Executive Director

Executive Director Position Description
Organizational Summary: The Iowa Museum Association (IMA) was founded in 1976 to serve individuals working and volunteering in Iowa museums of all types. The IMA fills an important role in the state by serving as a centralized office through which Iowa museum professionals and volunteers may make connections, find industry-specific professional development, and communicate and collaborate with colleagues. The IMA provides a statewide communication network, professional development, advocacy, and member engagement opportunities. The Iowa Museum Association serves staff, volunteers, board members, student interns, and others interested in museums across the State of Iowa. The IMA is a private, non-profit organization that is supported by memberships, donations, earned income, and grants.
Position Summary: The Executive Director of the Iowa Museum Association (IMA) provides active, dynamic organizational leadership and serves as the public face and voice of the IMA. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement an aggressive and mission/vision-driven program for member services, programming, partnerships, and fundraising.
The successful applicant will be willing to become a resident of Iowa, and be familiar with Iowa museums, granting organizations, and other cultural institutions.
The Executive Director is a fully remote position. The successful applicant will provide their own work space. The IMA’s physical archives and Post Office box are currently located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and may be moved or forwarded to geographic proximity with the new Executive Director’s work space

Working Conditions:
• Operates remotely, providing their own working space and internet access.
• Requires periodic in-state and occasional out-of-state travel.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required as needed.
• Operates in a flexible, but regular, work schedule.
• Access to a car for transportation is beneficial for in-state travel needs. Mileage incurred in service to IMA is reimbursed according to policy. Any rentals, air fare, and/or service for out-of-state travels will be provided by the IMA.

Qualifications:
Required:
• An undergraduate degree or related experience in museum studies, public history, nonprofit administration, or related field.
• Advanced analytical skills necessary to be able to plan instructional programs and evaluate effectiveness thereof; design and administer the budget; understand and manage complex historical society/museum operations and so forth.
• Possesses a strong understanding of museum best practices and ethics.
• Experienced collaborator with project management skills.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills necessary to work with and instruct groups with diverse backgrounds, negotiate contracts for IMA make and discuss proposals with the Board of Directors, solicit funds, and so forth.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing to communicate with staff, members, volunteers, donors; to read and understand legal documents and policies; to write policies, procedures, and grants, and so forth.
• Must be computer literate and able to work with a variety of software, design platforms, and build and maintain a variety of website and online platforms.

Desired / Preferred:
• Experience with iMIS, WordPress, Drupal, and PastPerfect.
• An advanced degree in museum studies, public history, nonprofit administration, or related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in progressively significant leadership positions.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate people, execute a strategic vision, and develop and implement a long-range plan.
• Strong understanding of non-profit management including proven success with organizational finance and management.
• Ability to work independently and with teams to coordinate multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated experience with fund development and diversification of revenue sources.
• Demonstrated experience building private/public partnerships among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a well-educated staff and/or volunteers within a public, nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated mentorship of high-potential staff or volunteers.
• Demonstrated experience reporting to, and working closely with, a board.
• Demonstrated experience as an advocate and spokesperson for a nonprofit cultural organization or association.
• Familiarity with Iowa and its resources, government, businesses, and institutions.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Operation Management:
• Is guided by the IMA’s mission and strategic plan in managing daily operations, annual work plan, and in development of new programs and initiatives.
• Ensures that sound fiscal risk management policies are in place, including adequate insurance coverage.
• Plans for appropriate use of technology and systems, including updates, maintenance and migration.
• Actively participates in reviewing, developing, implementing, and evaluating IMA’s strategic plan.
• Ensures that all required reports are filed, documents maintained, and that IMA is in compliance with federal and state fiscal and legal requirements.
• Attends all Board meetings as an ex-officio member, and leads committee meetings as necessary to advance the organization’s initiatives.
• Works with the Board to develop strategic direction, budget, fiscal plans, and establish mission/vision fulfilling initiatives, as well as identifying critical issues and achievable solutions.
• Ensures sound management policies and systems are in place.
• Recruits, supports, and cultivates high-quality staff/volunteers to ensure efficient and productive work.
• Develops and implements personnel policies, including annual performance evaluations and updates to staff/volunteer position descriptions.

Membership Communications:
• Serves as an IMA ambassador and/or representative to IMA member organizations.
• Works to build community and engage members with one another.
• Communicates regularly with members and stakeholders through IMA e-mail alerts, newsletters, social media, multiple websites, and other means.
• Manages and responds to all email communication through multiple email addresses and responds to all telephone and US Post contacts and inquiries.

Programming Oversight:
• Recruits and engages IMA member organizations and professionals with IMA programs and activities.
• Sets high standards of quality for all membership services, programs, and networking activities.
• Develops and recommends to the Board new programs, modifications or discontinuance of programs, partnerships, and services.
• Provides leadership in the implementation of all IMA programs and initiatives.
• Evaluates IMA programs and initiatives.

Advocacy and Fundraising:
• Serves as an articulate public spokesperson and represents IMA at the state, regional, and national levels.
• Maintains sound working relationships with state and federal organizations which promote, expand, and enrich IMA’s mission.
• Guides IMA’s outreach and advocacy efforts in ways that build credibility and enhance the image of IMA before state and national public officials.
• Works effectively with funders and donors to grow and diversify IMA’s revenue sources.

EVALUATION: The ED will be reviewed annually by the Board President. A written performance appraisal will be provided, and the ED will be given an opportunity to address the board in a closed session on performance-related issues at the time of the annual review if requested. In addition to the annual review, the President of the Board will engage the ED in monthly informal meetings to facilitate communication and planning. The ED will provide the President with a written work report at the end of each month.

JOB DESCRIPTION REVIEW: This job description will be reviewed and updated, if necessary, during the employee’s annual review. FLSA: Exempt Position

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people in this job. The statements are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. This job description may be changed and additional duties may be added or assigned from time to time. The above description does not affect or diminish the at-will status of the employment relationship between IMA and its employee.

This is a full-time position. Salary package $53,000 to $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The IMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application reviews will begin July 8. Open until filled. The successful applicant will begin work in September 2024 as transitional Executive Director, overlapping with the outgoing Executive Director for the final three months of 2024 to provide mentorship and support as the incoming Executive Director learns the position.  To apply: letters of application and resume should be sent via email to director(at)iowamuseums.org