Employment Opportunity with MoNA

Executive Director Job Posting

We are seeking an accomplished leader with a passion for Northwest art, as well as an enthusiastic and engaging proponent to serve as Executive Director for the Museum of Northwest Art.

The Museum is located in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, near the Skagit River, and among many of the most prodigious tulip fields and richest farmland in the world. La Conner has long been a magnet for artists who respond to the land and to Skagit Valley’s light. The museum developed and flourished in this environment, drawing an audience of visitors, tourists, and locals who support the Museum and enjoy the community’s lifestyle, slow pace, and exquisite location.
Founded in 1981 as the Valley Museum of Northwest Art, it exhibited the work of Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves and Mark Tobey, four artists with strong connections to the Skagit Valley. The Museum was housed in the historic Gaches Mansion in La Conner for the first fourteen years.

As the mission broadened to “collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art by Northwest Artists,” the Museum sought a larger permanent home. In 1995, the Museum purchased its current building, a 12,000 square-foot space on La Conner’s First Street. The name was changed to the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) to reflect the expanded mission, and the building was renovated to museum standards.

MoNA is supported by a staff of 11 (3 full time & 9 part time, approximately 150 volunteers, 20 board members and a membership of 1300. It has the distinction of being the only museum in the Pacific Northwest devoted solely to the art and artists of our region. When not on display, our growing collection of art is housed in a newly acquired, state-of-the-art storage facility.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director has responsibility for the overall management of the Museum. The successful candidate will plan, direct, and oversee the work of the Museum, staff, and volunteers; maintain and enhance the permanent collection; and oversee the production of ten to twelve exhibitions each year, rotating on a quarterly basis.
The successful candidate must be a dynamic communicator with an in-depth knowledge of museums, regional art, and its patrons.

The position requires strategic planning, fundraising, and strong financial management experience. The desired accomplishments of the selected candidate include: having a significant role in the receipt of major gifts and grants, a track record of organizational evolution and staff development, and possessing innovative skills and experience in creating and leading successful outreach programs resulting in expanded community interest, support, and participation.

If interested in applying for this position, please submit in confidence: a cover letter (including specific details relating to your qualifying experience), resume, salary requirements, and three job-related references (including your working relationship with the reference) and their work and/or home telephone numbers.

Starting salary: $60,000 - $75,000

Questions may be sent to: Philip A. Serka, President of the Board of Trustees, c/o Bev Miller, Business Manager, at: bevm@museumofnwart.org, or message left at: 360/466-4446, ext. 109.
Open until December 20, 2012. The Search Committee will begin reviewing resumes on upon receipt until December 20th. Interviews will be scheduled early in January 2013.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
1. Educated knowledge of Northwest artists preferred.
2. Enthusiastic interest and prior relationship with the Museum of Northwest Art.
3. A minimum three years’ museum experience in a management capacity or other relevant profit or non-profit organization.
4. A degree in Museum Management, Public Service, Art History, or comparable education and experience.
5. Experience with Strategic Planning conceptualization and implementation.
6. Proven track record in broad-based, non-profit fundraising, including at least three years’ experience in grants writing and management, special events planning, and direct solicitation, including knowledge of the donor communities of the Northwest preferred.
7. Excellent and proven organizational skills.
8. Excellent development skills, including the ability to foster a diverse, compelling, and positive organization and arts culture.
9. Strong marketing and community relations skills, including public speaking.
10. Three years’ experience recruiting, managing, supervising, and evaluating staff.
11. Three years’ working knowledge of volunteer programs and their success factors.
12. Knowledge of the working and best practices of non-profit boards and organizations.
13. Strong team player with excellent listening skills and ability to consider and implement the ideas of others.
14. Ability to work in a fast-paced, complex, and multifaceted environment and set priorities for the entire organization.
15. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
16. Proficient computer skills with working knowledge of Windows XP, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
17. Ability to work effectively, independently, and as a team member.
18. Ability to work flexible and variable hours including weekends.
19. Current valid driver’s license, insurable driving record, ability to provide own transportation, and travel as required.
20. Fluent in the English language.
21. Live within close proximity to the Museum.

Desired Qualifications:
• A master’s degree in Museum Management, Public Service, Art History or comparable education and experience.
• Five years with a proven track record in management, broad-based non-profit fundraising, including experience in grants writing, special events planning, and direct solicitation, including the donor communities of the Northwest.
• Five years’ responsibility for budgeting, financial management, and reporting.
• Five years’ experience recruiting, managing, supervising, and evaluating staff.
• Experience working in both urban and rural environments.
• Previous experience volunteering in a non-profit organization.
• Ability to serve as a mentor and role model for staff and volunteers.
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