Description

The Executive Director of the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum & Visitor Center provides strategic leadership, oversees daily operations, and serves as the public face of the organization. This role is responsible for managing staff, programs, finances, and community relationships while ensuring an exceptional visitor experience and strong stewardship of the museum’s collections. The Executive Director drives fundraising, marketing, and strategic initiatives to sustain and grow the museum’s impact in the Bastrop community.

Strategic Leadership    

 Collaborate with the Board to develop and implement strategic plans that advance the museum’s mission and vision. 
 

Team Leadership        

   Recruit, develop, and lead a team of full and part-time employees 
   Promote a high-performance, stakeholder-centric culture and one of continuous improvement.
   Mentor, reward, and discipline employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Conduct regular performance reviews.

Museum Management    

   Manage the daily operations of the Museum including the following duties. 
   Responsible for oversight of BCHS artifacts, collections, and archives including the 
   collection, preservation, and de-accession of artifacts through the Collection Manager in accord with BCHS policies.  
   Ensure that permanent exhibits are well-maintained. Oversee temporary exhibits.
   Plan, organize, and present exhibitions, lectures, tours, and outreach programs.
   In conjunction with Museum staff, oversee the recruitment, training, coordination, and recognition of Museum volunteers in the Visitor Center and Research          Library .

Visitor Center Management    

   Manage the daily operations and general oversight of the Visitor Center through the Visitor Center Manager 
   Manage Visitor Center led visitor programs in Bastrop, Texas  
   Maintain highest quality visitor experience
   Enhance existing visitor tracking demographics 

Financial Management  

   Oversee the organization’s financial status including developing long and short-range financial plans, monitoring the budget, and ensuring sound financial       controls.  Supervise office manager to collect dues, pay expenses, run payroll, and maintain financial accounts.  
   Develop the annual budget in conjunction with the Finance Committee.
   Maintain systems and infrastructure for recordkeeping of membership, financials, investments, and employee records.

Program & Event Management  

 Manage the development and implementation of dynamic Museum programs for adults and children that reflect the BCHS mission and strategic goals through     the Events Director.

Public & Community Relationships & Marketing  

   Represent the Museum and Visitor Center in its business relationships with the community and partners and act as the face of the Museum in the community. 
   Develop positive community relations and customer service standards that are an example for staff and volunteers to follow.
   Responsible for the development and implementation of marketing strategies and results; maintaining accurate and effective online and print marketing tools.
   Oversee production of website, newsletter, online, and other communications.
   Provide public presentations, media interviews, and press coverage.

Fundraising    

   Raise funds to support operations, staffing, and special projects and programs.
   Develop comprehensive membership programs and annual giving programs to recruit, engage, and retain members and donors. 

Physical Plant    

   Oversee building operations of the museum and visitor center housed in the historic city hall building in downtown Bastrop, Texas including presentation equipment, computer systems, building security systems, maintenance, cleanliness, and safe use of the facility.

Risk Management     

 Oversee adherence to legal compliance, ethical standards, financial sustainability/stability, and property maintenance. In general, protect the Museum and ensure a positive reputation. 

Requirements

   Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Art History, Natural History, or U.S. History. Master’s Degree preferred. 

   Proven three to five years’ experience in a strategic leadership role in a museum or similar organization. 
   Two to three years’ experience promoting heritage tourism.
   Two to three years’ experience with human resources supervision.

   Proficient with Quickbooks Desktop and Payroll, Microsoft Office Suite, Canva or Adobe, CatalogIt or PastPerfect, Little Green Lite or Neon or Bloomerang, Wix,     and Constant Contact.
   Demonstrated knowledge of professional museum practices and standards including collection management plans and acquisitions.
   Strong financial management and fundraising skills.
   Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
   Passion for history, culture, and education.
   Experience with Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding preferred but not required.