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Executive Director Job Description

Seneca Falls, NY

Role: Provides leadership, vision, and direction to the National Women’s Hall of Fame by setting the operational and cultural tone, coordinating with the Board of Directors on long- term planning and direction, implementing board policies, directing business and organizational functions, fostering resource development and membership growth, and strategically expanding the Hall’s national footprint.

The executive director champions the Hall’s mission, drives its growth, and provides strong leadership as it navigates the evolving landscape of funding, policy, and organizational expansion.

 

Essential Functions:

Organizational Leadership

  • In partnership with the Board, is responsible for the overall success of the Hall and its operations.
  • Manages daily operations of the Hall including staff and volunteer supervision.
  • In concert with the Board, develops and implements a strategic plan that sets the vision of the organization and moves its mission forward.
  • Implements the policies established by the Board of Directors and encourages the active participation of the Board, staff, volunteers, donors, and the public in realizing the objectives and goals of the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
  • In conjunction with the museum manager, plans, organizes, interprets and presents exhibitions, lectures, tours and outreach programs ensuring furthering the Hall’s mission and value to its visitors and members.
  • As the Hall expands its national footprint, the executive director develops and nurtures partnerships with an array of individuals, businesses, and organizations, including but not limited to schools, government agencies, and community groups that are both a part of and an adjunct to the mission of the Hall.
  • Represents the Hall in a professional manner to the community, participating in city, county and state heritage and cultural activities that promote the Hall and its mission, and contribute to the cultural health of the area.
  • Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.

Financial Management & Resource Development

  • Develops annual operating budget, tracks spending, and monitors’ cash flow; works with the treasurer and finance committee to ensure the overall financial health of the organization.
  • Identifies and implements new resource development and revenue generating activities.
  • Works closely with and stewards a cadre of major donors.
  • Identifies and applies for appropriate grant funding opportunities.
  • Monitors grant implementation and outcomes and ensures the necessary tracking, documentation, and reporting requirements are met.
  • Designs and implements membership growth and retention plans.

Induction (Even-numbered years)

  • Oversee the Induction ceremony and related programming, promoting inclusiveness in nomination submissions, ensuring the integrity of the judging process, and overseeing the induction process and event.
  • Fosters and sustains an engaging and supportive relationship with inductees. Community Relations & Organizational Advocacy
  • Has primary oversight of the organization’s marketing and communications efforts.
  • Operates as the Hall’s chief spokesperson to the media and in community settings.
  • Actively builds relationships with government officials, local leaders, museum leaders, and other cultural institutions. Promotes the importance of the Hall as an educational, cultural, and tourism asset.
  • Oversees of the Hall’s marketing and communications messaging and outreach efforts.

 

Candidate Profile

Preferred Experience

Ideal candidates have some combination of experience in:

  • Organizational management/oversight
  • Annual and capital campaigns
  • Financial management and planning.
  • Service in or leadership of volunteer-driven bodies.
  • Program and event planning
  • Work in, or in partnership with, for-profit and/or public sector organizations.

Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s or master’s degree in museum studies, museum management, business, public administration, non-profit management, or equivalent experience demonstrating strong leadership, organizational management, and nonprofit expertise.
  • Previous experience in a supervisory capacity or mid-level management in a museum, nonprofit, or community-based organization.
  • Experience working collaboratively with boards of trustees or boards of directors is highly desirable. ∙
  • Skill in planning, organizing and operating public informational and educational facilities, programs and exhibits.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with ability to create and execute public presentations, and interact daily with volunteers and visitors. ∙
  • A strong work ethic and the ability to work independently.
  • Ability to lead teams with wide-ranging skill sets. ∙
  • Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications/programs, fundraising software, social media platforms. ∙

 

Full-time, Salaried Position

  • Work Schedule: 40 hours a week (includes evening, weekends, and events; some
    travel may be required).
  • Position is both on-site as well as remote
  • Reports to: Board of Directors

Salary Range: $95,000 – $110,000 commensurate with experience

 

 

How To Apply:

To apply in confidence, submit application by May 2, 2025, to: Karen A. Macier, Interim Executive Director, via careers@womenofthehall.org.

Please include:

  • A cover letter expressing interest in the position and giving brief examples of past
    related experience.
  • Résumé.
  • Names and contact information for three professional references experience, (indicating relationship with the candidate) with the ability to comment on the candidate’s leadership and skills.
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. All applications are confidential; references will not be contacted without your permission.

It is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position.

The National Women’s Hall of Fame is an Equal Opportunity Employer.