Executive Director [Nichols House Museum ]

Apply by:
December 05, 2014

The Nichols House Museum seeks a dynamic and action-oriented Executive Director. Located on Boston’s historic Beacon Hill and loved by neighbors and international visitors alike, the Nichols House Museum preserves and interprets the 1804 townhouse that was from 1885 until 1960 the home of Rose Standish Nichols, landscape gardener, suffragist and pacifist. The house was built by Jonathan Mason and is attributed to Charles Bulfinch.

The executive directorship of the Nichols House Museum is a full-time position overseeing all functional aspects of the institution.  Reporting to the Board of Governors, the successful Executive Director will be as equally skilled in stewarding / preserving the Museum’s collection and facilities as in fundraising. The Executive Director also has overall leadership responsibility for supervising the Museum’s small staff as well as its financial management, strategic planning, marketing and community relations, program management and volunteer development efforts.

Executive Director Job Requirements

The efforts of the museum’s six standing committees are fully supported by the Executive Director: These committees include Collections, Fundraising/Development, Finance, Buildings & Grounds, Governance and Investment. In cooperation with the Board of Governors and longstanding and knowledgeable committees, the Executive Director is responsible for the following:

Museum Management

The Nichols House Museum’s building or structure, furnishings and grounds are all “one” collection necessitating the Executive Director work closely with multiple committees to preserve and interpret its unique history.  The management of the Nichols House Museum requires:

• Maintaining (and exceeding) professional museum standards and practices as defined by the American Alliance of Museums, including continued pursuit of accreditation for the Nichols House Museum with the AAM
• Recommending policy for and undertaking the care and conservation of the permanent and temporary collections
• Recommending policy for the preservation of the historic building and its infrastructure and undertaking all short and long term maintenance of the structure and grounds
• Implementing all conservation and preservation planning, including continuous facility maintenance
• Developing short and long term strategic goals and objectives for the financial management and stability of the institution
• Leading with the Finance Committee and for approval by the Board of Governors the annual operating budget and planning activities as well as the annual audit
• Hiring, directing and evaluating all personnel
• Training and directing the work of all interns, volunteers and docents

Fundraising & Development, including Programs

The development function, of particular importance to all aspects of the Nichols House Museum, is a principal responsibility of the Executive Director and in close collaboration with the Development Committee.  Development functions are critical contributors to the operating budget and conservation/preservation projects of the museum. These functions include grant writing, membership, patrons’ program, annual appeal, fundraisers, special programs, and an on-going lecture series. The success of these programs hinges on the Executive Director’s leadership and his/her full engagement in the community. The success of the Fundraising and Development function requires the Executive Director actively work to:

• Sustain and grow all fundraising events with the Development Committee
• Expand the Patrons’ Program and develop all special Patron programming and events
• Take responsibility for and secure all grant proposals to local, state and federal agencies, and private foundations required for the functioning of the institution
• Enhance and implement all aspects of educational programming
• Continue with the Lecture Committee the existing lecture series and expand it
• Execute on marketing and public relations campaigns for the institution in print, digital media and social media as well as consider other digital opportunities for the Museum.

Community Relations

The variety and quality of the Museum’s volunteers and its reputation as the “jewel” of Beacon Hill necessitates the Executive Director actively work with and initiate outreach with the community.

• Engaging with all constituents of the immediate community
• Working closely with and actively engaging volunteers

Representing the Board of Governors and the institution as a whole to the community

Qualifications:
A minimum of 5 -7 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a museum or arts related organization, demonstrating a track record of success. We seek a flexible leader who can prioritize and also coach Museum staff, interns and volunteers to act as a core team adept at juggling multiple responsibilities. Past experiences should include successful fundraising and financial management skills as well as demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to work closely with a committed Board of Governors, volunteers and the community. A master’s degree is preferred, but a bachelor’s degree will be considered with additional experience.

How To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to info@nicholshousemuseum.org and write in the subject line “Executive Director Search” by December 5, 2014. Please note that professional and personal references will be required during the interview process.

Apply by:
December 05, 2014

About this Organization:
The Nichols House Museum is a private, nonprofit organization aimed at preserving and interpreting the 1804 townhouse that was from 1885 to 1960 the home of Rose Standish Nichols, landscape gardener, suffragist, and pacifist. The museum educates visitors by providing a unique glimpse into the social and domestic history of Boston’s Beacon Hill during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.