Executive Director [American Bookbinders Museum]

Organization

The American Bookbinders Museum (ABM) provides a complete experience of bookbinding history, craft and culture.  We are a comprehensive library and archive focused on the history of the bookbinding trade and the people central to this early American industry.  Our museum features experiential exhibits related to all aspects of book creation and includes a fully functional nineteenth century style bookbindery. We aspire to be responsive to and a reflection of our community in relation to tours, exhibitions, events, and publications.  We believe that our museum is only as strong as the community that supports us.

ABM is a 501c3 with revenues under $500,000 annually and a part time staff of five (target in 2015). We are located in San Francisco’s museum district.

For more information, please visit www.bookbindersmuseum.org

Position

ABM seeks an Executive Director to provide dynamic leadership and to direct planning, administration, staffing, and museum operations. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to refine, develop, and implement a progressive program for the Museum’s fundraising, exhibitions, collections management, educational activities, and community outreach.

Responsibilities

• Works in conjunction with the Board to develop the strategic direction and establish initiatives to fulfill the mission of the Museum and increase national awareness and prominence.
• Directs the museum’s operations, including budget and finance, fundraising, public programming, collections management, marketing and communications, personnel and event space management.
• Responsible for prudent fiscal management of ABM.  Works directly with the Board in identifying revenue sources.  Cultivates and manages revenue streams including earned revenue, grants, fundraising, memberships and other sources.
• Manages and leads the part-time staff of three, volunteers, and consultants.
• Leads and participates in all fundraising and development activities, including grant writing and developing relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Deepen and refine all aspects of communications—from web presence to external relations, with the goal of creating a stronger brand.  Develops and implements an effective communications plan to raise the profile of the museum in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally.
• Manages, secures and maintains the property and facilities of the Museum.
• Directs the maintenance and preservation of the collections.
• Works closely with the Founder to direct acquisitions.  Identifies and builds relationships with potential donors to the collections.
• Leads the development of exhibition schedule.  Facilitates the development of high quality tours and special events.

Qualifications

The ED will be passionate about ABM’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership, supervision and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:

• Minimum education requires a Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree preferred.
• Ten years of experience in a museum, academic, or nonprofit organization. At least five years at a senior managerial level preferred.
• Ability to provide strong leadership, vision and strategic direction. Experience developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for museums, non-profits, or similar organizations, as well as a history of involvement in relevant professional organizations.
• Strong record of success in fundraising and audience development.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and public speaking.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with Boards, volunteers, and in community relations and outreach capacities.
• Competence in managing museum operations, including personnel matters. Demonstrated ability to supervise, as well as to work successfully with, museum staff, volunteers, and diverse public constituencies.
• Evidence of success in developing, managing, and growing an annual operating budget. Strong financial management skills.
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, including weekends and evenings when needed.
• Essential qualities include passion, integrity, enthusiasm and self-direction.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to info@bookbindersmuseum.org.  Position will remain open until filled.