Small Museum Association

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Executive Director, Nye Museum, Sandwich, Massachusetts

06 Nov 2022 5:34 PM | Mary Kennan

Nye Museum Executive Director

Nye Museum is a historic homestead on Old County Road in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, and a historic preservation project of the Nye Family of America Association, Inc.  It consists of a main house, originally constructed in 1678, a Grange Hall, the Old Mill, the Old Fish Hatchery trails, and adjacent land overlooking Nye Pond.

The Board of Trustees of Nye Museum seeks an Executive Director to lead the Museum, engage the public, and help to preserve this unique property.

Job Description:

  • ·        Manage daily operations of the Museum buildings and grounds
  • ·        Manage property rentals and oversee the property during rental events
  • ·        Actively engage with and energize Board members, Nye Association members, staff, volunteers, partner organizations, funders, donors, and other stakeholders
  • ·        Supervise and manage staff, including evaluating staff performance and advocating for appropriate staff compensation
  • ·        Working with the Board and Curator, take the lead in developing an annual calendar of events, exhibits, and programs
  • ·        Working with the Museum Historian, ensure that the archives are maintained, properly cataloged, and made accessible to researchers
  • ·        Working with contracted property managers and building consultants, oversee maintenance, repair, and preservation of the buildings and grounds
  • ·        Represent and promote the Museum widely in the community
  • ·        Oversee the creation of marketing and promotional materials including newsletters, website, social media, press releases, and more
  • ·        Identify grant opportunities and work to develop and administer grants to support the operations of the Museum
  • ·        With the Board, develop fundraising appeals and outreach to membership to raise funds for special projects
  • ·        With the Board, plan and administer annual “friendraising” and fundraising events, including annual and semiannual events such as the Nye Reunion and the Autumn Gathering
  • ·        Identify and participate in relevant associations and educational activities to keep abreast of the latest developments in museum and nonprofit management
  • ·        With the Board develop  and implement a sustainable 5-year strategic plan of service with mission-centered goals and objectives

Requirements:

  • ·        Masters in history and/or museum studies preferred; BA/BS in history and/or museum studies required
  • ·        Demonstrated experience running a small museum or historical museum, as well as previous experience in nonprofit management
  • ·        Demonstrated experience supervising staff and volunteers and working with Boards of Trustees
  • ·        Successful grant writing and fundraising experience
  • ·        Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft and Apple products, Past Perfect, WordPress, as well as knowledge of social media ad PR software

Key Skills and Traits:

  • ·        Love of history
  • ·        Leadership ability
  • ·        Communication and writing skills
  • ·        Ability to manage projects and people
  • ·        Ability to work independently
  • ·        Problem solving skills
  • ·        Innovative thinker
  • ·        Organization and prioritization
  • ·        Creativity and curiosity
  • ·        Strong work ethic

Hours and salary:  28 hours a week at $37 an hour.  This position requires some evening and weekend hours.

Additional benefits:  Two weeks paid vacation annually.

This position has some physical demands, including lifting boxes, moving furniture, and setting up/breaking down exhibits.  The Nye Museum buildings are not fully accessible, and the Director will need to be able to climb stairs and gain access to attic and basement spaces. 

The Nye Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and the names/contact information for three professional references to:

Lucy Loomis, Vice President, Board of Trustees

lucyloomis44@gmail.com

This position is open until filled.  Preference will be given to applications received by November 30th, 2022.

For more information on Nye Museum, visit our website at www.nyemuseum.org


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