Museum Director at The Santa Fe Trail Center in Larned, Kansas

Position Overview:The Director will serve as the chief executive of the museum, responsible for ensuring its long-term financial health, sustainability, and overall operations. This includes overseeing fundraising efforts, managing the museum's programs, curatorial functions, and daily operations. The Director will also play a key role in community relations, representing the museum, cultivating donor and sponsor relationships, and supporting the museum's mission and vision.

The Director will lead the museum staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and long-term objectives. This role will also involve financial management, oversight of personnel, and driving the development of programs and exhibits that enhance the museum's mission and encourage broad community engagement.

Ideal Candidate Preferences:

• Master's degree in Museum Studies, Business Administration, or related field; or at least five years of equivalent experience in museum management, fundraising, or cultural organization leadership.

• Proven leadership and experience in managing museum operations, including personnel, finances, and programming.

• Strong background in fundraising with a demonstrated track record of successfully securing grants, donations, sponsorships, and other funding sources.

• In-depth knowledge of museum operations, including curation, exhibit development, and collections management.

• Experience in strategic planning and board relations, with the ability to work collaboratively with a governing board.

• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets, analyze financial reports, and ensure the museum's financial sustainability.

• Excellent public relations and communication skills, with the ability to serve as the primary spokesperson for the museum and engage effectively with donors, community leaders, staff, and visitors.

• Experience in staff management, volunteer recruitment, and team development.

• Ability to creatively develop and implement programs that attract and engage diverse audiences.

• Knowledge of artifact preservation techniques and best practices in museum management.

• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, and maintain a positive and collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategic Planning:

• • Lead and guide the museum's strategic planning process in collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with the museum's mission and long-term vision.

  • Regularly assess the museum's goals and operations, making adjustments as needed to drive growth and sustainability.

  • Provide leadership to museum staff, fostering a positive and productive organizational culture.

• Fundraising & Financial Management:

• • Lead fundraising efforts to ensure the financial sustainability of the museum, including developing and executing fundraising campaigns, securing grants, and cultivating individual and corporate donors.

  • Work with the Board of Directors to set and achieve fundraising goals, and develop long-term fundraising strategies.

  • Oversee the preparation and management of the museum's annual budget, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are used efficiently.

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with major donors, sponsors, and funding organizations, ensuring donor retention and satisfaction.

• Operational Oversight:

• • Oversee the daily operations of the museum, ensuring the smooth execution of programs, exhibitions, and special events.

  • Ensure that exhibits and collections are maintained to the highest standards of care, preservation, and educational value.

  • Monitor and assess museum programs and visitor experiences, ensuring they align with the museum's mission and enhance community engagement.

• Curatorial and Educational Leadership:

• • Provide direction on the development of exhibits, programs, and educational initiatives that engage the community and reflect the museum’s mission.

  • Work closely with the curatorial team to maintain high standards for artifact preservation, exhibition design, and interpretation of museum collections.

  • Develop and oversee educational and outreach programs that encourage learning and foster public engagement with museum exhibits.

• Community and Public Relations:

• • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the museum, representing its mission and programs to the public, media, and key stakeholders.

  • Cultivate relationships with local community leaders, cultural organizations, and other stakeholders to advance the museum's visibility and reputation.

  • Develop and oversee marketing efforts, including advertising, public relations, and social media initiatives, to raise awareness and increase attendance.

• Board Relations & Governance:

• • Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the effective governance of the museum, providing regular updates on organizational performance, strategic initiatives, and key challenges.

  • Assist in the recruitment, training, and development of new board members, ensuring a strong and effective board of governance.

  • Support the board in long-term strategic decision-making, helping to guide the museum toward its vision.

• Personnel Management:

• • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise museum staff and volunteers, ensuring an effective and cohesive team.

  • Provide leadership and guidance to staff, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional development.

  • Set performance expectations and regularly evaluate staff performance.

• Facility & Property Management:

• • Work closely with the buildings and grounds committee to oversee the maintenance and preservation of the museum’s facilities and historical structures.

  • Ensure that the museum’s physical space is accessible, welcoming, and meets the needs of visitors, staff, and collections.

• Exhibition & Program Development:

• • Ensure that exhibits and programming are regularly updated to remain relevant, engaging, and aligned with the museum’s mission.

  • Develop and oversee a dynamic calendar of events, ensuring that the museum remains a key cultural and educational resource for the community.

Salary, Benefits, and Paid Time Off:

• $40,000 - $60,000 per year, depending on experience.

• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.

• $500/month health insurance stipend.

• 10 paid holidays per year, plus accrued paid time off.

Please Send Resume and Cover Letter to

director@santafetrailcenter.org