President and CEO [United States Marshals Museum, Fort Smith, AK]

Description

TITLE:        President and CEO

 United States Marshals Museum

LOCATION:   Fort Smith, Arkansas

OPENING DATE:   January 18, 2016        CLOSING DATE:  March 11, 2016

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:    The United States Marshals Museum is currently being developed on the banks of the Arkansas River.  Planned as a 50,000 square foot museum with 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum will be a national museum that exhibits, interprets, and honors the history and service of the United States Marshals, the nation’s first law enforcement agency.  The museum will incorporate a Hall of Honor, commemorating the courage and sacrifice of fallen Marshals and a National Learning Center, designed to support programs and learning activities with a national reach.  A 2018 opening is anticipated.

The United States Marshals Museum will complement the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Fort Smith Museum of History and the Fort Smith Museum of Art as important historic and cultural attractions in the area.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:    The President and CEO of the U.S. Marshals Museum is the primary administrative officer who oversees the operations and institutional success of the organization.  The President and CEO reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission.  To fulfill his/her responsibilities, the President and CEO must be deeply knowledgeable of the museum’s purpose, operations, programs, financial requirements, stakeholders’ needs and service to the communities it serves.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Management

• Oversee and manage the construction of the USMM with the requisite standards of quality and financial efficiency;
• Oversee the design and installation of exhibits with emphasis on meeting all interpretive and visitor needs;
• Develop and initiate a comprehensive strategic planning process to articulate the goals and objectives that best support a museum of quality, relevance, and service.
• Build, mentor and manage a talented staff, promoting a culture that rewards initiative, accountability and collaboration;
• Provide policy direction for internal operations, including expectations for all staff, consultants and volunteers.

Budget and Finance

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices;
• With staff, Finance Committee and Board prepare annual institutional budget;
• Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work, addressing and resolving budget issues as they arise;
• With the CFO, assure that the organization meets all legal requirements with regards to financial reporting and controls.

Board Relationships and Guidance

• Forge and maintain strong working relationship with the Board and the Foundation and their leadership;
• Work closely with Board and Foundation to determine how best to define and structure their roles and responsibilities moving forward.
• Foster relationships with all Board members marked by open communication and responsiveness to issues affecting the strategic direction and operating health of the museum;
• Encourage all Board and Foundation members to participate actively and cultivate new members whose talents, interests and commitment will further the museum’s mission and expand support.

Fundraising and Communications

• Lead current fundraising efforts to achieve $55 million goal to build the USMM;
• With Vice President for Development, establish foundation and processes for  ongoing fundraising initiatives to support annual budget and special projects;
• Continue to cultivate and nurture major donors and external stakeholders through timely communications and recognition;
• Maintain ongoing communications with the U.S. Marshals Service, government officials, the Five Civilized Tribes and related organizations.

External Relationships

• Serve as the primary liaison to the community, representing the museum in all relevant community venues;
• Oversee comprehensive approach to all external communications, including media relations, marketing, Arkansas Parks and Tourism, and community partners.
• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative agreements with community groups and organizations;
• Encourage staff to engage in community outreach and partnerships on both a professional and community-based level.

Vision

• Serve as a thought leader for staff, Board, and community stakeholders, encouraging the development, exchange, and implementation of new ideas in programming and interpretation;
• Establish an internal culture in which staff members stay abreast of emerging ideas and are encouraged to share and expand on them with one another.

 COMPENSATION:  The United States Marshals Museum will offer a competitive salary and benefit package, commensurate with experience and expertise.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY:   Please send a cover letter and current resume via email to Tracie Jacobs at tjacobs@usmarshalsmuseum.org. by March 11, 2016.

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE:    The ideal candidate for this position must possess extensive management skills and expertise, significant knowledge of and experience with museums, a proven record of success in fundraising, and a background that includes supervision of architectural and exhibit design and construction of a new or newly renovated facility.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8-10 years in a museum setting, including progressive management and supervisory responsibilities;
• Strong record of success in fundraising;
• Significant experience in overseeing a major construction project;
• Experience in managing and working with architects and exhibit design professionals;
• Deep engagement with the museum profession, including regional/national leadership, record of professional presentations and publications;

Skills and Expertise:

• A minimum of a Masters degree in history, business management or related studies;  Ph.D. or equivalent preferred;
• A deep understanding and regard for the important and study of American history and civics;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to work with boards, volunteers,  members, and community partners;
• Team building expertise, resulting in highly positive internal culture;
• Ability to work collaboratively with press and media, especially in marketing of new institution.