Executive Director [National Museum of Civil War Medicine]

The Board of Directors seeks a dynamic leader with an entrepreneurial spirit who is committed to the value history museums and libraries provide contemporary society. The Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors to set the budget and strategic direction of the organization and will be responsible for managing all aspects of the organization’s activities in accordance with Board approved policies. The Executive Director will be dedicated to the mission and focus of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and be committed to championing museum best practices with respect to collections stewardship, exhibition and program planning. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of institutional experience in a senior leadership position with demonstrated success in staff management and fiscal leadership.

The following key competencies are considered essential to the Executive Director:

Communication Skills –

The Executive Director will be the primary public face and voice for the museum and must be an effective communicator with the proven ability to work with individuals and diversified groups such as government officials, business leaders, scholars, donors and volunteers.

Fundraising –

The Executive Director, working with the Board of Directors, will develop fundraising strategies that bring in additional outside revenues from public, corporate, and foundation sources as well as individual donors and planned giving.

Management –

The Executive Director will direct the museum’s general operations and facilities, including human resources, by effectively balancing income and expenditures to assure the financial health of the organization. S/he will provide leadership in museum operations including collections, education, visitor
experience, and membership activities and develop effective relationships with community and professional groups. S/he will demonstrate the ability to manage multiple entities with multiple physical sites.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is a private, nonprofit museum dedicated to the preservation and study of the legacy of Civil War medical innovations and humanitarianism. The institution utilizes artifacts, storytelling, and the historic lessons derived from that era to educate the public and to explore the impact these lessons still have on modern society. The headquarters and main museum are located in historic downtown Frederick, Maryland. This facility contains the primary museum, administrative offices, collections storage, archives and research library. In addition, the organization operates two satellite museums, The Pry House Field Hospital Museum on the Antietam battlefield and the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office in downtown Washington, DC.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine currently has a professional staff of eleven full time and four part time employees working with approximately fifty volunteers and docents. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Master’s degree with a major in history, museum studies or related fields is preferred. Candidates without a graduate degree but with exceptional achievement in the museum field will be considered.

A minimum of five years of leadership experience with a nonprofit organization, preferably in a history museum or related setting.

Demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for museums as described by the American Alliance of Museums.

Ability to provide strong leadership, vision and strategic direction.

Knowledge of marketing, grant writing and fundraising techniques.

Ability to represent the National Museum of Civil War Medicine positively in written, spoken and digital communication venues.

Ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with museum staff, board members, volunteers, members, donors and partner organizations and in community relations and outreach capacities.

Proven leadership in museum profession on state, regional or national levels, as demonstrated by involvement in association or conference committees, as a peer reviewer, or other comparable activities.

Salary and Benefits:

Competitive and commensurate with experience

How to Apply:

For consideration, please direct a letter of interest, current resume and three references, including their contact information, to the search committee at EDsearch.estilow@yahoo.com .
Submitted resumes will be reviewed beginning June 15th, 2015