Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation – Executive Director Profile
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation (TR Site Foundation) is looking for an individual with vision, strong development/fundraising, leadership and managerial skills to become its next Executive Director. The TR Site Foundation invites applicants with the skills, characteristics and experience described here to submit for consideration their credentials for this full-time position.
Applications will be accepted until September 23, 2013.
Organizational Overview
Established in 1967, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation is a non-profit organization.
The TR Site Foundation preserves and operates, through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, the home in Buffalo, New York, where Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President of the United States on September 14, 1901.
Through interpretation, educational programming, events and community outreach, the organization provides opportunities for the public to understand the historical events surrounding the inauguration, as well as the lasting significance of Theodore Roosevelt's life and presidency.
The TR Site Foundation receives a portion of its funding from the National Park Service, but relies upon paid admissions, a strong base of members and committed supporters, both individual and corporate, and its own fundraising events for a substantial amount of its funding.
The TR Site itself has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, through the significant expansion of its physical space and the “reinvention” of its interpretive model and visitor experience. It is well-positioned for continued growth and development.
Position Overview
Position Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation Board of Trustees
Supervises: Staff of 6 full-time and 7 part-time employees, as well as a large team of volunteers.
Full-time staff includes Assistant Director; Chief of Interpretation/Education Director; Curator; Administrative Officer; Maintenance Manager; Administrative Assistant
Job Goal: The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site and is chiefly responsible for: expanding the number of visitors and usage of the Site; increasing financial support; and the ongoing development of staff, volunteers and partner organizations.
In all aspects of her/his leadership role the Executive Director is informed, engaging and confident in sharing the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and the significance of the TR Inaugural Site.
Key Responsibilities
The TR Site Foundation’s Executive Director has the following responsibilities:
• Preserve and maintain a National Historic Site property following the guidelines of the Secretary of the Interior (through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service);
• Provide oversight for the operation of the museum and its staff-led departments, including development and management of the annual budget; hiring and supervision of staff; health and safety of visitors, employees and volunteers; the museum shop;
• Plan and organize fundraising and development efforts, including memberships, annual fund, capital campaigns, project grants, National Park Service operating and project funding, Erie County and City of Buffalo funding; and, sponsorships for major events such as the annual dinner;
• Serve as primary liaison with the National Park Service – responsible for reporting and requirements;
• Support the work of the Board of Trustees – facilitate and attend all board meetings and committee meetings;
• Facilitate, organize and support the strategic planning process;
• Represent the TR Site in the community through outreach to elected officials, businesses and individuals; other cultural and/or collaborating organizations;
• Maintain productive relationships with national, state and local organizations such as: the Theodore Roosevelt Association, Museum Association of New York, American Association for State & Local History, and Museum Store Association; and, local organizations such as the Greater Buffalo Cultural Alliance, Arts Services Initiative, and Leave a Legacy.
Desired Skills, Characteristics and Competencies
The TR Site Foundation’s Executive Director should have the following professional qualifications and personal characteristics:
Development/Fundraising Skills
It is important that the TR Site develop diversified funding sources to minimize its reliance on government funding. The Executive Director should be a skilled and experienced fundraiser who can support and expand current development efforts, maintain strong relationships with existing supporters, and broaden the base of individual and corporate support by identifying, establishing and nurturing new relationships. The Executive Director should also understand the tools and techniques of marketing, and have the ability to effectively leverage these to attract new, diverse audiences of visitors and members.
Communication Skills – Personal and Public
The Executive Director is the primary public “face” of the TR Site, and as such, should have the ability to effectively engage with all of the Site’s key stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, National Park Service, supporters and collaborators, as well as diverse constituents across the communities the TR Site serves. In this context, strong writing and public speaking skills are essential. Highly effective
interpersonal communication skills are also critical, as the role requires tact, judgment, flexibility, self-awareness, “emotional intelligence” and a good sense of humor.
Leadership Effectiveness
The Executive Director must be an extremely strong leader, with a vision of what success looks like and the ability to inspire others toward the realization of that vision. The ability to attract, retain and develop the talent (including staff and volunteers) necessary to achieve the vision is essential.
Strategic Vision
The Executive Director must have the ability to achieve success today, while charting the course for success in the future. He/she must be a creative thinker with a desire to explore new ideas and methodologies to move the organization forward. With a bias toward action, the Executive Director should be proactive, not reactive – establishing the TR Site as a model for other organizations to follow.
Ideal Experience/Qualifications
• Broad-based senior management experience in either a nonprofit or for-profit environment. Museum experience preferred.
• Proven track record of success in development/fundraising and/or revenue generation.
• Demonstrated understanding of marketing strategy - planning and execution.
• Measurable results in hiring, mentoring, developing, leading and retaining staff. Experience in working with a nonprofit governing board a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree a plus.
Compensation
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Range is $40,000 - $55,000. Potential for performance-based incentives.
• Benefits package provided.
Guidelines for Candidates
• Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2013
• All applications must be submitted electronically to: ExecDirSearch@trsite.org
• Candidates should provide: o Cover letter, outlining their interest in and qualifications for the position
o A resume or CV
o Names and contact information (telephone number and/or email address) of at least three professional references. Note that these references will NOT be contacted until candidates have been notified.
• No telephone inquiries will be accepted.
Kristie Dobbins, Curator Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City
museum main line: 816.235.8000 • direct line: 816.235.8002
5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64112
www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org •••
5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64112
www.toyandminiaturemuseum.org •••
FROM IDEALWARE
