OPEN POSITIONS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SUMMARY: 

The Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association (Association) seeks to hire an Executive Director to oversee management of the Vashon Heritage Museum and its programs. This fulltime position, starting in July 2024, oversees a part-time staff member, contractors, and volunteers, including museum docents. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors of the Association.

COMPENSATION: 

Depending on qualifications this position pays $74,000 - $84,000 annually with 11 paid holidays and two-weeks of paid leave. 

ABOUT US:

The Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1976. The museum originally served as a Lutheran church and a children's center before it became home to the Association in 1998. The museum building and adjacent parsonage, also owned by the Association, were designated as King County historical landmarks in 2023. 

The museum’s permanent exhibit is currently undergoing a major upgrade, funded by a substantial grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, scheduled for completion in June 2024. In addition to operating the museum and maintaining its archives, the Association sponsors individual speakers, lecture series, temporary exhibits, school programs, and other events to engage with the community. Board committees and an enthusiastic group of volunteers and docents assist the Association in fulfilling its mission. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the operations of the Vashon Heritage Museum and its programs, assisted by a part-time staff member, several contractors and dedicated volunteers. 

  • Mission: Support the Association’s mission, vision and values, including a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, inclusion, a spirit of collegiality, cooperation, and openness to many perspectives. Participate in a culture of ongoing learning, collaboration, innovation, creativity, and community engagement.
  • Plans: Implement the Association’s long-range plan and its campus plan.
  • Development: Oversee Association activities that provide funding for its programs, including identifying and writing grants, building membership, and growing donations. Assist the board with fundraising events.
  • Supervision: Supervise work of part-time staff and various contractors.  
  • Work Schedule: Keep an office presence at the museum and be available for some weekend and evening activities. 
  • Volunteers: Recruit, train and supervise volunteers. 
  • Collections: Coordinate with the Collections Committee to manage new and existing collections. 
  • Exhibits: Maintain the newly installed permanent exhibit and work with board committees and volunteers to develop temporary exhibits both in the museum and off campus. 
  • Research: Respond to public inquiries and aid researchers in using museum archives and publications. 
  • Educational Outreach: Work with local schools and other organizations to promote an understanding of island history. 
  • Project Management: Participate in all aspects of project management, including schedules, workflow, and installation.  
  • Finances: Work with the Board’s Finance Committee to develop and oversee budgets and monitor expenditures. 
  • Contracts: Create, review, and manage agreements with independent contractors in compliance with labor laws. Work with IT contractors to maintain internet and computer systems.
  • Communication: Ensure essential information is communicated consistently and in a timely manner with the membership and key partners.
  • Board of Directors:  Support work of the board of directors and serve as an ex officio member on its committees. Provide a monthly report to the board. 
  • Buildings and Grounds: Supervise repairs and improvements to the museum building, other structures and the grounds. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

  • Project Management: Proven track record in managing projects and meeting multiple deadlines.
  • Communication: English language proficiency, public speaking experience, excellent writing skills. 
  • Organization: Excellent organizational tools.
  • Supervision: Supervision of employees and contractors. 
  • Grants: Proven experience in writing and managing grants.    
  • Computer Skills: Experience in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Google Apps. Experience or familiarity with customer relations management programs (e.g., Little Green Light) and organizational/productivity/task management tools. Basic understanding of website management. 
  • Problem Solving: Ability to negotiate with others to find long-term solutions. 
  • Qualifications: Related degree or experience in the nonprofit sector. 
  • Fundraising: Experience in raising funds for an organization.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

  • Nonprofit Experience: Experience managing or working with Nonprofit organizations. 
  • Museum experience: Experience working for a museum. 
  • Historical Knowledge: Knowledge of Vashon and Maury islands and the region. 
  • Planning Giving: Knowledge of planned giving strategies that could be implemented for the Association. 
  • Residency: Resident of Vashon or willingness to relocate to the island. 

OTHER INFORMATION:  

The Association is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for this contract without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We encourage applicants to apply even if experience isn’t a 100% match with the position description. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 

To apply for this position, please submit the following no later than close of business on March 7, 2024:

(1) a cover letter describing your relevant work experience, and 

(2) a current resume highlighting relevant work experience. 

These materials should be submitted by email to the Association’s Governance Committee at admin@vashonheritage.org. No phone calls please. Position open until filled.

Copyright © 2021, Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association.
Photos on this site belong to the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association unless otherwise noted.
Site Design: Strata Associates