Executive Director, Historic Westville

Company: United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
Location: Columbus
Posted on: November 8, 2024

Job Description:

Historic Westville is a living history museum of seventeen authentic pre-1850 buildings, furnishings, and artifacts arranged as a working town around a central courthouse. It operated successfully from 1966 to 2016 in rural Lumpkin, GA., then was moved to Columbus, GA and re-opened in 2019. It closed during COVID but now plans to reopen, initially two days a week (Fridays and Saturdays), with the option to open three days a week. It is seeking an Executive Director to begin work the fall of 2024. Through the use of exhibits, live interpreters, food and crafts, visitors will once again learn about life of Southern people in the 19th century South, including European Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, and immigrants, and how major historical events affected the region. Our target audiences will continue to be the general public and school groups.Job DescriptionThe Executive Director ("ED") of Historic Westville is responsible to ensure the quality of programs and the successful administration of the organization. The Director works with the Board of Trustees to fulfill the mission, achieve the vision and enhance the organization's image in the community. The Director is responsible for fundraising as well as for the overall management of the financial function, building operations, public relations, marketing, and personnel management. The Director represents the museum to key stakeholders, media, and other institutions.Together with the board of trustees, the ED develops a strategic plan that works toward this vision, translates the plan into annual action, and energizes board, staff, and external partners to action. This individual inspires, values, and empowers others, from staff and volunteers to those in the communities served. They will be the face of the organization, and a sought-after advocate and a thought leader in the community. The selected candidate will establish and nurture relationships and collaborative partnerships with a variety of stakeholders to advance the mission of the organization for greater impact.The chosen candidate will be leading the reopening and reestablishment of Historic Westville as a living museum. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about historic and cultural preservation who also has an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to show what they are capable of.Compensation for this role is in the range of $100,000 - $110,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Historic Westville offers benefits including medical & dental insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays.Duties & Responsibilities:Operations & Curatorial Management

• Work under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees of Historic Westville to provide management and administration of all facilities that comprise the organization.
• Ensure that resources of the museum are focused on relevant, major objectives designed to meet the mission of providing entertaining exhibits and education programs that will be attended and utilized by a diverse population.
• Recruit and hire staff and evaluate performance.
• Exercise overall supervisory responsibility of the museum staff to assure professional practices, activities, and programs, including but not limited to: exhibitions, acquisitions, collections management, education development, administration, preservation, research and facility management, memberships, public relations and volunteer/docent programs.
• Plan for and implement the orderly growth of the same, consistent with the museum's long-range plan.
• Ensure the maintenance and appearance of the museum and the grounds so as to reflect the best possible professional standards.
• Encourage and support continuing education efforts. Build the capabilities of the team by providing an environment in which each member feels both the responsibility for and the satisfaction in a job well done.
• Maintain excellent rapport with a wide range of visitors, customers, and vendors that will be encountered.
• Develop and monitor the annual budget.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of financial and management reporting for government funders, foundations, and Board of Trustees; oversee the preparation of annual financial statements.
• Ensure the gathering and reporting of relevant data by which staff, Board and funders may evaluate the effectiveness of the organization's programs and activities.
• Manage all employee benefits.
• Ensure the ongoing sustainability of Historic Westville by developing and documenting a funding strategy to meet its current and future resource needs.
• Increase, strengthen and diversify funding sources, including one-on-one solicitation with major donors and private foundations, deferred giving campaigns, corporate, in-kind support, and earned revenue.
• Mobilize and motivate volunteers as fundraisers, including board members.
• Participate in government relations, community relations, and other public relations activities to build and strengthen support for Historic Westville and its mission.Organizational Leadership
• Provide leadership, vision, and direction to volunteers and personnel that fosters loyalty, integrity, commitment, and creative thinking.
• Refer to the Executive Committee for assistance/guidance as needed.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial and Human Resources requirements.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, institutional transparency, and occupational safety.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by employee assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of all job duties performed by persons in the position.Preferred ExperienceThe ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:Experience
• Five to eight (5-8) years or more of applicable experience, preferably with at least 3 in a senior management role.
• Experience leading people and working with boards of directors strongly desired.
• Ability to make necessary staff changes/reductions/additions to complete the mission.
• Knowledge of basic accounting concepts and principles.
• Proficient in use of a personal computer and all software necessary to manage budgets, personnel financial and HR records and reports.
• Strong understanding and a track record of success in personnel management.
• Understanding and experience in all aspects of fundraising. Grant writing and management skills a plus.Personal Attributes and Qualifications
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to multi-task.
• A strategic thinker who thrives on problem solving, and takes an energetic, proactive approach to meeting organizational needs.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building skills; someone who is tactful, collaborative, and diplomatic with proven success in leadership.
• Strong verbal, written, communication, and presentation skills. An excellent communicator who can engage a variety of audiences.
• Integrity, trustworthiness and credibility.
• Strong planning, collaboration, problem-solving skills, including a willingness to take a "hands on" approach to leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and results in managing a team.
• Willingness to work on site as needed, including during weekends and, if necessary, in inclement weather.
• Physically able to perform assigned duties, including: Standing/Walking on variable surfaces, walking around during shift.
• Sitting for long periods of time required, at a desk and/or in front of a computer.
• Must be able to view computer monitor, keyboard and work in low light situations.
• Must be able to communicate extensively with customers, visitors and staff, via face-to-face conversations.
• Must be able to navigate the museum physical campus, kneel, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and tolerate dust in the indoor environment.
• Repetitive use of hand/grasping (continuously) light to forceful manipulating/grasping of product, writing.Education:Bachelor's Degree required, with a preferred concentration in Business Administration, Public Administration, Sciences, Humanities (preferably History), nonprofit Management, Museum Studies or a related field.Recruitment ProcessIn order to apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter below.Historic Westville is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion among its board members, advisory council, staff, volunteers and the communities we serve. We are a proud non-profit organization, driven by openness, collaboration and our Founder's vision. We are creating an open and inclusive organization welcoming of all people who are mission-aligned and can grow to their full potential.Historic Westville 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.Identity and Employment Eligibility VerificationIn compliance with federal law, the candidate hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form (I-9) upon hire. The candidate will also have to complete required background check prior to employment.Historic Westville is a drug-free workplace.Evenings and WeekendsHistoric Westville holds special events that require the CEO to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
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Keywords: United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, East Lake , Executive Director, Historic Westville, Executive , Columbus, Florida