Director Position at the Santa Fe Trail Center, Larned Kansas

The Santa Fe Trail Center Museum, operated by the Fort Larned Historical Society, tells the story of the Santa Fe Trail from the trade perspective with interpretive and interactive exhibits. It is also the official repository of historic Pawnee County records. The museum has an extensive collection, including prehistoric American Indian artifacts, trade items from the trail, antique furniture, agricultural equipment, vintage automobiles, tools, and more. The director will ensure the organization’s financial future through fundraising and aiding in the creation of fundraising initiatives. Duties also include directing curation and exhibits as well as museum operations and personnel. The director will identify, recruit, train, and supervise people who are willing to serve as volunteers or employees of the museum and will provide the expertise necessary to develop programs and exhibits that encourage visitor and community engagement.

Ideal Candidate Requirements
* Master's degree in Museum Studies, or at least five years of related relevant experience.

* A leader who will be a public face for the museum, and cultivate relationships in the community.
* Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of successfully securing donations and sponsorships.
* Strong business acumen, able to effectively manage operations and drive financial stability.
* Experience with boards, volunteer recruitment, and staff management
* Creative thinking and ability to develop programs that enhance visitor engagement.
* Ability to build and maintain a robust volunteer base, encouraging engagement and support.

* Be a collaborative and respectful team member with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

* Knowledge of artifact preservation techniques.

Responsibilities
*Assist the Board in long-range strategic planning and implementation of those plans.
*Actively pursue funding options such as grants, donations, bequests, and other resources.

*Assist the board with annual budget development.
*Prepare monthly reports to the board regarding personnel, operations, programs and ongoing projects.
*Maintain and improve standards for collections, exhibitions, and educational efforts at the museum.
*Create promotional literature and make public appearances on behalf of the Trail Center.
*Work with the promotional committee to implement marketing as well as social media management.
*Develop and maintain relationships with members and donors.
* Develop with the board long-term fundraising strategies.
*Participate in board meetings.
*Maintain, formulate, and promote a yearly calendar of events and programs in tandem with the board and its committees.
*Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor to represent the museum.
*Working in tandem with the buildings and grounds committee on the maintenance and preservation of the museum property and its historic structures.

*Evaluate and work to assure exhibits are updated and reflect our mission to preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting Santa Fe Trail and Pawnee County history.
*Oversee exhibitions to attract audiences, donors, and sponsors to the Trail Center.

Salary Details and Benefits
$40,000 to $45,000 salary to start depending on experience.
Tuesday-Friday work schedule, as well as special events at the museum.
Paid holidays and paid time off.

Please send resume and cover letter to:
director@santafetrailcenter.org