Employment Opportunities

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MUSEUM DIRECTOR

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Description

The Fort Smith Museum of History (FSMH), a private 501(c)(3) organization, seeks an energetic and innovative Director to reinvigorate and refocus the Museum, which has continuously operated since 1910! Located in a historic 1907 warehouse, the Museum is close to the Arkansas riverfront and multiple cultural organizations in downtown Fort Smith, an area experiencing significant redevelopment and revitalization. Under the direction and guidance of an engaged and committed board of directors, the Director is responsible for overall management, direction, and promotion of the Museum. The ideal candidate will foster a forward-thinking culture that adheres to professional museum practices, standards and ethics in pursuit of the Museum’s mission to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. 

 

Duties:

• Ensures operations and administration are in compliance with FSMH plans and  museum industry standards, as well as applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations.

• Provides strategic vision and direction through planning, including short and long-range plans.

• Is a professional and effective leader to staff; responsible for hiring, disciplining, terminating,and completing performance appraisals; promotes and facilitates staff professional development; fosters collaborative workplace.

• Manages the budget and prepares financial reports in conjunction with the board treasurer; oversees financial management, including earned-income functions and programming. 

• Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising plan in collaboration with Board of Directors; secures outside funding sources through grants, gifts, and support from other constituencies

• Oversees operation and maintenance of facility in collaboration with Building & Grounds Chairperson; develops and implements facility plan that is suitable and sustainable for collections and visitors.

• Oversees collection management and exhibit schedule.

• Oversees educational programming and interpretation.

• Directs the development of public relations and marketing initiatives; serves as spokesperson and builds strategic partnerships and collaborations within the community.

• Strengthens volunteer program; trains and supervises volunteers.

 

Requirements/Qualifications

 

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Five years professional experience, preferably in the museum or non-profit field

• Budgeting, billing and record keeping experience

• Fundraising experience, including grant preparation

• Strong management skills with an ability to motivate staff and volunteers

• Ability to interact effectively and build relationships with internal and external parties

• Strong writing and communication skills, including public speaking; flexibility and sensitivity to working with diverse audiences

• Proficient in computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office, PastPerfect (or TMS), and Quickbooks; proficient in marketing software, such as MailChimp, and social media platforms

• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evening and weekend hours for programs as required

 

Preferred:

• Graduate certificate or master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Museum Studies, History, or a closely related field

• Knowledge of American and Arkansas history

• Bilingual in Spanish

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How to apply/contact information:

Submit cover letter, resume and 3 professional references with contact information to chuck.girard@fortsmithmuseum.com. The review of applications will commence immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

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Equal Opportunity Employer
The Fort Smith Museum of History is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.