Executive Director | Brenham, TX

Job Description Executive Director

Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Directors

Last Update: February 2025

Type of Position: Full Time, Exempted

Job Description: Executive Director – Brenham Heritage Museum

Position Summary:

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall management of the Brenham Heritage Museum, ensuring its operational, fiscal, and strategic success. This includes overseeing daily operations, long-term planning, budget creation and management, exhibits, and programs. The ED will also maintain the Museum’s adherence to state and federal guidelines and industry standards, representing the Museum at external meetings and liaising with various stakeholders including the Board of Directors, other museums, civic organizations, and community groups.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Museum Operations:

• Plan, organize, staff, fund, and direct the Museum’s activities.
• Supervise all operational aspects including the annual budget, financial reporting, fundraising, marketing, exhibition planning, employee and docent management, facility rentals, and community outreach.
• Develop initiatives to enhance the Museum’s local, regional, and state presence and expand its donor base.
• Supervise marketing efforts such as press releases, newsletters, social media, rack cards, etc.
• Provide monthly performance updates using industry-standard metrics.

2. Exhibits & Programming:

• Coordinate rotating exhibits for the Blue Bell Gallery, ensuring engaging and relevant programming that attracts and retains visitors.
• Collaborate with local historical researchers to ensure exhibits accurately reflect Washington County's history.
• Respond to inquiries and handle any crises that arise.
• Oversee the curation, development, and maintenance of exhibits.
• Research and manage merchandise needs at the Museum store.

3. Collections & Preservation:

• Ensure adherence to industry practices in preserving, cataloging, and documenting Museum objects.
• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices by visiting other museums or preservation organizations.
• Partner with committees and the Board to focus on inclusiveness in exhibits and programming.

4. Leadership & Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, sponsors, and key stakeholders to achieve the Museum’s mission and objectives.
• Collaborate with content contributors such as writers, consultants, educators, and businesses to create meaningful educational experiences for visitors.
• Support the development of policies and programs that align with the Museum’s mission and goals.
• Facilitate strong collaboration among Museum staff and volunteers to achieve operational goals.

Experience and Expectation Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, or a related field
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role at a museum, public institution, or relevant nonprofit organization.
• Skills: Demonstrated ability in managerial, financial, business, and fundraising tasks. Proficient in writing reports, grants, and promotional materials. Effective communicator and mediator, adept at engaging with the Board, staff, donors, sponsors, stakeholders, and the public.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of Museum Collections procedures.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Collection Management Software, and a willingness to learn NetSuite CRM software.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong team player with excellent collaboration and negotiation skills.
• Museum Standards: Knowledgeable about standard museum practices and guidelines (e.g., American Alliance of Museums) and able to adapt them as needed.
• Ethical Standards: Commitment to maintaining ethical conduct, propriety, discretion, and adherence to the Museum’s employee handbook and policies at all times.
• Location: Must be willing to relocate to the Brenham area or commute to the office for work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Museum Studies, MBA, Master of Public Administration, or equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge of Texas history or willingness to learn.
• Experience with CRM systems, particularly NetSuite, preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in museum leadership is strongly preferred, demonstrating a proven track record of successful museum management, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Note: While these qualifications are not mandatory, they will significantly set a candidate apart, showcasing advanced expertise and skills that align with the Museum’s goals. Candidates with these qualifications will be well-positioned to handle the Museum’s evolving needs and contribute to its growth and success.

Benefits:

• Health plan
• 10 paid employee holidays
• 8 vacation days annually

Work Schedule:

• Full-time exempt position
• Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required for exhibit openings, special events, meetings, and programs.
• Travel may be required for conferences, research, or potential additions to the Museum’s collection.

Compensation:

• Salary range: $60,000 to $75,000.
• The possibility of a bonus at the end of the fiscal year, based on performance.

Evaluation:

• The Board of Directors will conduct an annual evaluation of the Executive Director based on previously agreed-upon measurable goals.

Onboarding Requirements:

• Candidates are required to provide at least three professional references, including former employers, colleagues, or stakeholders who can speak to your qualifications, character, and experience in a museum leadership capacity.
• Completion of a background check, including criminal history, as part of the hiring process.

Interested parties should send resumes to admin@brenhamheritagemuseum.org with the subject line: ED Job Posting