Employment

Executive Director

Full-Time, Exempt

The Seal Cove Auto Museum offers an exciting opportunity to lead a vibrant museum that explores American innovation and ingenuity through the early development of the automobile. The Museum is known for its creative, thought-provoking exhibitions, lively programs and fun events. Located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and surrounded by Acadia National Park, the museum maintains a world-class collection of Brass Era automobiles and consistently earns outstanding reviews from its visitors.

The Executive Director is the chief administrative official of the Seal Cove Auto Museum and reports directly to the Board of Directors. S/he is responsible for implementing the Museum’s mission through management of the Museum’s daily operations and its Strategic Plan. This work includes fiscally responsible oversight of the Museum’s collections and facilities, encouraging public access to those collections through innovative exhibitions and related public programs, and building strong relationships with the community. The Executive Director manages a staff of year-round and seasonal employees that support the core work of the organization. In these times of COVID-19, the Executive Director is expected to provide continued leadership as we monitor the need for appropriate changes.

 Job Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Seal Cove Auto Museum’s staff, programs, execution of mission and Strategic Plan.

General:

  • Provides resources and guidance to the Museum to ensure that all practices are in line with professional standards and ethics.
  • Maintains a working relationship with the Richard Paine Jr. Automobile Charitable Trust
  • Oversees collections care and planning in line with the Strategic Plan and best practices.
  • Develops and nurtures strong strategic partners among similar organizations and community members that will benefit all involved and raise the profile and support of the Museum.
  • Nurtures relationships with Museum donors and stakeholders to ensure they are satisfied and understand the work of the Museum.
  • Works with the development team to steward and increase donors, sponsors, and annual gifts to ensure a healthy and balanced budget.
  • Develops all exhibits by researching, writing and installing new exhibits and by rotating curatorial responsibilities with guest curators and staff.
  • Provides public lectures and education programs to highlight the work of the museum and the unique nature of the collection.
  • Represents the Museum in community events and celebrations, leveraging the collection when appropriate to bring about increased visibility of the Museum off site.

 

Management:

  • Hires, supervises, motivates, and reviews the staff.  Evaluates needs and structures staff accordingly.
  • Supports the staff, task forces, and committees in their work to fulfill the Strategic Plan.
  • Oversees the bookkeeper to pay all bills in a timely manner.
  • Reviews and approves staff and volunteer work plans to ensure they are in line with resources and the Strategic Plan.
  • Reviews and approves all marketing, advertising, and development materials before distribution.

Financial:

  • Budgets, seeks sponsorships and oversees events, including delegating to a staff leader for events to ensure leadership and accountability for each event.
  • Understands and implements strong business and finance practices to ensure income to the Museum.

Board of Directors interaction:

  • Develops and provides periodic reporting on budget, admissions and other benchmarks for success.
  • Guides and supports the staff and Board committees in their work to fulfill the Strategic Plan through annual work plans tied to the budget.
  • Works with the board chair to develop meeting agendas and Board educational opportunities.

Qualifications:

  • The ED will be thoroughly committed to the Seal Cove Auto Museum’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, and management experience.

Specific requirements include:

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Demonstrated senior level experience in a leadership role in a museum or non-profit setting including grant writing, fundraising, and financial management.
  • A collaborative style in managing teams, including dedicated specialists and professionals as well
    as volunteers, and in working with boards of directors, stakeholders, sponsors, and partners.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills required as well as comfort with public speaking
    and media interviews.
  • Skilled in networking at all levels, including donors, community leaders, and corporate officials.
  • Proficient in all typical computer applications and equipment and understanding of new and emerging technologies is expected.
  • A knowledge of transportation history and brass era automobiles is desirable but not required.

Salary Range:

Compensation is based on skills and experience.

How to Apply

Please email your cover letter, salary requirement, and résumé expanding on why you are the best candidate for this position to Searchcommittee@sealcoveautomuseum.org or mail to P.O. Box 106, Seal Cove, ME 04674.

No phone calls or walk-ins, please. We will contact only those individuals whose qualifications match the position.