Job Listing: Executive Director (The Museum of Culpeper History)

Position Description

Title: Executive Director

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday (9am-5pm). Some weekends and evenings as required.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: 113 S. Commerce Street, Culpeper, Virginia 22701

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

Send resume and two references: director@culpepermuseum.com; no calls please.

The Museum of Culpeper History is a community history museum whose mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and promote the history of Culpeper, Virginia by engaging diverse audiences and educating visitors. The Museum is in the historic train depot in downtown Culpeper and serves as the primary historical attraction in the county. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and museum staff to advance the mission of the Museum. The Executive Director is primarily responsible for directing the daily management and operations of the museum, designing exhibits, supporting museum programs, writing, and administering grants, overseeing curatorial endeavors, and managing fundraising activities as well as management of collections and finances.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and oversight to all aspects of daily operations. Ensure the facility is well-maintained and collections and exhibits are interpreted and preserved to the highest standard. Work with staff, volunteers and interns while assisting donors, visitors, and researchers.
• Prepare a monthly report for the Board of Directors (BOD) to include attendance and shop sales, membership and donation data, upcoming events, and recent exhibit and collection updates. Engage board members through greater volunteer opportunities, philanthropy, special event participation, and other areas utilizing member skills and knowledge. Work closely with BOD to develop, refine, and implement policies, budgets, fundraising campaigns, and strategic plans.
• Oversee the management of museum financial accounts and complete payroll in coordination with contract bookkeeper. Prepare an annual budget for approval by the BOD.  Work with BOD members to increase revenue and manage a balanced budget.
• Lead and administer and fundraising campaigns, membership drives. Help develop an endowment and/or legacy giving program. Prepare donation acknowledgements and maintain a donor and membership database.
• Research, write, and apply for annual grants from the Town of Culpeper and Culpeper County. Seek out and write grant applications for potential grant-giving foundations and other sources. Administer the same.
• Plan, coordinate and execute fundraising and special events for members, donors, and the community.
• Research and develop and/or coordinate new exhibitions and rotate exhibits throughout the year. Ensure that all exhibitions are adequately labeled and that objects are in excellent condition and safely situated within the cases.
• In coordination with the curator, maintain existing collections of objects, photographs, and archival materials as well as those objects on loan to the MCH. Properly store and exhibit objects according to best practices. Seek out new acquisitions and loans. Carefully review collections for deaccession material.
• Assist the Education Coordinator to develop and market engaging in-house and outreach programs and activities and work closely with local public and private schools, home-school groups, and camps. Lead walking tours, bus tours as required. Give lectures to local community groups as requested.
• Work with the Education Coordinator to build upon the existing volunteer program by improving the incentives provided, developing regular volunteer events, and creating a “family-friendly” atmosphere that is welcoming to new volunteers and keeps our volunteer core engaged.
• Enhance the community’s visibility of museum events by using social media posts, maintaining the website, regularly sending e-mail updates, building relationships with local news outlets and garnering routine coverage. Develop mailings for special events.
• Work with Shop Manager to provide guidance and support to ensure effective merchandizing, identification of new products, inventory control, and a presentation which contributes to a positive visitor experience.
• Develop strong community relations with state and local governments and community organizations. Update the board of outreach efforts at regular board meetings.
• All other duties as assigned to operate an efficient and well-managed museum.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in history, Museum Studies, or a related field is desirable; an advanced degree in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of museum or historic site experience with progressive leadership responsibility and staff supervision is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

REQUIREMENTS

• Professional experience with non-profit, business, or museum management with expertise in fundraising, relationship building, and collections management.
• Live locally, be on call as needed.
• Present a professional appearance, attitude, and demeanor always.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and multi-task efficiently.
• Be capable of working independently and/or leading a team with wide-ranging skill sets.
• Be creative, highly motivated, outgoing, and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion.
• Technical proficiency; comfortable with common office software, Microsoft Office, Google, Workspace, etc.
• Familiarity with various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• Experienced or knowledge of museum management software; PastPerfect, Quickbooks, Square, and Excel – all highly desirable.
• Available to work weekends and evenings as needed.
• Knowledge and passion for Virginia and Culpeper history
• Strength and mobility to perform all duties, including lifting objects, stooping, bending, climbing ladders, etc.
• Valid driver’s license

COMPENSATION

Salary range of $65,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays and paid leave. Health coverage negotiable.

Note: A pre-employment background check, which may include criminal history, education verification, and employment verification will be required as a condition of employment for this position.

TO APPLY

Please email director@culpepermuseum.com with resume, cover letter, and the names and emails of two references. Please include ‘EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’ in the subject line. No phone calls please. Deadline for applications is September 15, 2025

                   The Museum of Culpeper History is an Equal Opportunity Employer