Application deadline: January 15, 2020

Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to info@swannanoavalleymuseum.org or PO Box 306, Black Mountain, NC 28711


Expected start date:
March 1, 2020

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 is hired by and reports to the Museum’s Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the successful management of the Swannanoa Valley Museum to assure that the organization succeeds in its mission. Primary responsibilities follow the guidelines of the strategic plan and include support of preservation initiatives, education through programming and exhibitions, management of buildings and grounds, oversight of collections and archives, fundraising, marketing, staffing, and budgeting.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in the Museum’s office as well as in the community. Travel is required to meetings, speaking engagements, workshops, professional associations, and other events. The position of Executive Director is twelve months and full-time on a somewhat flexible schedule, depending on events. There are situations during the year when special events will require more time during the week, such as after hours and on weekends. In such cases, flexible time will be granted. At all times the Executive Director will act and dress in a professional manner.

Compensation: Starting salary range is $35,000 – $45,000 depending on qualifications with an additional medical insurance stipend. Salary will be reassessed annually dependent upon performance and budget.

Knowledge Required:

  1. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as history, heritage, museum management, education, or business administration; Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
  2. Management experience incorporating one or more the following endeavors: historical preservation and interpretation, business administration, event planning, fundraising, and/or marketing;
  3. Demonstrated writing skills;
  4. Skills in public speaking and the ability to represent the Museum 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. Computer, internet, and social media proficiency.

Job Segments:
Executive Responsibility

  1. Provides fiduciary responsibility and oversight;
  2. Supports and assists in the implementation of SVM Strategic Plan;
  3. Manages and supervises 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. Ensures that finance reports are timely and accurate;
  3. Prepares budget and monitors expenses;
  4. Seeks grant opportunities and oversees the preparation of grant requests;
  5. Oversees membership renewals;
  6. Assists with all fundraising events and activities;
  7. Works with Finance Committee to implement annual compilation, review, or audit of finances.
  8. Works with Capital Campaign Finance committee to acquire funds to improve building.

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.