Ella Sharp Museum Executive Director

MEMSPA; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ella Sharp Museum seeks an Executive Director to drive the mission, lead staff, and collaborate with the Board to ensure strong operations and sustainable resources. This full-time role requires visible community engagement and strategic fundraising across multiple revenue streams.

The Executive Director will oversee exhibitions, educational programs, partnerships, and budgeting while maintaining the museum’s values and public trust in Jackson, Michigan.

Qualifications

• Nonprofit fundraising experience across multiple revenue streams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to Jackson community development.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Ella Sharp Museum confidently in community and organizational activities.
• Build relationships beyond the campus and be an accessible point of contact.
• Lead decisions around exhibitions, educational programming, fundraising, partnerships and spending.
• Lead staff by setting clear expectations and addressing performance concerns.
• Collaborate with the Board to provide candid information while prioritizing mission and capacity.
• Oversee the operating budget and secure charitable support, grants, and foundation funding.

Skills

Fundraising

Leadership

Communication

Community engagement

Job description

Deadline: December 4, 2026
District/Organization: Ella Sharp Museum
Position/Type: Other, full time
Salary: $85,000 Minimum Salary

About the role: The Executive Director is the driving force behind the mission and vision of the museum, is the key leader to the staff, and works hand-in-hand with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective operations, financial resource management, and long‑term health of the organization. They often work outside of traditional nine‑to‑five hours Monday‑Friday as needed to ensure the museum mission and values are realized.

We are seeking an individual who demonstrates the following qualities and experience:

• A strong passion for the mission and vision of the Ella Sharp Museum.
• The ability to trust, empower, and inspire museum staff.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising across multiple revenue streams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, coupled with a willingness to listen to challenges and feedback.
• Authenticity and integrity in leadership.
• Proven experience and success in the museum and/or non‑profit field.
• A commitment to becoming actively involved in building relationships within the Jackson community.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Represent the Ella Sharp Museum confidently and consistently by participating in civil, cultural, educational, and business activities within the organization and community.
• Build relationships beyond the museum’s campus and be visible as an accessible point of contact.
• Lead the museum’s decisions around exhibitions, educational programing, fundraising, partnerships, and spending.
• Lead staff by setting clear expectations, addressing performance concerns swiftly, and holding team accountable for work that advances the museum’s mission.
• Work constructively with the Board of Trustees to provide candid information and carry out agreed priorities while keeping mission, resources, and organizational capacity front and center.
• Oversee operational budget and manage efforts to secure charitable support, grants, and foundation funding.