President and Executive Director

 

The Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation (SRHPF) seeks a chief executive who will

bring the vision, energy and expertise to lead a young organization to its next stage of successful

development. Reporting directly to a 23-member board of trustees, the President of the

Foundation also serves as the Executive Director of the Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum.

Operated by SRHPF, the Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum opened in July 2013 for the 150th

anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The 1832 National Historic Landmark building houses

innovative, award-winning exhibitions on the first day of the battle, the care of the wounded and

issues of faith and freedom in the 19th century. Annual attendance is 40,000 with an annual

operating budget of $1.2 million.

The position requires a proven leader with exceptional communication skills, fundraising

experience, a strong public presence, and enthusiasm for promoting the legacy of Seminary

Ridge to a variety of audiences. The President works with the Board to create and carry out a

unified vision for SRHPF and the Museum. The successful candidate must be creative,

innovative, and have the drive to achieve excellent, timely results. The President is responsible

for day-to-day operations, staff supervision, financial management, program development and

marketing efforts, as well as developing and implementing strategies for annual giving and plans

for a capital campaign that will be launched in 2015. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 5

years of successful senior management experience in museum or non-profit organization is

required; master’s degree in museum studies or related field preferred.

Please send cover letter and resume to info@seminaryridgemuseum.org or to Search, Seminary

Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Review of

resumes received from qualified candidates will begin in January.

Please click here for full job description.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The President will be thoroughly committed to the foundation’s mission. All candidates should

have proven leadership, fundraising, and museum management experience. Qualifications

include:

 Successful fundraising and public relations experience with the ability to engage a wide range of

stakeholders and cultures.

 A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 5 years of successful senior management experience in

museum or non‐profit organization is required; master’s degree in museum studies or related field

preferred.

 Track record of effectively leading an organization and staff and ability to develop and put into

operation strategies that can take the organization to the next stage of growth.

 Commitment to quality programs and program evaluation.

 Excellence in organizational management: able to coach staff, manage and develop high performance

teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget.

 Past success working with a board of directors and the ability to cultivate board member relationships.

 Strong and effective written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate

communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.

 Action‐oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning.

 Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

 Knowledge of nonprofit governance and financial management

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE

President and Executive Director, Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation and

Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum

REPORTS TO

Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation Board of Trustees and its Museum Management

Committee.

SUMMARY OF JOB SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strong fiscal management, fundraising, leadership, and vision for the Foundation and a

world‐class museum that will ensure continued growth and financial health while enhancing

the reputation of the Museum as an innovative leader in the field. Develop and implement a

multi‐year strategic plan and annual work plans. Enhance financial stability through fundraising,

revenues and admissions fees. Supervise staff and promote work environment that encourages

creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Represent the Museum and Foundation locally and

nationally by cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Trustees,

donors, civic leaders, media, and national organizations to promote the mission and programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Fund Development

 Leads organization’s financial growth in order to establish and maintain healthy cash

flow and adequate reserves.

 Builds long term relationships with key donor segments.

 Oversees and participates in all fund development activities, including grant writing,

cultivation and stewardship of donors, event planning, and identifying new resources.

 Develops and maintains a portfolio of individual, business, foundation, and government

prospects.

2. Strategy & Planning

 Develops and leads the strategy of the organization by using performance

measurements to guide strategic and operational decision‐making.

 Takes a leadership role in driving a collaborative process with the Board, staff, and

partners that results in the development of coordinated goals, objectives, and

operational plans for the organization.

 Oversees preparation of the annual budget and tracks budget performance.

 Provides information and justifications for budgetary review and approval process.

 Communicates with the Board, its Museum Management Committee and Joint Venture

Partners in setting

policies and strategic direction.

3. Organizational Management

 Serves ex officio as President of the SRHPF Board and works, as needed, with all standing and ad hoc

committees of the Board.

 Provides financial management that effectively balances income and expenditures, to

ensure the health and sustainability of the organization.

 Fosters an atmosphere of creativity to maintain Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum as

a world‐class innovative leader in the museum world.

 Supervises and evaluates staff performance.

 Oversees the human resources of the organization, including hiring, separation of

employment, compensation and benefits and ongoing staff development.

 Adheres to all employment policies and practices, including legal requirement.

 Ensures that the organization has the appropriate systems, physical space, and

technology to operate efficiently and effectively.

4. Public Relations/Advocacy

 Promotes the Museum’s visibility and welfare through participation and membership in

community forums, civic organizations, and activities that are aligned with the

Museum’s mission and vision.

 Oversees the execution of marketing and media relations.

 Represents the Museum in all media relations and external inquiries by participating in

interviews, public events, and all other media‐type engagements.

5. Program Development & Implementation

 Ensures that the Museum delivers a high quality visitor experiences

 Provides leadership in developing educational programming that meets the mission of

the organization.

 Oversees design, and delivery of exhibit and education initiatives that include goals and

objectives that are aligned with the Museum’s overall strategic plan.