Job Listing: Executive Director (VAM)

Virginia Association of Museums –  Richmond, VA

Closes –  A review of applicants will begin on September 16, 2024 and continue until the position has been filled. 

Position Title – Executive Director

Salary –  $65,000 - $80,000

Job Type –  Full Time, exempt

Apply –  Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to careers@vamuseums.org.

Job Summary –  The Executive Director is responsible for providing visionary and strategic leadership in support of organizational advancement. The Executive Director is also VAM’s chief fundraising officer and is responsible for raising the funds and securing the resources necessary for VAM to thrive and grow. Finally, the Executive Director is responsible for achieving and sustaining an acclaimed reputation for VAM, compellingly articulating the mission and advocating on behalf of the organization and those it serves, and managing the operations of the organization.

The Executive Director’s primary areas of focus include:

Financial & Resource Development (30%)

1. 1. Cultivating and soliciting financial gifts and support.
   2. Growing and diversifying VAM’s donor base and revenue streams.
   3. Cultivating beneficial relationships and partnerships.
   4. Developing, implementing, and monitoring organizational budgets and business plan.

Strategic Leadership & Communication (30%)

1. 1. Serving as the leading representative of VAM to its members, stakeholders, as well as professional associations such as the National Alliance of State Museum Associations.
   2. Advocating for the organization, its members and member institutions, the museum field, and associated causes. 
   3. Planning and implementing strategic marketing and public relations initiatives including the website and social media.
   4. Maintaining strong relationships with the Council and engaging in coordinated work with the full board, affiliated committees, and individual members.
   5. Leading, managing, and supporting staff and volunteers.

Business Administration (25%)

1. 1. Developing, articulating, and advancing the vision and strategic direction of the organization. 
   2. Implementing and evaluating strategic goals and initiatives.

Membership & Program Management (15%)

1. 1. Supporting, serving, and growing VAM’s membership.
   2. Planning, implementing, and evaluating the Annual Conference, workshops, and other programs and public offerings. 

Qualifications –

1. Successful organizational and team leadership in diverse and vibrant settings.
2. Success in cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with diverse constituencies.
3. Experience creating, supporting, and sustaining an environment and organizational culture in which a unified team works for excellence.
4. Experience providing exemplary guest services.
5. Success in identifying and achieving goals.
6. Success in planning and managing projects.
7. A commitment to developing and leading entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives.
8. A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
9. A positive attitude and a creatively open mind.
10. A commitment to excellence 

Education and Experience

1. A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, non-profit management, museum studies, public history, communications, business and economics, or a related field is preferred.
2. Experience in a leadership role with responsibility for strategic thinking, project management, budget and financial management, advocacy, fundraising, coordinated work with a non-profit board, and managing staff and volunteers is preferred.
3. Experience with professional associations, cultural organizations, and/or museums is preferred.
4. Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and/or evenings as needed.
5. Must be able to travel out of town as needed. Must live within the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

About – Founded in 1968 as the Virginia History Federation, today the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) is the largest statewide museum service organization in the United States, with over 2,500 members. Based in Richmond, Virginia, VAM fulfills its mission of helping the museum community succeed by focusing on professional development opportunities for museum professionals and on advocacy at the state and national levels. These initiatives include an acclaimed annual conference, a robust workshop series, a respected professional certification program, a growing Virginia’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts Program, and an engaging Advocacy Day experience. VAM is also presently implementing a comprehensive DEAI Initiative.

A twenty-member Council whose members include representatives of six distinct geographic regions, five specific museum disciplines, and from both museums and affiliated businesses governs VAM. The work of Council and of VAM is further enhanced by a dedicated group of volunteers serving on a number of committees and affinity groups.

The ideal candidate for this exciting role at the largest statewide museum service organization in the United States will be able to strategically and entrepreneurially lead VAM’s operations and drive organizational advancement. The ideal candidate will also possess a passion for building and sustaining strong relationships, an enthusiastic commitment to excellence, and a dedication to exceptional service.

The selected ED candidate will work with the board to find an appropriate healthcare program for VAM staff. Consideration will be given to candidates who express an interest in remote work, with the understanding that regular travel around the state and a frequent presence in Richmond to represent VAM, manage staff/contractors, etc., is required.