Executive Director [Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, Easton, PA]

Since 1906, the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society (NCHGS) has been collecting, preserving and showcasing art, culture and American history made in Northampton County. NCHGS is a private not-for-profit (501C3) that preserves, protects, and showcases extensive collections of artifacts, history books, and family genealogies at various sites in the county seat of Easton, PA. The Society operates from its flagship Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton Street, also home to the Jane S. Moyer Library. Special programs and events are held at the Sigal Museum and other NCHGS locations– the 1807 Jacob Nicholas House Museum, the 1833 Mixsell House & Textile Museum, and the 1753 Bachmann Publick House.

The Executive Director is the chief executive, operating, and financial officer of the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, and along with the President and Board, serves as the public face of the Society, establishing NCHGS as a superior cultural institution with a reputation for excellence.   The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for a wide range of administrative and programming activities that serve to advance the organization’s mission, including development, funding, and financial oversight to support that mission. The Executive Director is responsible for supervising all Society activities, including the maintenance of the collections and buildings; planning, directing, and overseeing programs; supervision of personnel; operation of the Library and museums; and planning and approving exhibit and maintenance activities.  The executive director is responsible for advising the Board on desirable changes in Society policies, and his/her work is subject to general direction from the Executive Committee and review by the Personnel Committee.  The Executive Director is an ex officio member of all committees.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Works with the Board of Trustees and each of the committees to assure the mission, vision and financial goals of NCHGS are consistently met through activities and programs.
• Prepares all materials for Board of Trustees meetings and maintains all official records and documents to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Provides leadership in developing educational and entertaining programs, events, and exhibits.
• Creates an atmosphere that invites volunteer spirit and inspires members and others to give their time and talent to the benefit of the Society, engages members in the society’s activities and volunteer opportunities, and actively promotes the value and benefits of society membership;
• Provides leadership in planning and implementing programs, projects and financial plans with the Board of Trustees and staff, prepares reports to the Board summarizing the activities and accomplishments, and carries out authorized plans and policies;
• Develops and maintains sound financial practices; prepares and oversees annual budget, and ensures that the society operates within budget constraints; develops fundraising strategies to ensure adequate operating funds and building of endowments;
• Promotes active participation by NCHGS members and volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work and ensures that all staff (paid and nonpaid) receive training and supervision;
• Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends that may be relevant to NCHGS, its museums, collections, and mission;
• Spearheads fundraising and support initiatives, including public and private grants, sponsorships, donations, and membership;
• Promotes community awareness of NCHGS, its collections, and its museums through outreach, publicity, and interaction throughout Northampton County and to other targeted audiences.  Ensures that the society maximizes communication and outreach through newsletters, press releases, online media, and flyers, speaking engagements, and other outreach vehicles;
• Monitors maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and structures owned and/or operated by NCHGS and ensures that tours, programs, and events are scheduled to optimize their use and meet the Society’s history education goals;
• Networks with local and regional community, including other historical societies, to establish and build cooperative opportunities and strong working relationships that further the Society’s mission;
• Responsible for recruitment and selection of paid staff members with the advice and consent of the Personnel Committee, and performs regular performance evaluations; maintains a climate conducive to attracting, retaining and motivating a diverse and highly capable staff.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong administrative and staff management experience with appropriate computer skills;
• Clear understanding of budgets, financial reports and investments;
• Skilled leader with the ability to manage volunteers and ability to develop high performance teams;
• Strong interpersonal skills that enhance the mission of NCHGS within the community and among individuals;
• Excellent written and verbal skills including public speaking;
• Familiarity with public relations and marketing;
• Museum experience and/or demonstrated interest in history, and possessing dedication to move the society forward in sustainable, positive directions;
• Fund raising capabilities with the ability to design and oversee fund raising campaigns and close major donor gifts when needed.
• Experience in program development, facilities management, and event planning.

Submit Letter of Interest, Resume, and Salary Requirements to: Mr. L. Anderson Daub, President, NCHGS, 342 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042 or email: adaub@northamptonctymuseum.org.