The Monroe County History Center in Bloomington, Indiana is seeking an innovative, forward-thinking leader to serve as Director of the Center.
The History Center shares the artifacts and stories of Monroe County through professionally-designed permanent and changing exhibit galleries and award-winning dementia-friendly and family-friendly programming. The Center also features a genealogy and local history research library rich in primary resources and material available in a wide variety of formats.
The Center is a cherished local institution, as reflected in the generous support of its membership, local government and local philanthropy. Bloomington itself is remarkably rich in culture, including that derived from its fascinating geology, history and longstanding families, enriched by a constantly changing and diverse population characteristic of a major university community. Surrounded by the rolling hills of southern Indiana and a deep regional arts tradition, Bloomington and Monroe County provide a hard to match home for anyone interested in history and work in a progressive local non-profit.
The Monroe County History Center Director is the chief executive of the Monroe County Historical Society and, as such, is responsible for the general and fiscal leadership and management of the entire organization, including programs, partnerships, fundraising, budgets, and external relations. Above all, the Director is charged with delivering on the mission and goals of the organization in a fiscally sound manner. This person plays a leading role, working closely with the Board and staff, in developing and articulating the strategic direction of the Monroe County History Center and in implementing the resulting strategies and initiatives.
Other job responsibilities include day-to-day direction of the organization, including executing its shortand long-range strategies and plans and taking responsibility for all operations. The Director leads the development and marketing efforts and is often called upon to represent MCHC in fundraising, recruiting, and other public efforts. The Director is expected to provide integrative leadership to staff for consistent direction, communication, organizational alignment and visioning. The Director is responsible for managing, inspiring, challenging and supporting our professional staff. The Director is responsible for managing the maintenance of the building and grounds and to develop strategies to optimize the building use. The Director works closely with the board and staff and is responsible for informing them of key decisions, meetings and information that aids in understanding outcomes.
The Director must interact effectively with many constituencies: visitors, volunteers, funders, school and civic organizations, and local and state units of government. He or she is expected to take a leadership role in monitoring public history trends and recommending appropriate programming to keep pace with a changing environment. This individual must be a pro-active, visible symbol of MCHC. The Director must have a deep passion for preserving history and an enthusiasm for passing that ethic on to others.
Some of the key issues and challenges for the Director include:
• Increasing local and regional public awareness of the unique mission and programming offered by MCHC so that it is broadly recognized and attracts people to the museum as visitors, volunteers, and donors;
• Connecting more directly to the Monroe County community to ensure the MCHC reflects their needs and it's contributions are recognized and valued;
• Developing new fundraising strategies that bring in additional outside revenue from public, corporate, foundation, and individual sources; effectively balancing income and expenditures to assure financial health of the organization
• Review the organization to ensure all involved are working effectively together to address the MCHC’s opportunities and challenges.
This position requires an outstanding leader with exceptional communication skills. Fundraising skills, a strong public presence, and enthusiasm for making the case for MCHC to a variety of donors and partners. This individual must have the ability to work with the Board of Trustees and the staff to create and carry out a unified vision for what the History Center can and should do. The ability to articulate a vision must be combined with the drive to achieve results.
The director must effectively build relationships across a broad spectrum of personalities. Ideally, he or she will have three to five years overall nonprofit experience as a leader or manager within a historical society, public museum, or a similar non-profit organization. Candidates who have not led an organization, but can demonstrate the above skills and a high potential to grow into this profile, will also be considered.
Success in this role requires moving the organization ahead while preserving those cultural qualities from which the organization has derived its success. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader and motivator committed to fostering a positive and forward thinking environment.
The Director must demonstrate an authentic passion and commitment for the mission of the Monroe County History Center. This person must be creative, innovative, and have the drive to achieve excellent, timely results.
Position:
Salary Range - $55,000-$63,000 based on experience. Benefit package includes health insurance, retirement, paid time off and paid holidays.
Reports to Board of Trustees through the Board President
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. The Monroe County History Center is an AA/EO Employer. MCHC is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Business Administration, Non-Profit Management or related degree.
Minimum of three to five year’s experience managing a staff and dealing with human resources-related matters including hiring, evaluating, retaining, and terminating employees.
Skills:
• Demonstrated record of being a self-starter, leader, team builder, and problem solver.
• Administrative, analytical skills and strategic planning skills to enable the creation of a long term shared vision for the organization.
• Financial ability to develop, organize and manage a budget and to monitor ongoing financial performance.
• Demonstrated success in fund and capital development and community outreach with expertise in crafting public and private relationships.
• Effective communicator with proven ability to work with individuals or diversified groups such as staff, board, volunteers, government, business leaders, and donors.
• Flexible schedule to attend evening and weekend activities.
Application Instructions:
Please submit your resume to the Board President at director@monroehistory.org or mail to: Phil Stafford MCHC Board President 202 E 6th Street Bloomington, IN 47408 No telephone calls please. Museum Website: www.monroehistory.org
