President and Chief Executive Officer [The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque, IA]

Description

President and Chief Executive Officer

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium has retained The Overture Group to identify a new President and CEO to join its leadership team.

About DCHS and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is the most comprehensive river museum in the nation, offering a rich variety of historical and aquatic exhibits and programs on a 15 acre campus.  Established in 1980, the Museum & Aquarium completed a $56 million capital campaign in 2003 and a $38 million campaign in 2010, and now has four buildings which house 8 exhibit galleries, 50,000 gallons of fresh and salt water aquatic and terrestrial exhibits, a 3D/4D theater, and five themed theaters.  The grounds include a demonstration wetland, an outdoor boatyard with boat shop and blacksmith shop, a National Landmark steamboat, and a Mississippi Plaza with raptor aviaries.  One thousand feet of museum waterfront includes a National Landmark steamboat, a museum dock, and a city-owned visiting boat marina.

The aquatic and terrestrial collections total over 300 species and 3,000 animals.  The historic collections number 10,000 artifacts and 35,000 library and archival items.  Programs include captive breeding species propagation, RiverWorks Discovery national traveling exhibit and education program, and the National Rivers Hall of Fame.  The Museum & Aquarium (under the Dubuque County Historical Society) also operates the Mathias Ham House Historic Site, and the Bowell Library and Archives.

The Museum & Aquarium is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and partners with Coastal America, NOAA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Great River Road, and the Mississippi River Network. With over 200,000 visitors this year, the Museum & Aquarium has an annual budget of $5 million and 35 full time staff and 60 part time staff.  It is supported by 60% earned income, 2,300 members, and an $8.5 million endowment.  There is no long term debt.

The new CEO will be responsible for establishing and communicating the overall mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the organization to key stakeholders including: visitors, board members, staff, volunteers, and key strategic partners.

The primary responsibilities are:

Vision and Strategic Development

• With the Board, provides strategic direction for the organization, developing and implementing annual goals and objectives.
• With committee chairs and Board leadership, monitors and reports to the Board regularly on progress using key metrics.
• Establish the performance goals, allocate resources, and assess policies for senior management.

Board of Directors Engagement

• Serves as primary stakeholder liaison to the Board.
• With Board leadership, manages the operations and functions of the Board and its Committees. Attends all appropriate meetings and ensures that staff leadership and support are provided to Committees and the Board.
• Engages the board in broadening relationships with organizational stakeholders and encourages the board to be engaged in fund development activity.
• Performs additional responsibilities and projects as needed or assigned by the Board.

Communications and Marketing

• Oversees the organization’s brand and external communications with critical stakeholders including donors, key business partners and the general public.
• Will cultivate strong relations with local, regional, and national organizations in order to promote collaboration, learning, and public relations.
• Responsible for developing the presence of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium at national and international levels in the areas related to the mission of the organization.
• Serves as a chief spokesperson for NMRMA.

Business and Financial Management

• Continues to examine ways to build a more sustainable financial model, affording less risk to the organization’s growth goals.
• With appropriate staff and Board, monitors and oversees the finances and financial management of the organization, including transparent budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the management of fixed assets, including exhibits, collections, building and grounds.

Fundraising

• With appropriate staff and Board leadership – ensures the development and implementation of a comprehensive multi-year fundraising plan.
• Establish a close, effective working relationship with the Board, the Development Committee and lead activities to advance donor relationships and build contributed revenue.
• In coordination with the Development team, cultivates and fosters relationships with major individual, corporate and foundation donors aligned with various fundraising campaigns—including operating, capital and special programs.

Leadership

• Provides leadership and support to the Board, staff, donors and other constituents in achieving the institution’s mission.
• Effectively lead and manage change as the institution’s needs and dynamics of the external environment change.
• Embody the highest ethical standards and demonstrate a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Museum & Aquarium.

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressive leadership experience (or equivalent combination of education and related experience), preferably in nonprofit or education sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university is expected. A degree at the graduate level is preferred, not required.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communications, and presentation skills.
  • Experience building teams, structures and systems to support a financially healthy and sustainable organization.
  • Demonstrated success building durable relationships with partners, donors, stakeholders, and constituencies.

For confidential consideration please contact:
Brandi Mueller

bmueller@theoverturegroup.com

319.366.3688

Chad Melloy

cmelloy@theoverturegroup.com

319.365-1009

The Overture Group is a premier Midwest professional/executive/management search and interim placement firm. We draw on our vast network and expertise-from pre-search preparation through post-placement transition-to find and fit the right professionals in various professions and industries.

Requirements