The Catawba County Historical Association (CCHA) seeks a dynamic leader with highly effective collaborative and communication skills to fill the role of Executive Director. This position will work closely with the Board of Directors to refine, develop, and implement a progressive program for the CCHA’s fundraising, exhibitions, historical collections management, educational activities, and community outreach. The Executive Director has primary responsibility and authority for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission. The ideal candidate will have passion for the mission and vision of the CCHA museum and be a hands-on team leader.

The CCHA is a private nonprofit organization established in 1936 and its first informal museum was a small collection of donated articles displayed in the loft of the Matthias Barringer log house. Over the years the museum grew and was relocated to various sites until in 1992, in an arrangement with Catawba County government, the museum was established at its present site in the former 1924 county courthouse in Newton, NC. Through its 6 professional and administrative staff, the CCHA manages multiple historic sites throughout the County, including the 1924 Courthouse and History Museum in Newton, Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Historic Murray’s Mill, Harper House and Hickory History Center and several historic cemeteries. The CCHA also sponsors the Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival in the spring and Hart Square in the fall, both of which are regional attractions.

The Executive Director will:

Direct the museum’s general operations, including human resources management, budget planning, and financial management.
Provide leadership in museum operations including collections, education, visitor experience, membership, volunteer development, and facilities.
Lead fundraising and development activities, including grant writing and developing relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Serve as spokesperson and chief advocate for the CCHA and represent the CCHA to community groups, the media, governmental agencies, and other local cultural organizations, establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
Oversee the development and implementation of marketing activities related to branding, programming, community visibility, and attracting new and returning visitors.
Present educational programs, including tours of CCHA facilities, to individuals, schools, community and other interested groups.
Provide reports, data and other information to CCHA Board of Directors, grantors and other community partners as needed.
Job Requirements
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in History or related field and 3 years experience with a nonprofit organization, preferably in a historical museum or related setting.
Supervisory experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for museums, non-profits, or similar organizations.
Ability to provide strong leadership, vision and strategic direction.
Knowledge of marketing, grant writing and fundraising raising techniques.
Ability to represent the CCHA positively through public speaking and presentations.
Ability to develop, secure and maintain community sponsorships.
Demonstrated excellence in writing and public speaking.
Ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with museum staff, Boards, volunteers, and in community relations and outreach capacities.
Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary $40,000, depending on qualifications
Paid time off starting at 10 days per year
9 paid holidays
Employer paid health insurance
Application Deadline: April 30, 2015

For consideration, please direct a letter of interest, resume and a completed CCHA job application to:

Cynthia Eades

PO Box 389

Newton, NC 28658

cleades@catawbacountync.gov

828-465-8253

The CCHA Executive Director job description and CCHA Employment Application may be found by visiting the Catawba County Historical Association website at http://www.catawbahistory.org/careers.php.

APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Contact Person: Cynthia Eades Phone: 828-465-8253
Email Address: cleades@catawbacountync.gov Fax: 828-465-8472