Executive Director
Reports to: The Board of Directors
Classification: Full-time, exempt
Annual salary: $65,000-70,000
The San Diego Museum Council (SDMC) is a regional network that connects cultural institutions with audiences and each other. With approximately 40 members, the Council strives to be a contributing and influential organization that represents San Diego County’s museum community. SDMC serves its members through networking and professional development opportunities, cooperative advertising programs, and communications support including digital marketing campaigns and programs like Museum Month.
SDMC seeks an executive director with organizational skills and experience in cultural organizations to bring stability to administration, operations, and finances as we emerge from the pandemic with a clear vision for the future, and to help position the organization for a period of enhanced growth and change as the museum field works toward recovery.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership
- Participate with the Board of Directors in developing operational plans to achieve goals and objectives that advance the strategic direction of the organization.
- Be an advocate for museums within the community and serve as a spokesperson for the organization.
- Establish effective relationships and collaborative arrangements with SDMC member organizations, community groups, funders, politicians, and other stakeholders.
- Assist the Board in developing the organization’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.).
- Advise the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities, identifying and informing the Board of internal and external issues that affect the organization.
- Participate in the planning of and attend Board meetings (led by President).
- Serve as a primary contact for constituents (members, partners, public, etc.).
- Represent the organization at community events, networking groups, and related programmatic activities.
- Liaise with Committee Chairs and attend committee meetings.
Administration and Operations
- Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation and administration.
- In collaboration with the Board, develop policies and prepare procedures to implement the policies; recommend policy changes to the Board as appropriate.
- Maintain database of members, committees, and Board Members.
- Manage development and production of general collateral materials as needed.
- Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery; hire and manage contractors/vendors/employees as required and in accordance with budget allowances.
- Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s people (members, consultants, Board, volunteers), property, finances, reputation, and develop strategies to manage risks, including ensuring appropriate and adequate insurance and licenses/filings are in place.
- Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and events.
- Ensure that programs and services contribute to the mission and reflect priorities established by the Board.
- In collaboration with the Marketing Committee, Participate in the development of an annual marketing plan in collaboration with the Board and Marketing Committee.
Fundraising and Financial Management
- Work with the Board to develop fundraising strategies, including securing and stewarding corporate sponsors and building on the current donor base and partnerships.
- Manage grant writing and reporting process, identifying new grant funding opportunities to support and expand organizational needs.
- Continually evaluate opportunities that benefit members and monitor member satisfaction and engagement.
- Work with Board Treasurer to prepare an annual budget and monthly financial reports.
- Ensure correct accounting and bookkeeping procedures are followed; manage contract accountant and ensure annual 990 tax return is filed.
- Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization; approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board; oversee A/P and A/R, including membership dues.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Management experience in a nonprofit institution, with 5-7 years preferred
- Commitment to SDMC’s mission
- Proven leadership and relationship management experience
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Enthusiasm for participating in a wide range of organizational functions
- Ability to concurrently think and operate strategically and tactically
- Strong work ethic, ability to multitask, and capacity to operate under deadlines
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and vision to stakeholders
- Demonstrated commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility principles and work
- Financial management experience, including grant-writing and grant administration
- Experience and understanding of fundraising and marketing principles
- Mastery of Google Workspace (G Suite), and proficient in Microsoft Office suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook), video conferencing software (Zoom) and digital platforms such as WordPress and MailChimp.
- Membership organization or museum experience preferred
Benefits
Benefits include paid vacation and sick time, a flexible schedule, and a remote work environment.
Application Procedure
Please email a letter of interest and resume no later than April 30, 2021 in Adobe PDF format to team@sandiegomuseumcouncil.org using the job title and your name in your subject line (example: “Executive Director – Jane Smith”). All attachments should be submitted with applicant’s first initial and last name included in the file name (example “J.Smith Resume”). The position start date is anticipated to be June 2021. No phone calls please.
