Executive Director

Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Board Chair: swannanoavalleymuseumboard@gmail.com.

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible.

Mission Statement: The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center preserves and interprets the social, cultural, and natural history of the Swannanoa Valley, the pathway to western North Carolina, by developing programs and engaging exhibitions for the education and enrichment of the community, its children, and future generations.

Summary of Position: The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center and reports to the Museum’s Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. The Executive Director is responsible for the successful management of the Swannanoa Valley Museum to ensure that the organization succeeds in its mission. Primary responsibilities include support of preservation initiatives, education through programming and exhibitions, management of buildings and grounds, oversight of collections and archives, fundraising, marketing, budgeting, and management of the part-time assistant director and volunteers.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in the Museum’s office as well as in the community. Travel may be required for meetings, speaking engagements, workshops, professional associations, and other events. The position of Executive Director is full-time on a somewhat flexible schedule, depending on events, etc.

Compensation: Starting base salary is up to $50,000 depending on qualifications with an additional medical insurance stipend, retirement contribution, and annual bonus. Salary will be reassessed annually dependent upon performance and budget.

Requirements:

1. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as history, heritage, museum management, education, or business administration.
2. Management experience incorporating one or more the following endeavors: historical preservation and interpretation, business administration, event planning, fundraising, and/or marketing;
3. Demonstrated creative and technical writing skills.
4. Public speaking and the ability to represent the Museum in a professional manner in a public forum. 
5. Human relations skills in working with staff, volunteers, board of directors, and the community;
6. Ability to generate publicity;
7. Ability to recruit, manage, motivate, and direct volunteers;
8. Leadership skills in the planning and implementation of programs and events;
9. Demonstrated organizational and administration skills, and self-motivation;
10. Working knowledge of budgetary process and financial management;
11. Proficient in social media, computers, internet, and museum management software.
12. Demonstrated success in obtaining grants.
13. Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and personal transportation.

Job Segments:
Executive Responsibility

1. Provides fiduciary responsibility and oversight;
2. Supports and assists in the implementation of SVM Strategic Plan;
3. Management of staff and volunteers;
4. Supports and assists all committees of the SVM;
5. Delegates duties when appropriate;
6. Assists in preparing tax, solicitation, and USFS forms.

Preservation and Exhibits

1. Manages curatorial activity, collection management, and cataloging;
2. Manages exhibit design and installation.

Program

1. Coordinates programming, including education and interpretation, both on and off site;
2. Coordinates and supports events, on and off site, with staff, chairpersons, and volunteers;

Buildings and Grounds

1. Provides primary Museum building and grounds oversight and monitors security;
2. Oversees upkeep of building and grounds maintenance and landscaping;
3. Works with construction committee to implement continuing improvements to the building.

Museum Operations

1. Oversees the docent and volunteers program and the part-time Assistant Director;
2. Assists with training docents and volunteers when needed;
3. Supervises Museum tours, school visits, retail activities, and monetary collections.

Board of Directors

1. Provides support for board and committee activities;
2. Provides a monthly Director’s Report summarizing activities of the previous month;
3. Distributes all board materials, minutes, financials, etc.—electronically prior to board meetings;
4. Attends all board meetings.

Finance

1. Reviews accounting practices with the treasurer and assures that accounting controls are in place.
2. Prepares budget and monitors expenses in conjunction with the treasurer.
3. Seeks grant opportunities and oversees the preparation of grant requests.
4. Manages Membership Renewal Program.
5. Develops and manages fundraising events and activities.

Public Relations

1. Serves as the primary spokesperson for the Swannanoa Valley Museum;
2. Develops public communications program, including the publication of a monthly e-newsletter, news releases, and informational and educational materials;
3. Assures that the Museum’s website is up to date;
4. Utilizes social media to promote the Museum and its events and activities.
5. Networks with other museums, elected officials, and professional organizations.