Executive Director | Terrell, TX

Background:

The No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum grew out of an alumni organization of cadets who learned to fly in Terrell, TX during World War II.  It received the IRS nonprofit 501(c)3 designation in 2011.  Currently, the majority of the museum’s funding comes from the City of Terrell’s Hotel Occupancy Tax.  The museum buildings are open to the public Wednesday – Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm though the Executive Director and/or the Administrative Assistant may be on site at other times. A strategic plan is under review by the board of directors.  

The City has purchased an historic building in downtown Terrell and the museum plans to relocate much of its collection to this new facility.  An exhibit designer has been retained as has a fundraising consultant. An initial agreement regarding the move is in place but revisions may be necessary as construction estimates become available.

Job Description:

The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director are the management of the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum which includes operation of the two museum buildings and management of the collection. In conjunction with the Board, the Executive Director undertakes long- and short-range planning, policy development, budget preparation and monitoring, and development of programs and services.  Currently, the board of directors does not have a committee structure in place but the establishment and management of the appropriate committees is an immediate goal.

The Executive Director manages a part-time administrative assistant and, approximately, 10 volunteers. Some volunteers serve as docents and others provide a variety of services ranging from construction to social media management.

The Executive Director represents the Museum in the community, participates in events which increase awareness of Museum history, expands community outreach, and performs duties which foster donation of relevant artifacts and funds to the Museum.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Director:

• Supervises Paid and Volunteer Staff: Identifies, assigns, and supervises work of the paid, part-time assistant and the volunteer staff. Assures that all are appropriately trained, and adequate staffing is maintained to meet the Museum’s needs and objectives. Creates a congenial atmosphere and environment conducive for recruiting and retaining volunteers.
• Financial records, Reports, and Proposals: Performs ongoing daily financial management as well as long-term planning and reporting.  Works with the Board of Directors to develop an annual budget for the Museum. Works with treasurer to maintain all financial records.
• Planning: Responsible for strategic planning, as well as creating long-term, short-term, and annual goals and objectives for the organization.
• Exhibits: Works with the Exhibits Committee to develop and implement exhibits for the Museum and off-site venues. Seeks out, makes arrangements for and manages traveling exhibits.
• Collection: Works with the Collections Committee to ensure items donated to the Museum are appropriately reviewed, accessioned, conserved, preserved, and cataloged.
• Community Outreach: Develops programs, community activities, and appropriate meetings which further the mission of the Museum and benefit the community
• Website, Promotion and Publicity: Promotes Museum events and activities. Insures that information on the website is current.  Oversees social media outreach.
• Membership: Works to increase membership numbers and member benefits and maintains a member records database.
• Development: Sets goals for all major fundraising efforts, tracks totals, and reports to appropriate committees. Works with special event committees to create sponsorship levels as well as solicit and process donations.
• Grants: Identifies grant opportunities and works to develop government, non-profit, and foundation grants to support the operations of the Museum.  Responsible for appropriate monitoring of grants and required reporting.
• Records: Keeps electronic records in an orderly and accessible system and monitors regular file back-up.  Maintains hard-copy files in an organized manner.  Prepares regular reports to the City of Terrell.
• Facilities, Supplies and Equipment: Coordinates maintenance of the museum building(s), grounds, and equipment, and provides for safe and reliable operation of the Museum. Maintains adequate supplies for Museum operation within budget parameters.
• Museum Operations and Visitor Services: Oversees coordination of all Museum functions and services. Provides oversight and support, as needed, to the Administrative Assistant for scheduling group tours and coordinating volunteer staffing. Conducts some tours and educational programs. Maintains records related to utilization of the Museum. 
• Museum Shop: Provides final oversight on shop purchases, timing of shop activities, setting of prices for the shop and marketing efforts.
• Professional Development: Participates in educational activities and museum associations to keep abreast of the latest development in small museum and historical society management. 

Skills and Expertise Required:

• Supervisory skills, especially as relevant to a volunteer staff, financial, and administrative management of an organization
• Ability to serve as an articulate spokesperson for the Museum.
• Experience in development and fundraising, including foundation and government grants as well as corporate and private donations; demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and identify creative solutions
• Financial record-keeping skills
• Knowledge of museum professional policies, issues, and strategies
• Familiarity with PC environment and knowledge of the following applications: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, PastPerfect, QuickBooks,
• Adept at Social Media, especially Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• Interpersonal and team interaction skills; ability to work with a diverse community and with standing and ad hoc committees
• Ability to meet the physical demands of working and transporting supplies and materials

 Qualifications:

The Executive Director will have a relevant bachelor's degree and 3-5 years' work in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, demonstrating ability required to manage a non-profit organization and service for a small historical museum staffed primarily with volunteers.

Salary Range: $30,000 - $40,000

  To be considered, send cover letter and resumes to apply@bftsmuseum.org by Feb. 1, 2021.