Executive Director - AAMD : Job Details

The Shaker Museum seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking, and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into a new era of growth and engagement. After years of planning, the Shaker Museum is building a 21st-century museum to showcase the world's most comprehensive collection of Shaker material culture and archives.

The four-floor facility located in Chatham, NY, is by Selldorf Architects, renowned worldwide for designing subtle but powerful art spaces. The new museum includes the transformation of an historic building and construction of a modern addition and surrounding public gardens. The physical space's design embodies and perpetuates the core ideals that were at the foundation of Shaker culture, applying them in a modern and relevant context and form. The glass façade on the ground floor entrance area, for example, is accessible and welcoming – just like Shaker communities. Construction for the new museum is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025.

The Executive Director will be responsible for realizing this building project including completion of our $35M capital campaign of which $16M has been raised. They will also be charged with advancing the museum's mission to preserve the Shaker legacy and inspire new generations through innovative programming, community outreach, and sustainable management practices. The next Executive Director will have the singular opportunity to partner with the Board of Trustees and grow our small but dedicated staff to refine and realize its future.

Key Responsibilities

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership roles in art, history, libraries, museums, or other relevant settings. An advanced degree in art or art history, history, museum education, arts management, library science, MBA, or other relevant field is preferred; a combination of professional and leadership experience in a comparable setting will also be seriously considered.

Passion for the Mission

Deep personal interest in art, history, preservation, and education, with a nuanced appreciation for the evolving role of cultural institutions.

Strategic and Visionary Leadership

A collaborative leader who has been successful working with a range of constituents to define and refine long-term institutional goals.

An Effective Friend- and Fundraiser

Understanding of fundraising principles and strategy with experience building philanthropic relationships.

Authentic Spokesperson and Adept Partnership Builder

An enthusiastic, credible, and persuasive spokesperson to a range of external audiences.

Operational Excellence and Financial Management

Knowledge of and experience in the funding models and strategies of multifaceted cultural institutions.

Culture Champion Who Cares for All Team Members

Foster a positive working environment for the entire organization, enriching staff morale, and advancing an atmosphere of teamwork.

Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access

Genuine belief in and abiding commitment to the Shaker values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

The salary range for this role is $225,000 to $250,000, commensurate with demonstrated experience working on a successful capital campaign and institution building.

Contact

Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. To express interest in this role please submit your materials or email Naree and Stephen directly at [email protected] and [email protected].