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; achievement-oriented 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.