Executive Director

The Museum Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive responsible for the overall leadership, operations, community engagement, and fundraising for the Museum.

The ED aligns with the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) at the College of Charleston and will report to theSNESdean. The ED will execute the vision and mission of the museum. The ED will be responsible for directing the operations, growth and development of the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History.

The ED will also work closely with Institutional Advancement (IA),SNESleadership, the curator, museum staff, and Museum Advisory Board to identify key priorities and donor prospects for the Museum. In coordination with IA, the ED will build strategies for annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, sponsor ships, grants and other fundraising initiatives. The ED will develop and manage key donor relationships to secure and grow gift commitments for the Museum.

Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of related experience in higher education, museum, nonprofit and/or development roles that demonstrate leadership and accomplishment in fundraising. A degree in nonprofit management, communications, museum studies or a related field is preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are required, as is the ability to engage effectively with donors, advisory board members, faculty and staff. Candidates must have excellent organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet deadlines; ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a positive and collaborative attitude; and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and other relevant software.

Preference will be given to individuals who exhibit characteristics of a successful fundraiser: disciplined; intellectually and socially curious; entrepreneurial; confident; versatile; strategic; perceptive.

Museum Operations and Development (Essential, 40% of time)

• Provide visionary leadership to guide the museum’s growth and sustainability.
• Direct the daily operations of the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience and effective management of museum staff and volunteers.
• Work with the Museum Advisory Board to develop and implement strategic plans including the mission, vision, and purpose statements.
• Work with theSNESdean and the museum curator, in consultation with the Museum Advisory Board, to manage the museum’s budget and quasi-endowment, including financial planning, resource allocation and expense tracking. Set and track progress towards goals for gift shop revenue and collections expansions.
• Collaborate with the Museum Advisory Board,SNESleadership and museum staff to identify and prioritize museum needs and goals and develop and implement strategies to enhance the museum’s exhibits, programs and educational outreach.
• In coordination with the faculty curator, manage staff to oversee the maintenance and preservation of museum collections, ensuring compliance with best practices and standards.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting professional development and growth for museum staff.
• Promote the museum’s mission and values internally and externally.

Advisory Board Liaison and Fundraising (Essential, 60% of time)

• Manage all communications and logistics for Museum Advisory Board members, including meeting announcements, agendas, materials, minutes, and speakers; travel arrangements; board bylaws; new board member packets; and newsletters.
• Assist with the identification and recruitment of potential new board members.
• Partner with the Museum Advisory Board andSNESleadership to identify museum funding priorities and create comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Develop and implement strategies to build the museum quasi-endowment through annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, sponsor ships, grants and other fundraising…