Job Listing: President and CEO (Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library)
Position Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Supervises: Directly or indirectly supervises all staff, interns, volunteers
Supervisor: Chair of Board of Trustees, representing the Board of Trustees
Exempt: YES
Compensation: $80,000 - $90,000 plus benefits
Application deadline: December 1, 2026 (applications will continue to be reviewed until
position is filled)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The President and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum is the chief executive
and is responsible for the general and fiscal leadership and management of the entire organization,
including facilities, programs, partnerships, fundraising, budgets, and internal/external relations.
The CEO must be identified as an articulate, pro-active, visible, and fully engaged symbol of the WWPL.
The CEO must interact effectively with many constituencies: volunteers, students, members, visitors,
participants, donors/funders, school and civic organizations, and local, state and national government
agencies. The CEO must effectively supervise and develop museum personnel and implement objective
and comprehensive evaluations of staff performance.
SUPERVISION:
Under the general supervision and direction of the WWPL Board of Trustees; provides direct and indirect
supervision to the staff of the WWPL.
EXAMPLES OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED:
The following list is illustrative and is not intended to describe every function that may be performed by
this job. The omission of specific statements does not preclude the Board of Trustees from assigning
specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.
● Plans, coordinates, and directs the operation of the WWPL which includes carrying out the
policies and programs, as determined by the WWPL Board of Trustees.
● Cultivates relationships with major stakeholders for the purposes of fundraising, including major
gifts, for special projects, operations and development of the WWPL.
● Collaborates with and develops strong relations with community, regional, and national partners to
enhance and strengthen the Library.
● Performs a variety of public relations activities; coordinates communication both internal and
external concerning all aspects of the WWPL. Utilizes traditional, print, social, and other forms of
media to foster Library attendance and growth.
● Oversees the WWPL budget including planning, preparation, monitoring, and administration.
● Oversees management of WWPL contracts with grantors, partners and other organizations.
● Identifies, recommends, and procures potential revenue streams and new opportunities for the
WWPL’s growth and development.
● Demonstrates effective staff development and organizational skills in areas such as hiring,
coaching, collaboration, problem solving and goal setting. Empowers internal staff to proactively
identify, plan, and act as a collaborative team. Models and demonstrates leadership skills to
effectively participate as a team member in carrying out the WWPL’s mission.
● Ensures the operations and administration of the WWPL are in compliance with pertinent policies,
ordinances, and regulations at the local, state and federal levels.
Required qualifications:
● Bachelor's degree in business, administration, history, education, or other related field
● At least five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit museum,
historic site, library, archive, educational institution, cultural organization, or other comparable
mission-driven organization
● Demonstrated experience with fundraising and donor relations
● Previous experience with managing staff, negotiating agreements, financial management and
managing vendor relationships
● The ability to identify and implement best practices, work independently, think strategically, plan
for the long-term success of the organization and effectively delegate tasks
● Strong leadership skills, self-motivation, cost-consciousness and strong problem-solving skills are
expected
Preferred qualifications:
● Advanced degree in business administration, public administration, museum studies, nonprofit
management, or related field
● Executive leadership experience with a museum, presidential library, historic site, library, archive,
or other cultural institution
● Experience with major-gift fundraising, capital campaigns, and building long-term financial
sustainability
● Experience overseeing historic properties, collections, archives, or preservation projects
Leadership attributes:
The successful President and CEO will demonstrate:
● Visionary leadership — ability to articulate a compelling future for WWPL.
● Integrity and sound judgment — ability to make thoughtful, ethical and accountable decisions.
● Fundraising ability — effectiveness in developing relationships and asking for support.
● Financial acumen — understanding of nonprofit financial management and sustainability.
● Collaborative leadership — ability to work effectively with trustees, staff, volunteers and partners.
● Communication skills — ability to communicate effectively with donors, scholars, educators,
visitors, media and the general public.
● National perspective — ability to position WWPL within the broader presidential-library,
museum, historical and educational communities.
● Respect for professional expertise — ability to lead curatorial, archival, educational, development
and operational professionals without unnecessarily duplicating their specialized roles.
● Community engagement — commitment to WWPL’s role in Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley.
● Adaptability and innovation — willingness to identify new opportunities while respecting the
institution’s history and mission.
● Commitment to stewardship — appreciation for the responsibility of preserving WWPL’s historic,
archival and cultural resources.
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references by December 1, 2026 to
WWPLsearch@gmail.com (Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position has been filled.)