Executive Director

ABOUT RAMSEY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Ramsey County Historical Society (RCHS) preserves, shares, and interprets the complex,multifaceted histories of Ramsey County through education, collections, research, exhibitions,publishing, and public programs.

Guided by our mission, preserving our past, informing our present, and inspiring our future,RCHS connects people of all ages and backgrounds to local history in ways that are accurate,relevant, and inclusive. RCHS operates Gibbs Farm, maintains a major research center and archive, publishes the award-winning Ramsey County History magazine, and delivers tours and programs that strengthen civic understanding and community connection.

Through our  Strategic Framework, RCHS is focused on strengthening operational capacity, inspiring curiosity, expanding community reach, and building a sustainable foundation for future growth.

Preserving Our Past, Informing Our Present, and Inspiring Our Future

Ramsey County Historical Society will continue as a trusted, innovative steward and teacher of history, committed to working with our community to build and sustain a morejust and vibrant future.

• We strive for authenticity and accuracy in all programs and activities.
• We embrace innovation, seeking new and unique ways to collaborate with and educate our community about familiar and unfamiliar history.
• We act with integrity, adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards.
• We prioritize Inclusion and equity in our activities, processes, and decision-making.
• We embody respect, listen with intent, and work to build trusting relationships.

Ramsey County Historical Society seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact and sustainability.

The Executive Director serves as RCHS’s strategic leader, responsible for advancing the mission, strengthening organizational sustainability, and ensuring strong financial and operational management. This role partners closely with the Board of Directors, staff,volunteers, donors, and community partners to build a shared vision for the future of local history in Ramsey County.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that combines strategic leadership with active engagement in fundraising, community relations, staff development, and organizational operations. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises a senior leadership team.

The position is primarily in-person, with offices at Landmark Center and Gibbs Farm. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for programs, events, and donor engagement.

• Partner with the Board to advance RCHS’s mission, values, and long-term strategic plan.
• Lead organizational planning, goal setting, and performance monitoring.
• Build a shared vision among staff, board, donors, and our community partners.
• Ensure programs and interpretation reflect accurate history and the lived experiences ofthe communities residing in Ramsey County, past and present.

• Accountable for daily operations, oversight of administrative systems, and internal infrastructure.
• Ensure effective policies, procedures, and compliance systems are in place and managed with a high degree of ethical integrity.
• Provide active oversight of major projects, grants, and cross-departmental initiatives,ensuring clear ownership, timelines, and completion.
• Lead continuous improvement in organizational effectiveness and accountability.

• Supervise, mentor, and empower senior-level staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations, goals, and accountability systems.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture. Model respectful and emotionally consistent leadership that promotes psychological safety and trust.
• Ensure staff development, retention, and well-being.
• Lead through transparency, integrity, and shared leadership.

• Lead and participate in all major fundraising activities.
• Strengthen individual giving, major gifts, and grant revenue.
• Partner with development staff and board members on donor engagement.
• Maintain and grow membership.
• Maintain and grow revenue streams, particularly at Gibbs Farm.
• Build familiarity and capacity in government contracting and public funding.
• Support long-term sustainability through diversified revenue strategies.

• Provide executive oversight of budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
• Partner with finance staff and board to ensure fiscal accountability.
• Monitor organizational performance against financial goals.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of restricted and unrestricted funds.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Support effective governance, committee work, and board development.
• Provide timely, accurate information to support board decision-making.
• Partner with board…