Executive Director

New Hampshire Boat Museum, Wolfeboro, NH

The New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) www.nhbm.org, with a mission to inspire an understanding and
appreciation of the unique role New Hampshire’s lakes play in people’s lives, seeks an experienced and enthusiastic
Executive Director to take it to its next level. NHBM, located in Wolfeboro, on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in
the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire, just marked its 25th anniversary and is undertaking a capital
campaign to construct a new museum building and increase its endowment. The new director will have the
opportunity to work with the Board to complete the campaign, which is currently in the non-public phase, and to
oversee the creation of the new museum facility on lakefront property that the NHBM has recently purchased. The
new building will allow the museum to develop additional exhibits and experience-based educational programs to
carry out its goals of celebrating the history and stories of life on New Hampshire’s lakes and providing programs
that focus on learning through doing for people of all ages.
Opportunities of the Position
• Be part of a team that will create a new museum that will enable the NHBM to carry out its recently
expanded mission of interpreting the multi-faceted story of New Hampshire’s lakes, from boating to social
and cultural history to environmental stewardship and ecology.
• Work with a dedicated Board and Capital Campaign Committee to complete the $5.5 million Just Add Water
campaign for a new facility and an endowment.
• Have a significant positive impact on a museum that is “on the cusp of something great” and truly make a
difference in a museum and the community and region that it serves.
• Guide the museum as it positions itself as a family-oriented site offering experiential learning for all ages.
• Broaden the museum’s constituency as it reaches out to new audiences in new communities.
• Lead and inspire a small professional staff and a group of over 200 volunteers whose work is crucial to the
success of the museum and its programs.
• Work with a Board that is active, engaged, and eager to learn more about the museum field.
• Enjoy the support of the town government, whose leaders view the museum as an asset to the community
and are supportive of the campaign and expansion, as well as the support of area residents and businesses.
• Work collaboratively with other museums in the region through the NH Heritage Museum Trail.
Required knowledge, experience, and abilities
Academic Background
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Master’s degree in museum studies or similar field preferred.
• Knowledge of/interest in the history of boats, American history, marine environments and ecology a plus.
Experience
• 7-10 years of museum experience, including at least 3 in management. Small museum experience desirable.
• Knowledge of and experience with sound business/museum financial management practices; willingness to
adopt a conservative approach to finances.
• Track record of developing proactive, entrepreneurial, and innovative approaches to problem solving.
• Strong marketing and public relations experience, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and
communities. Fluency in current social media for communication and marketing preferred.
• Proven track record as a fundraiser. Experience with a capital campaign highly desirable.

• Experience with exhibit development helpful.
• Knowledge of best professional practices in all areas of the museum field.
Abilities
• Desire to work in a small museum and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
• Desire to lead, inspire, and motivate a small but enthusiastic staff, an active, engaged board with a
willingness to expand their knowledge of the museum field, and a large dedicated volunteer corps.
• Willingness to work hard to ensure the success of the many different programs and events that take place
during the busy summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). This includes the ability to undertake
moderate physical activity and work some evenings and weekends in season.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Outgoing, likes to meet people, be the face of the museum in the community.
• Flexibility. Ability to multi-task, work with interruptions.