Executive Director

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
The Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Gardens in Alexandria, Minnesota, celebrates the shared memories and experiences of lake life, and preserves and presents that legacy for future generations.

Founded in 1995, the museum holds one of the premier collections of vintage boats in the country. The exhibits include inboard boats from the Mammel Collection, Chris-Craft and Gar Wood historical exhibits, as well as special exhibits exploring aspects of history of Minnesota lake life.

OPPORTUNITY
Entering its 30th anniversary year, The Legacy of the Lakes Museum attracts 5,500 visitors each season. With an expanding base of local, national, and international sponsors as well as generous institutional and individual donors. The Legacy of the Lakes Museum is well positioned for continued growth in the years to come. The next Executive Director will inherit a healthy, financially stable organization that boasts tremendous community support and an excellent staff.

THE ROLE
The Executive Director provides operational leadership for The Legacy of the Lakes Museum and is focused on achieving the strategic priorities of the organization. They will serve as a face of the Museum while supporting and optimizing organizational and Museum operations and aiding in fundraising.

The Executive Director will represent the Museum to the community at large, volunteers, Board members, media, and donors. This person will be able to clearly articulate the mission, vision, and strategy of the organization to all external constituents.

The Executive Director will be responsible for the following:

Operational, Strategic, and Administrative Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the Museum’s strategic plan  Identify and pursue new growth opportunities
• Develop systems and procedures to ensure professional, efficient Museum operations
• Oversee institutional operations and human resources, including staffing structure, recruiting, and onboarding new positions

Board Relations

• Partner with the Board of Directors to drive the Museum’s strategic plans and goals, assuring alignment with goals and vision for the Museum
• Schedule board meetings and develop strategic agendas and materials
• Support board recruitment, growth, diversification, and orientation

Development and Finance

• Serve as a willing and able partner to the Advancement Director
• Oversee annual budgeting process, reporting, banking relationships, cash flow, and monitor spending to budget
• Lead financial planning to support the Museum’s long-term growth goals
• Identify and execute opportunities for new and expanded revenue streams

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, highly organized, and experienced museum professional who thrives in a collaborative work environment, has demonstrated executive leadership experience, and has a track record of delivering above and beyond on organizational goals. This person will be locally invested and globally minded. They are passionate about The Legacy of the Lakes Museum’s mission and vision, and motivated to expand the organization’s scale and impact. In addition, they bring the following:

Collaborative Leader. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial, collaborative general manager who is adept at fostering a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment within the organization. While they are an intelligent and an astute learner, they gladly rely on the expertise around them and desire to listen to the advice of their internal and external stakeholders. This person will be effective at managing competing priorities while leading, motivating, supporting, and partnering with the Board, staff, external stakeholders, and the broader community.

Great Communicator. The ideal candidate will be a strong and effective communicator to internal and external audiences and will be comfortable articulating strategy, setting priorities, and delegating responsibilities.

Adept Fundraiser. The Executive Director will be an able and willing development professional with excellent relationship building skills. They will bring an innovative approach to revenue generation for the Museum.