Chief Executive Officer

National Museum of Wildlife Art; Arkansas; On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

National Museum of Wildlife Art in Arkansas is seeking a seasoned CEO to lead a two-site enterprise—the flagship museum and Mystic Ozark—focusing on educational impact, fundraising, and community engagement.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will drive strategic direction, oversee budgets and audits, expand partnerships, elevate visitor experiences, and ensure long-term sustainability across both campuses.

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership experience
• Demonstrated fundraising and external relations success
• Strong financial and operational management skills
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities
• Museum, science center, tourism, destination attraction, education, park, or related experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Museum.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees to refine organizational goals and priorities.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and fiscal stewardship.
• Lead fundraising and revenue diversification efforts, including major gifts, foundations, corporate sponsorships, and annual giving.
• Serve as the Museum's primary spokesperson and community ambassador.
• Expand partnerships and collaborations throughout Arkansas and beyond.
• Guide and support staff development while fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
• Enhance the visitor experience and strengthen community engagement.
• Oversee the continued growth and success of the Museum and Mystic Ozark.
• Ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of both institutions.

Job description

Founded in 1979, MASM welcomes approximately 125,000 visitors annually, serves more than 17,000 students through educational programs and outreach, and recently earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. The organization operates both its flagship science center campus and Mystic Ozark, an immersive attraction located within Hot Springs National Park.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead one of Arkansas's most respected educational and cultural institutions at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The successful candidate will lead a unique two-site enterprise consisting of the flagship Museum campus and Mystic Ozark while advancing educational impact, fundraising, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.

The CEO will serve as the Museum's primary ambassador, fundraiser, and strategic leader, while partnering closely with the Board, staff, donors, educators, community leaders, and corporate partners to position the organization for its next era of growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Museum.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees to refine organizational goals and priorities.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, audits, tax filings, and fiscal stewardship.
• Lead fundraising and revenue diversification efforts, including major gifts, foundations, corporate sponsorships, and annual giving.
• Serve as the Museum's primary spokesperson and community ambassador.
• Expand partnerships and collaborations throughout Arkansas and beyond.
• Guide and support staff development while fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
• Enhance the visitor experience and strengthen community engagement.
• Oversee the continued growth and success of the Museum and Mystic Ozark.
• Ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of both institutions.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Proven executive leadership experience
• Demonstrated fundraising and external relations success
• Strong financial and operational management skills
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities
• Museum, science center, tourism, destination attraction, education, park, or related experience preferred