LOCATION:  History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St Paul, Mn 55102
SALARY:  $5,889.00 mo. minimum.  Salary is commensurate w/experience.
STATUS:  Full-time, regular (2,088 annual hours)
CLASSIFICATION:  18M Management
HIRING MANAGER:  Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
POSTING DATE:  July 22, 2016
DEADLINE DATE:  Applications received or post-marked by August 22, 2016 will be considered first, position open until filled.

As the largest historical society in the nation with a reputation for being a leader in using the power of history to transform lives, the MNHS is seeking a director for our American Indian Initiatives program who will work collaboratively to create a bold, exciting new future for the organization and help us keep history fresh and relevant in a changing world.

We are looking for a mission-focused, strategic, and facilitative-minded leader with experience developing a high functioning team culture among groups of diverse, talented individuals.  This position requires the ability to set clear expectations, in terms of goals, roles, decisions; ensure appropriate involvement in decision making; and build understanding in and across teams, even when views are in conflict.  It is essential that the Director of American Indian Initiatives create strong relationships with staff to accomplish goals and meet organizational objectives and develop positive relationships with American Indian communities and external stakeholders to advance the work and mission of MNHS.

Working closely with the Director & CEO and the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of American Indian Initiatives provides leadership to develop a vision and strategy for MNHS’s American Indian programs and services and to implement those plans in collaboration with staff throughout the institution by:  developing American Indian content and exhibits; building strategic relationships with American Indian communities throughout the state, and as appropriate, beyond; and implementing programs, and supporting MNHS priority projects, such as Historic Fort Snelling.  This position will have a close relationship to the Collections & Research Services division staff for the curation of American Indian objects, the Guest Experiences and Education Services division, the External Relations division and the MNHS Press.

SUMMARY OF WORK:  1) provide leadership to develop and implement a vision and strategy for MNHS’s American Indian programs and services; 2) in collaboration with External Relations, work with American Indian tribes, community organizations and related parties to develop and strengthen relationships and optimize their use of MNHS’s programs and services; 3) collaborate with exhibits and programs staff to conceive and develop American Indian exhibits and programs; 4) convene staff supporting American Indian programs and activities to coordinate activities and communications and to track progress towards established goals; and 5) collaborate with Collection & Research Services division staff to develop relationships with American Indian communities and help to identify, acquire, document and preserve research collections forming the materials, artistic and documentary evidence of American Indians’ experiences in Minnesota’s history.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, American Indian studies, public history, a related field plus eight years museum experience or equivalent; an advanced degree plus five years museum experience or equivalent OR a terminal degree with experience that closely relates to the responsibilities of the position.
  • Knowledge and respect of American Indian art, history, and culture.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated application of legal and ethical museum standards in all areas of museum operation, NAGPRA, conservation principles, audience evaluation, collections documentation, exhibit interpretation and design principles.
  • Broad knowledge of museum trends, marketing, sales and program development and delivery.
  • Ability to work with MNHS staff, MNHS Executive Council members and broad range of constituents.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop a high functioning team culture among groups of diverse, talented individuals.
  • Mastery of supervisory skills and the ability to manage activities through others.
  • Ability to identify, interpret and apply appropriate laws and regulations.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Knowledge of the MNHS and its programs, including the MNHS charter, by-laws, mission statement and institutional goals.
  • Knowledge of Minnesota’s native peoples’ history and culture.
  • Experience working with American Indians in Minnesota.
NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: Salary is commensurate with experience.
Internal Number: 1308