DIRECTOR – JOB DESCRIPTION
MARTIN AND OSA JOHNSON SAFARI MUSEUM

About us:
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is a nonprofit organization founded in 1961 and is located in the historic train depot in Chanute, Kansas. Over 5,000 visitors a year tour the world class exhibits of the Johnsons stunning photography and cinematic works. Osa and Martin pioneered the ideology “take only photos, leave only footprints.” 
The Johnsons traveled the world from 1906-1953 when few Americans ventured beyond our shores. They captured the public’s imagination with their films and books of adventure in distant, exotic lands.

The Museum is currently openTuesday thru Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm.

Job Summary:
The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is recruiting a full-time, experienced, dynamic, articulate museum Director to lead our efforts to engage and educate current and future generations by preserving and sharing The Johnsons’ history. The Director will oversee an experienced team of 1 full-time and 1 part-time employees with general guidance from the Board of Trustees. This individual will manage the museum, the museum store, staff and volunteers. The position requires an individual who is committed to maintaining a positive and collaborative environment. Someone with fundraising experience would be ideal. The position is expected to begin July 1, 2025

Qualifications and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible museum and/or nonprofit management experience
- Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Dynamic leadership skills with the ability to maintain a strong team
- Dedication to creating programs that engage and involve the public
- Strong passion for history and dedication to preserving local heritage
- Up-to-date computer skills
- Experience with financial management
- Ability to work Saturdays and attend 3-5 evening events throughout the year

Leadership:
- Builds alignment across the organization through collaboration and communication
- Fosters a positive environment where members, prospective members, donors, staff, volunteers, and visitors
feel welcomed, respected, encouraged, and engaged
- Provides guidance and strategic direction

Board:
- Collaborates with the Board of Directors (and its committees) to develop and implement policies and
procedures that support the museum’s mission and goals
- Collaborates with the Board of Directors to set strategic direction goals and to monitor progress
- Serves as liaison between the Board and staff
- Communicates effectively and provides the Board with timely information regarding issues, challenges,
accomplishments, and successes

Staff:
- Oversees day-to-day operations of the organization, including memberships, volunteer recruitment, and training
- Recruits, defines staff roles, provides training, sets goals, and conducts performance reviews to maintain a
cohesive, mission-focused, team
- Works with staff to maintain a high level of communication and collaboration

Development:
- Supports varied forms of fundraising and opportunities, including but not limited to donors and event planning
- Stewards relationships with donors, foundations, corporate sponsors and demonstrates that their gifts are used to effectively support the organization’s mission and as earmarked by the donor, if applicable
- Oversees the Museum Store, mail order business, and other retail activities
- Protects and distributes through licensing and optioning intellectual property under the Museum’s control, including copyrighted Johnson books and movies, in cooperation with the Museum’s attorney

Finances:
- Works with the staff, finance committee, and treasurer to develop and manage an annual budget
- Works with the staff to pay bills and oversee expenses
- Directs the filing of all required annual reports
- Researches or directs research to secure grant funding, maintains a grant application calendar, ensures timely reporting

Facilities, Infrastructure, and Technology:
- Oversees the Museum’s historic properties and works to ensure continued monitoring, maintenance, and
preservation of the buildings in the Museum’s care
- Oversees adequate Museum technology, maintenance, and monitoring
- Oversees Information Technology, including hardware, software, internet, and corresponding. Ensures that
proper hardware and software are in place to facilitate customer relations management, fundraising,
collaboration, document creation and storage, communication, productivity, and record-keeping
- Manages digital account access, users, and passwords
External Communications:
- Serves as the primary advocate and spokesperson for the Museum while encouraging and developing Museum
ambassadors locally, nationally, and internationally
- Represents the Museum in County and City government meetings and negotiation for funding
- Oversees outbound media, including press releases, newsletter, catalogues, guides, brochures, and related
publications
- Markets the Museum’s programs and services to promote the organization in a clear, concise, and persuasive
manner, to reach a local, national, and international audience
- Provides oversight of the museum’s website and social media, including the posting of
upcoming events and up-to-date Museum information and postings that encourage engagement
- Collaborates with other organizations and agencies to promote local history and preservation
- Professional Development and Training:
- Attends national and regional meetings of professional museums organizations and related seminars or training programs when appropriate
- Maintains contract with peers in other institutions for the exchange of ideas and advancement of professional standards
- Other duties as assigned
Compensation:
- Starting pay is $50,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Submittal:
Interested Applications shall submit a cover letter along with a resume detailing work history and 3 work-related references to:
Garrett Sharp, Trustee Board President
c/o Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum
111 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chanute, Kansas 66720

Notice of Nondiscrimination
It is the policy of the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum to provide equal opportunity with regard to all terms and conditions of employment. The Museum complies with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic.