Director [Museum of the Aleutians, Unalaska, AK]

Description

The Museum of the Aleutians Association, Inc. a non-profit organization that manages and operates the local Museum of the Aleutians in Unalaska, AK, seeks a skilled Director with experience in museum and/or non-profit management.  This professional exempt position has overall responsibility for leadership and management of the Museum. The Museum Director reports directly to the MOTA Board of Directors.  MOTA is an equal opportunity employer.

MOTA’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the rich cultural legacy of the Aleutian Islands Region.  Our goal is to serve multicultural, multigenerational, and international audiences with educational and research opportunities through our exhibits, collections and programs.

OVERALL DUTIES:

1. Management and maintenance of the physical museum facility, staff, finances and operations.
2. Ensure the preservation and safety of the museum collections and their appropriate use.
3. Promote awareness and understanding of the cultural and natural history of the Aleutian Islands region and to interpret, through use of the collection and traveling exhibit materials, the stories they tell.
4. Create and support a positive museum experience for visitors, and enhance credibility of the museum through community outreach programs and cultivation of professional contacts.

DIRECTOR WILL:

• Assume overall accountability to the Board of Directors for the operation of the museum:
  • Implement Board policy and Strategic Plan;
  • Present to the Museum Board of Directors and/or its committees periodic reports reflecting the professional services, financial activities, acquisition, loans, transfers and other pertinent information regarding the MOTA collections, exhibitions, publications and programs;
  • Propose policy and policy revisions to the board as needed for the effective and efficient operation of the museum;
  • Prepare a plan for the achievement of MOTA’s specific goals and objectives, periodically review and make recommendations for their revision; and
  • Attend all board meetings and all board advisory committees in person or by appropriate designee.
• Maintain the public trust properties entrusted to the MOTA in accordance with professional standards of such organizations as the AAM. Ensure the documentation, preservation and safety of the museum
• Ensure that programs, exhibits, research and public relations opportunities are appropriate for and support the museum’s mission.
• Ensure maintenance of the physical museum facility in a good, safe state of repair and operating condition and will understand routine and emergency operation procedures of the facility.
• Recommend appropriate staffing levels to accomplish the museum’s goals, by selecting, hiring, training, supervising, and discharging employees and managing personnel policies and practices for the Museum. Evaluates Individual job performance of museum staff and makes recommendations for improvement as necessary.
• Fiscal management responsibilities include: grant writing, corporate and foundation requests, fund development, capital projects and special projects, general operations including the museum store; and collaborates with the board to present fundraising events.
• Prepare and present an annual operations budget. Supervise the business affairs of the MOTA. Approve all expenditures assuring they are within the Board approved budget.
• Enhance credibility of the museum through public presentations, attendance at professional meetings, and development of professional contacts.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the MOTA Board.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess or develop a passion for our local history and demonstrate skills in all aspects of museum operations.

Education:  Advanced degree in Museology or other field related to the museums mission such as history, anthropology, or art. Training in non-profit management or business administration is desirable.

Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in museum work; and some administrative and non-profit experience.

Skills/Abilities:

• Broad knowledge of museum standards and practices and of legal and ethical aspects of museum operation.
• Specialized knowledge in at least one area of the museum’s collections. Experience with and knowledge of Aleutian Islands heritage, history, art, culture and natural sciences is a plus.
• Ability to implement the policy established by the museum board and to encourage active participation by the board, museum staff, and the public in realizing the objectives and goals of the museum.
• Excellent public relations, oral and written communication skills including grant writing. Ability to effectively relate with a wide range of audiences including funders.
• Supervisory, management, and planning skills. Ability to plan and monitor budgets.
• Ability to conduct professional research, educational and exhibit programs that enhance the museum’s mission.
• Experience in cataloging, records management, or museum registration.
• Experience in word processing, desk top publishing and database management. Working knowledge and experience with Past Perfect collections software.
• Ability to interact positively with federal, state, city agencies, volunteers, tour groups, public schools and organizations.
• Ability to resolve a conflict in a positive manner.
• Must adhere to appropriate standards of conduct and ethics, including confidentiality, integrity and honesty; exhibit ability to adapt to changing work environments, cooperate and work respectfully with others.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull or physically maneuver a minimum of fifty pounds.
• Must be able to work flexible hours as needed.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Deadline to apply: March 25. Competitive salary and excellent benefits.  Contact museumofthealeutians@gmail.com for further information.

To apply, submit cover letter, resume and at least three professional references with contact information to: Museum of the Aleutians PO Box 648, Unalaska, AK 99685, or email to: museumofthealeutians@gmail.com.