Executive Director at Yamhill County Historical Society

Job Title: Executive Director

Job Status: Full-time

Location: McMinnville, OR

Salary:  $75,000- $95,000

Description

The Yamhill County Historical Society (YCHS), in McMinnville, Oregon, seeks a self-motivated, forward-thinking museum executive with strong curatorial and management skills, proven development experience, and a solid fiscal background, to provide leadership and direction. The ideal candidate will provide institutional leadership; work well with the Board and others; plan, organize, and direct museum activities; share responsibility with the Board for policymaking and funding; direct personnel and financial management; and be responsible for professional practices.  The ED reports to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives, including the operation of the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center.

WHY YCHS?

The Yamhill County Historical Society (YCHS) is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit educational and public service organization engaged in protecting, preserving, and sharing the history and heritage of Yamhill County.  We are a museum focused on agricultural history, with living history programs, two employees, and a large group of passionate volunteers. Our 17-acre site includes more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing agriculture and industry, thousands of objects in the permanent collection, a research library, and pioneer village consisting of a sawmill, blacksmith shop, and an original 1880s one-room schoolhouse. This opportunity allows for the perfect candidate to build a team and processes that will take YCHS into the future.

This position is responsible for (but not limited to) the following:

LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC PLANNING & FINANCIAL

  • Work with the Board of Directors (BOD) to provide the organization with a vision and leadership focused on growth and development
  • Help lead a strategic planning process that includes the development of a Master Plan for the Heritage Center
  • Fulfill the Society’s mission by developing focused strategies and initiatives
  • Fiscal management, including operational and capital budgets and completion of annual plans
  • Solicit public and private support, grow membership, cultivate gifts and bequests, secure resources, annual giving, etc.
  • Serve as an ex-officio member of the BOD, the Executive Committee, and all standing and ad hoc committees and attend all meetings as needed

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS

  • Expand revenue-generating/fundraising activities to support existing program operations and expansion
  • Enhance the current communications program and develop the brand
  • Oversee media relations and all aspects of marketing
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson/advocate for the organization to the community, professional, governmental, civic, and private agencies
  • Enhance the organization’s public image to expand interest and support 

MUSEUM FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES

  • Oversee building maintenance (upkeep, repair, cleaning, security, etc.)
  • Oversee and direct all activities, including all special events and fundraising activities
  • Direct curatorial care, conservation, exhibition, and interpretation of YCHS collections in accordance with the highest professional and ethical standards

STAFFING & VOLUNTEERS

  • Supervise directly: Office & Volunteer Coordinator, Program & Event Manager, Bookkeeper,

Committee Chairs, and other positions (includes hiring, training, goal setting and performance review and termination)

  • Design and develop additional needed staff positions to present to the BOD for approval
  • Engage and energize YCHS volunteers, board members, event committees, partner organizations and funders

OTHER

  • Other related duties as assigned by the Board 

HOW TO APPLY

email a cover letter, resume, and contact info for three references to searchcommittee@yamhillcountyhistory.org.  References will not be contacted without the explicit approval of the candidate. The position is open until filled. For full consideration, apply by May 15, 2023. For questions or additional information, please email the search committee. The position is subject to pre-employment screening, including drug screening and background check.

Yamhill Valley Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer, and as such, we consider individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, genetics, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other classification protected by law. All employment requirements mandated by State and Federal regulations will be observed. Interviews are given on a competitive basis, using job-related factors, after a written application has been received and reviewed. Because of the number of applications received, not everyone who applies for a vacant position will be interviewed. No application will be rejected because of a disability that, with reasonable accommodation, does not prevent the performance of essential job duties.

 

Requirements

Knowledge & Skills Required

  • Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning
  • Developing and managing museums and museum budgets
  • Legalities and ethical standards of managing a museum collection in accordance with the American Alliance of Museum Standards
  • Knowledge of current accession/de-accession policies and collections care and conservation practices
  • Planning, developing, and installing museum exhibitions
  • Successful record of fundraising for programs, capital improvements, or general operations
  • Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
  • Computer skills to manage museum facilities, collections management, and donor databases
  • Superior oral and written communication skills, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong organizational, planning, goal-setting, and project management skills
  • Confidence in public speaking and professionally representing YCHS in public and private forums
  • Ability to work with BOD, volunteers, colleagues, government officials, and others
  • Successful record of networking, fundraising, grant acquisition, and fundraising
  • Project management

Education/Experience

Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in museum studies, history, anthropology, or a closely related degree with an emphasis on museum education from an accredited university

  • Preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree in museum studies or a related field, and who show progressive levels of responsibility in their work history
  • At least three years of experience working in a museum and two years museum management responsibility; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities
  • Experience in supervision, budgeting, curatorial processes, and Past Perfect software is desirable

Physical Demands and Work Environment

– Available to work a flexible schedule to accommodate after-hour programs and weekend events

– Possession of a valid driver’s license

– Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

– Capable of operating a computer and databases

– On-call for security system monitoring

Established Guidelines for Position – Job description, YCHS Employee Handbook; YCHS Conflict of Interest policy, AAM Museum Code of Ethics