Executive Director [Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton, NJ]

Description

Morven Museum & Garden (www.morven.org) is located in the heart of Princeton, N.J., a community of exceptional beauty and historic significance.  It is home to one of the most distinguished universities in the country, is centrally located in the Philadelphia-New York corridor, and has the distinction of serving briefly as the revolutionary war capital and home to two signers of the Declaration of Independence.  One of those signers was Richard Stockton, whose family home was Morven, now a National Historic Landmark.

For a position available by summer 2016, we seek a dynamic leader with relevant museum or historic site experience to embrace Morven’s commitment to excellence and lead the organization into the future.  The right candidate must have significant, demonstrated leadership experience; excellent strategic vision; strong operational management skills; and a track record of developing effective partnerships with board, donors and other key stakeholders.

The Museum was founded as a public-private partnership to preserve Morven’s rich historic, cultural, and political history. Morven is operated by the private, non-profit entity, Historic Morven, Inc., (HMI) which was founded in 1987 to assist the State of New Jersey with the operation of Richard Stockton’s historic home.  HMI began operations in 1993 and oversaw the completion of an extensive $7 million restoration of the mansion, selected gardens and out buildings. The State reaffirmed its support by granting HMI a 25-year lease in 2001, enabling the opening of Morven Museum & Garden in 2004.  An amended 60-year lease was negotiated in 2015.  Morven includes four fully restored buildings and ten restored historic gardens.  Construction on an addition, the Richard and Annis Stockton Education Center, is scheduled to begin later this year.  Over $8 million in private funds were raised to support the center and restoration of the gardens.

Morven operates on an annual budget of $1,275,000, 65% of which is from contributions.  The Executive Director oversees a full-time staff of four, ten part-time staff, 75 volunteers and works with a board of 19 trustees.

Key Responsibilities: 

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Morven Museum & Garden. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.   Specific responsibilities include:

Administrative:

• Oversee the day-to-day operation and administration.
• Maintain a professional, respectful work environment.
• Work closely with board and staff to set short-and long-term strategic goals.
• Establish standards to measure progress of operation and strategic goals.
• Ensure conservation and maintenance plans for the house and grounds are managed.

Board Relations:

• Maintain a strong and effective relationship with the board.
• Support the board’s best practices for governance.
• Ensure that the board has timely information and staff reports to make meaningful decisions.

Budget, Finance, and Fundraising:

• Adhere to sound financial practices.
• Ensure that an excellent relationship with the state is an on-going priority.
• Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the board to prepare a responsible budget and establish proper controls
• Take an active leadership role in fundraising through the stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation of existing and prospective donor relationships.

Operational:

• Maintain Morven’s high standard of excellence through innovative exhibitions and creative, relevant educational programming.
• Establish a strong and effective management team and a respectful, professional workplace environment.
• Oversee the conservation, exhibition, housing of Morven’s collections according to accepted standards and best practices.
• Establish collaborative working relationships with key state, regional and community stakeholders.
• Seek opportunities to promote Morven through speaking engagements and leadership participation in professional networks.

Requirements

Desired Qualifications:

A Masters degree is desired, along with ten years of leadership experience in a museum, historic site or related field.  In addition, the right candidate will have the following desired qualifications:

• Visionary and strategic leader who can see opportunities for organizational growth, renewal, and mission advancement.
• Experienced administrator with a commitment to positive collaboration with the Board and the ongoing implementation of organizational best practices
• Skilled manager who can recruit, retain and motivate professional staff and adhere to clear, accountable operating goals.
• Enthusiastic, experienced fundraiser to grow Morven’s financial resources.
• Dynamic, personable leader who will inspire staff, board, volunteers, donors, and visitors.
• Excellent communicator who can clearly articulate Morven’s vision and needs.

To Apply:

The Candidate Opportunity Statement can be found at www.morven.org.   Qualified applicants should submit the following information also to search@morven.org by April 15, 2016:

• Cover letter discussing your interest and unique qualifications for the position
• Current resume
• Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for three references (We will obtain permission from the candidates before contacting your references)

These materials should be submitted online by the deadline of April 15.  After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will conduct a round of semi-finalist interviews by May 6.  Finalists will be invited to Morven for a comprehensive day of interviews in early June to include staff, trustees, volunteers and donors.