The Hands On! Children’s Museum Board of Directors is seeking a visionary, collaborative leader to guide the museum into its next chapter as it approaches its 20th anniversary. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a beloved community institution dedicated to learning through play.
The ideal candidate is an innovative and relationship‑driven professional with demonstrated experience building strong community partnerships, securing philanthropic and earned revenue, and advancing creative, mission‑focused programming within a nonprofit, educational, or children’s museum environment.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, thoughtful planning, and effective management to ensure the museum’s long‑term sustainability and growth. The Executive Director leads and inspires the Museum’s leadership team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation.
At the heart of this role is a deep commitment to strengthening community through play—ensuring that all children in our region have access to joyful learning experiences that support lifelong opportunity and well‑being. The Executive Director will work closely with public, private, and nonprofit partners to advance this vision and expand the museum’s impact across the region.
The next Executive Director of the Hands On! Children’s Museum will provide innovative leadership, effective planning, and resourceful management to sustain and grow the organization. These responsibilities include:
- Serving as the museum’s chief fundraiser by leading all development efforts in partnership with the Board of Directors.
- Leading the development and implementation of the Museum’s next strategic plan and operational strategy.
- Providing leadership and support to the board, staff, volunteers, and other constituents in achieving the organization’s mission and vision.
- Supporting and enhancing a positive Museum culture that attracts and retains top talent at all levels, whether staff, consultants, board members, volunteers, or community partners.
- Maintaining highly efficient Museum operations that maximize resources, build opportunities, and further the Museum’s mission.
- Representing the Museum positively at public events throughout the community, region, and state.
- Overseeing all facility operations to ensure the building, grounds, environments, and exhibits are maintained to the highest standards.
- Growing strategic partnerships throughout the region to further the Museum’s mission.
- Working with the Museum’s leadership team to implement the Museum’s mission.
- Overseeing the Museum’s daily financial operations, including cash handling and overall fiscal position.
Please visit handsonwnc.org/edsearch for the full executive recruitment profile.
Qualifications: While an advanced degree is valued, experienced candidates from nonprofits, museums, or business management backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Highly preferred candidates will have at least five years of senior-level leadership experience in a cultural institution such as a children’s museum, science museum, or similarly complex nonprofit—with demonstrated success in fundraising, marketing, communications, strategic planning, STEAM program development, and board engagement.
The successful candidate will possess many of the following competencies:
- Inspirational and Effective Leadership
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Emotional Intelligence
- Integrity Without Compromise
- Strategic Thinking
- Relationship and Team Building Skills
Physical Demands: This position is required to stand and walk for long periods of time within a fast-paced and moderately loud environment. Must be able to sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to handle or feel objects or controls; reach with hands and arms. Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 50 pounds is required.
The salary range for this position is comparable with similar sized children’s museums in North Carolina. Benefits include an annual performance-based bonus, health/wellness stipend, downtown parking permit, paid time off, and a collaborative and joyful workplace culture.
Application Process: In one document please submit through email a cover letter, resume, salary expectations, and how you found out about the position, to director@handsonwnc.org. This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.
The first review of applications is scheduled for May 12, 2026. Selected semi-finalists may be asked to give a brief presentation to the Board of Directors as part of the interview process. Finalists will be required to provide a minimum of three professional references, and a Criminal Background and Drug Screening will be conducted before a final offer of employment is made.