Since 1969, the Chieftains Museum/ Major Ridge Home, through its passionate team of volunteers and staff members, has worked diligently to save the historic Major Ridge Home and interpret the complex story it represents. Major Ridge, the first known owner of the house, was a Cherokee leader who played a pivotal role in Native American and United States history of the 19th century. Our mission is to preserve and interpret the history of the 19th century Cherokee through the life, home and property of the Ridge family.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home seeks a hands-on, multifaceted, experienced non-profit leader who can articulate and implement the Museum’s mission, maintain and develop relationships, successfully fundraise, supervise staff and volunteers, and creatively promote the Museum as both an educational institution and as a heritage tourism destination, with emphasis on its national importance.

The Executive Director is responsible for the fulfillment of the Museum’s mission and for developing and executing strategies that achieve the long-term vision for the Museum. The position requires a large degree of versatility to meet the needs of the Museum.

Primary responsibilities and necessary skills and personal attributes include:

Leadership and Planning

- Provides visionary leadership and is the external face of the organization in the community and the region, including regular public speaking engagements with historical and civic organizations.

- Implements the Museum’s strategic plan jointly developed with the Board of Directors.

- Manages the Museum’s paid and volunteer staff and interns, nurturing them to the highest levels possible of personal and professional satisfaction and achievement.

Financial Administration

- Is responsible for the general financial condition of the Museum including the strategic and tactical generation of the annual operating income and salaries through the planning, implementation and facilitation of fundraising events, membership campaigns, and donations.

- Works closely with volunteers to promote and grow the Museum’s Friends of Chieftains Museum Heritage Endowment.

- Researches and seeks new funding sources for the Museum. Writes grant proposals for Museum programs and projects, facilitates grant funding to the highest ethical standards, and prepares final grant donor reporting.

Relationship Development

- Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with businesses, governmental entities, museums, donors, and other non-profits to further the goals of the organization.

Education, Community Engagement and Museum Programming 

- Oversees the development of creative and educational programming (exhibitions, classes, lectures, events, etc.) and strategies to engage and expand audiences, stakeholders, and financial support.  Ensures that all programmatic activities follow best practices and principles and are related to the Museum’s mission.

- Develops and coordinates educational opportunities to include school field trip and summer camp activities. Initiates and follows up with contacts at schools to promote available programs and educational opportunities. Ensures Museum programs are in line with current required educational standards.

- Performs research, writing, curation and installation of both in-house and temporary exhibitions at the Museum.

- Represents the Museum to the public, the funding community, and the professional museum community. Maintains knowledge of standards and best practices.

Day-To-Day Museum Operations and Maintenance

- Opens and closes the Museum each day. Follows schedule of maintenance and cleaning to ensure the Museum campus and buildings are organized, clean and preserved for all to enjoy.

- Maintain donor database (PastPerfect).

- Ensure a successful gift shop/bookstore experience by restocking, assisting visitors with purchases and creating an inviting retail and educational atmosphere.

- Ensure Museum PR and marketing is successful to include social media, website, email, newsletters, press releases, etc.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, with advanced degree preferred, in nonprofit management, museum administration, business or public administration, education or a related field. Professional experience should include proven fundraising and networking ability, staff leadership, budget development and management, public outreach, and strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. The Executive Director must have the ability to learn and articulate the unique elements of the Chieftains property’s history and its importance today.

Benefits include:

Paid Holidays and PTO

Housing on Museum campus

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

Work Schedule

            Tuesday through Saturday, 9AM-5PM

Interested candidates should send their Resume and Letter of Interest to jennie173@yahoo.com.

For more information about the Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home visit www.chieftainsmuseum.org.