relationships with donors, designing revenue
generation activities, overseeing of grant writing and foundation requests, and searching out new sources of
income.
6) Recruiting, selecting, and supervising staff members and volunteers.
7) Foster a culture of inclusiveness and cooperation that attracts, motivates and retains skilled, dedicated staff
and volunteers
8) Devising, directing, and implementing a public relations and advertising plan;
9) Protecting the interests of the museum and being sensitive to Iroquois interests.
10) Building and maintaining close ties with constituents important to the Museum including Iroquois artists
and creative people, Iroquois community leaders, elected officials, federal, state and local grant agencies, tourism officials and businesses, museum members and potential donors. Being the spokesperson for the
Museum in all arenas including to Iroquois, to our regional community, to the internet and to the media;
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (anthropology, Iroquois or Native American
studies, history, museum studies, business or museum administration). An advanced degree or MBA is
desirable.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – The successful candidate for the Director position must demonstrate
the following Leadership Competencies:
1) 3-5 years’ experience in the museum field, including the ability to supervise diverse staff and
volunteer/student workers .
2) Ability to implement policy established by the governing body of a museum or other cultural institution, and
to work with that body to develop and implement long-range and annual strategic goals and plans.
3) Experience in grant writing and management; expertise in fundraising with donors, corporations and
foundations in support of exhibitions, endowments and public programs; and strong understanding of non-profit
management and organizational finance and management.
4) Skills in new approaches to publicizing and growing museum programming, social media and web
marketing.
5) Work history that exemplifies the highest standards for museum exhibitions and programming, research,
education, public outreach, and administration.
5) Capacity to deal effectively with stakeholders from varied backgrounds (members and Board, Iroquois
leaders and community, artists, educators, philanthropic groups, politicians, media and tourism
representatives).
6) Excellent communications skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- The successful candidate for the Director position should possess the
following credentials, skills and attributes:
1)Broad knowledge of Iroquois/Haudenosaunee history and culture.
2)Demonstrated experience with website development and social media, especially as used in museums and
educational settings.
3) Collaborative and outgoing personality, strategic thinking, fostering innovation and change; achievementoriented with the ability to multi-task, function independently and in a team environment.
COMPENSATION
Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Director has the option to increase salary dependent on
successful fund-raising efforts. Vacation and health benefits are provided.
HOW TO APPLY
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested
applicants should send the following in a single file: (1) a letter of intent, addressing the Required and
Preferred Qualifications listed, (2) an updated resume or curriculum vita, and (3) a list of three
professional references to: Iroquoismuseumdirectorsearch@gmail.com.
Only electronic applications will be accepted. Qualified applicants will be invited to Skype interviews in
early November. It is the goal of the Search Committee of the IIM Board of Trustees to make a hiring
recommendation to the full Board no later than December 1, 2013 , with the approved candidate able to
assume the Director position no later than Jan 1, 2014.
IIM is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution committed to cultural, racial, and ethnic communities. IIM
promotes equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, color, gender, marital status, genetic information,
national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. It is expected that successful candidates share these commitments. Candidates from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.