Executive Director | Abilene, TX
NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE (NCCIL)
JOB DESCRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Email cover letter and resume to James Wiser, NCCIL Board Chair, at jawiser@gmail.com. Application materials received by March 1, 2025 will receive first consideration.
ABOUT: The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) collaborates with award-winning illustrators to produce exhibitions of their artwork that are distinctive, appealing to museum visitors of all ages, and of the highest quality. In addition to this unique artistic partnership, following its debut at the NCCIL gallery, each exhibition travels to museums, public libraries, and galleries nationwide. Our vision is to inspire and empower children to read and be creative. Through our programming and outreach, the NCCIL actively promotes children’s literacy, both art and reading, in the Abilene community and beyond. For 27 years, the NCCIL has been based in Abilene, Texas, the Storybook Capital of America. The city’s annual Children’s Art + Literacy Festival (CALF) brings people from multiple states each year, and NCCIL exhibits tour across the nation. To recognize the growing appeal of the Storybook Capital, the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council in partnership with the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau decided in 2018 to trademark the term Storybook Capital of America® with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Abilene is a vibrant city of nearly 130,000 residents where the frontier spirit thrives, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with an eye toward the future. Here, you'll be welcomed into a community that cherishes its past and celebrates innovation. Our historic Downtown Cultural District invites you to explore educational museums, relax in urban parks, and marvel at our unique collection of storybook sculptures—a testament to our title as the Storybook Capital of America. Here, genuine charm isn't just a catchphrase – it's our way of life.
ACCOUNTABILITY: The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
AUTHORITY: The Executive Director has the authority to carry out the duties of the office within the framework of the bylaws, policies, plans, and budgets approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, the Executive Director has the authority to review, employ, discharge, or promote full and part-time employees of the NCCIL. The Executive Director may also enter into contracts, agreements, and grants on behalf of the NCCIL, providing they are not in conflict with the overall policies and budget of the Board.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The Executive Director is employed by the Board of Directors and is subject to the personnel policies of the NCCIL for such a period as the working agreement is mutually satisfactory to the employer and employee.
RESPONSIBILITY: The Executive Director provides conceptual leadership in all aspects of the NCCIL’s operations; is responsible, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, for the intellectual and programmatic direction of the institution, including exhibition planning and presentation; for the productive management of its staff; and for its financial health. The Executive Director plays a key role in the fund-raising efforts of the NCCIL, for which the Board of Directors assumes overall responsibility, and is the central figure establishing the NCCIL’s presence and profile in the community. Considerable interaction with all components of the NCCIL’s constituency – individual members, scholars, educators, major financial supports, community leaders and government officials – is basic to the job, as is the willingness to collaborate with others outside the institution.
Essential job responsibilities and duties:
a. Implements all official Board of Directors policies.
b. Raises funds and solicits major gifts to provide the finances available to the NCCIL to fund programs, exhibitions, and operations.
c. Responsible for long-range planning and strategic planning; work with the Board to develop and ensure that the NCCIL is moving towards implementation of its strategic plans.
d. Hires, supervises and evaluates all employees of the NCCIL.
e. Prepares and monitors the budget of the NCCIL and provides accounting to the Board of Directors.
f. Oversees management of all NCCIL facilities.
g. Responsible for ensuring that appropriate short and long-range goals are developed and implemented by Departments to achieve organizational goals and construction of specific shortand long-term plans in: development, finance, exhibitions and programming, collections, education, touring, and marketing.
h. Directs and approves exhibition and program schedule.
i. Serves as the principal public persona of this institution.
j. Leads the Board in executing the NCCIL’s overall mission.
k. Leads the Board in defining the main strategies by which the mission shall be accomplished.
l. Represents the NCCIL in local, state, regional, and national organizations.
Line responsibilities:
A. Management
- Planning and Development Objectives
a. The Executive Director will have the authority to employ and discharge personnel as well as determine their duties and their salaries within the financial resources of the NCCIL.
b. Provide opportunities for ongoing training programs for all members of the staff. - Organizing and Delegating
a. Review, update, and maintain job descriptions for all personnel.
b. Assume responsibility for coordinating the activities of all individuals employed by the NCCIL. - Leading and Communicating
a. Provide guidance, assistance, and leadership in integrating the various components of the staff into a coordinated effort toward meeting the objectives of the NCCIL.
b. Communicate and interpret the NCCIL’s objectives and policies to all staff members and others associated with the NCCIL. - Set and maintain high levels of individual performance and insist upon a like standard from subordinates.
B. Specific Duties
- In conjunction with the Chairman of the Board of Directors, develop an agenda for meetings of the Executive Committee, Regular Board, and other committees related to the Board.
- Approve for payment of all bills and invoices for the NCCIL. Sign all checks related to the financial activities of the NCCIL and acquire a second signature when needed.
- In conjunction with the appropriate staff or Board members, assume the primary responsibility for the preparation of the annual financial budget and operating plans for submission to the Finance Committee, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors.
- Cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders and serve as the face of the NCCIL within the community.
- Prepare recommendations for presentation to the Board for action. Carry out the actions taken by the board.
- Regularly review professional journals and publications to maintain a current awareness of the museum field. Maintain an active association with museum professionals and professional organizations.
- Make routine evaluations of all procedures and controls relating to the security of the collections and museum property.
- Routinely evaluate the physical condition of the building and grounds toward the end that a high degree of housekeeping and maintenance standards are maintained.
- Work with the Exhibitions and Programming Committee to identify potential artists, evaluate and present artists to exhibit, and ultimately negotiate contracts to have approved artists exhibit.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities preferred:
▪ Advanced Degree in Art, History, Museum Studies, Non-Profit or relevant field; Business minor or experience is beneficial
▪ Significant experience in a museum setting
▪ Three to five years of managerial level experience
▪ Experience in fundraising and general administration
▪ Excellent supervisory skills, patience, and tact, especially in the supervision of staff and working with other employees
▪ Previous experience in management of paid staff and volunteers
▪ Ability to work independently, under pressure, and resolve complex problems as they arise
▪ Possess good time-management skills
▪ Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
▪ Exhibit impressive organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills as well as flexibility
▪ Possess extensive knowledge of the techniques and methods of planning and organizing research and development efforts
▪ Possess competent computer, database, and desktop publishing skills
▪ Demonstrate ability to plan, organize, and coordinate innovative programs and handle multiple tasks
▪ Demonstrate attention to details
▪ Demonstrate effective leadership and interpersonal skills, and working in a team environment
▪ Demonstrate skill and confidence in public speaking
▪ Complete work in a timely and professional manner
▪ Manifest enthusiastic self-motivation
▪ Ability to interact with the general public as well as internal staff members in a polite and courteous manner
▪ Demonstrate ability to cooperate fully with other staff, volunteers, visitors, and diverse community constituents
EXPECTED SALARY: The expected annual salary range for this position is between $75,000-$90,000 and also includes a benefits package and paid time off.