We Are Hiring!
Executive Director
Wilkes Heritage Museum
Job Description
An individual with experience in public history or museum management and knowledge of fundraising activities with the ability to oversee museum, collections, and archives with a small staff and many volunteers. The Executive Director must demonstrate professional skills and possess a real passion for history. Candidate must be of good character, have excellent organizational and inter-personal skills, and exhibit enthusiasm for museum operations. The Executive Director must be knowledgeable, dedicated and demonstrate the capacity to maintain strict quality standards while embracing creativity and flexibility.
Requirements
Candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in museum studies, American History, historic preservation, or an appropriate academic area.
Experience in museum work is preferred.
Candidate must demonstrate strong leadership ability to motivate staff and volunteers and have the knowledge to plan and manage budgetary processes for the present and future.
Candidate will have experience accomplishing established goals with minimal supervision.
Candidate should excel in financial management, marketing, fundraising, and have excellent written and oral skills.
Candidate must have the ability to successfully research and write grants and complete follow through.
Duties
Act as the chief administrative officer of Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc.
Report directly to the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.
Be responsible staffing the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Old Wilkes Jail, and Robert Cleveland Log Home.
Conduct official correspondence associated with Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. and oversee that all organizational documents are preserved.
Establish an annual budget for the operations of Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. and be responsible for the preparation of monthly financial statements for the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.
Oversee the hours of operation for all Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. properties and maintain the scheduling of special events, tours, etc. held within these properties including the use of the museum auditorium.
Oversee all advertising and marketing of Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. properties, events and exhibits.
Manage all staff, train employees, and supervise all functions and responsibilities completed by all employees and volunteers. Maintain employee and volunteer records, be responsible for payroll, employee benefits, and other compensation of Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. property personnel/volunteers.
Oversee the recruitment of volunteers and assign responsibilities to meet appropriate needs of Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. and its properties.
Supervise the selection of merchandise included in the museum gift shop and be responsible for the hours of operations the gift shop is open to the public as well as staffing the gift shop with staff members and/or volunteers.
Oversee the accurate records of all contributions, donations, etc.
Responsible for the recruitment of membership to Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. and for the retention and growth of the organization's memberships.
Supervise the maintenance of the building and grounds, responsible for addressing any repairs necessary.
Oversee the presentation and exhibition of museum articles in all Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. properties as well as oversee the updating of exhibits and marketing information regularly.
Oversee that a quarterly newsletter is published and distributed to all Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. Board of Trustees, members, officials, etc.
Oversee grant proposals and follow up.
Lead all promotional activities for Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. locally, regionally, and beyond.
Set goals and initiatives for Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their resume and a cover letter to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Posting closes: May 29, 2026