Executive Director

Issaquah History Museums; Issaquah (WA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid sick leave

Professional development support

Job summary

Issaquah History Museums seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead the organization, advance its mission, and strengthen community impact. Reporting to the Board and Executive Committee, the role oversees strategy, finances, operations, and external relationships essential to Issaquah’s history narrative.

The successful candidate will drive fundraising, ensure regulatory compliance, and cultivate partnerships across local communities and the museum field, while guiding staff and facilities

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in non-profit, cultural, or public-sector organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall strategic direction and financial health of Issaquah History Museums.
• Oversee daily operations, governance, and compliance with regulatory obligations.
• Foster partnerships with civic leaders, donors, and museum professionals.
• Direct staff, budgeting, and facilities management across Gilman Town Hall and Issaquah Train Depot.
• Serve as public spokesperson and advocate for the museum’s mission.

Job description

The Board of Directors of the Issaquah History Museums (IHM) seeks an experienced, visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and community impact. Operating under the general supervision of the Board of Directors and the direct oversight of the Executive Committee, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, financial health, and daily operations of IHM. Serving as chief executive and primary public voice, the Executive Director advocates for IHM’s mission, strengthens civic connections, and fosters meaningful partnerships across local communities and the museum field.

Position Summary

The Board of Directors of the Issaquah History Museums (IHM) seeks an experienced, visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and community impact. Operating under the general supervision of the Board of Directors and the direct oversight of the Executive Committee, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, financial health, and daily operations of IHM. Serving as chief executive and primary public voice, the Executive Director advocates for IHM’s mission, strengthens civic connections, and fosters meaningful partnerships across local communities and the museum field.

About Issaquah History Museums

Issaquah History Museums discovers, preserves, and shares the history of Issaquah and surrounding areas through exhibits, programs, and community partnerships. Operating out of Gilman Town Hall and the Issaquah Train Depot, IHM is committed to building an inclusive, welcoming organization that connects residents and visitors to Issaquah’s evolving story.

Key Responsibilities

Management, Administration & Governance

• Fiscal Leadership & Operations: Partners with the Board to co-develop and manage the annual operating budget. Oversees daily financial operations, internal controls, accounts payable, and revenue processing.
• Compliance & Legal Obligations: Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, managing Washington State B&O/sales tax, corporate filings, business licenses, payroll, and annual IRS Form 990 filings.
• Staff Leadership: Directs, mentors, and evaluates museum staff, establishing clear workplans, supporting professional growth, and maintaining a collaborative team culture.
• Facilities & Technology: Manages operations for IHM facilities (Gilman Town Hall and Issaquah Train Depot) and oversees core technology infrastructure.
• Board Collaboration & Strategy: Partners with the Board and Executive Committee on long-range strategic planning, policy execution, board meetings, and governance support.

Development & Municipal Partnerships

• Fundraising Strategy & Grants: Leads institutional revenue efforts—identifying and administering grants; cultivating individual, major, and corporate donors; and overseeing earned income streams.
• City of Issaquah Relations: Leads negotiation and execution of the City’s biennial service agreement, acts as primary liaison for city-owned properties, and aligns museum goals with municipal leadership.

Museum Operations, Programs & Outreach

• Exhibits & Collections Oversight: Directs museum site operations, long-range interpretive planning, exhibit strategy, and professional collection stewardship.
• Educational & Community Programming: Oversees educational series, group/school tours, history hikes, and special events to drive public participation.
• Communications & Volunteer Engagement: Serves as chief spokesperson, guiding multi-channel marketing, public relations, and volunteer recruitment and retention strategies.

Qualifications

Required Competencies & Background

• Executive Leadership Experience: 3+ years of increasing leadership responsibility in a non-profit, cultural, or public-sector organization, with demonstrated experience ensuring regulatory and legal compliance.
• Fiscal & Fiduciary Acumen: Proven capability in financial administration, budgeting, internal controls, and reading financial statements.
• Governance & Board Relations: Experience reporting to or collaborating effectively with a Board of Directors or governing body.
• People & Team Management: Track record of supervising, mentoring, and empowering staff in a collaborative environment.
• Revenue Development Oversight: Demonstrated experience overseeing grants, donor cultivation, or earned income strategies.
• Strategic Communication & Compliance: Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills, along with a general understanding of non-profit regulatory compliance.

Preferred Experience

• Sector Background: Leadership within a history museum, historical society, or cultural non-profit.
• Partnership & Asset Management: Experience with municipal service agreements, government leases, or historic facility oversight.
• Fundraising & Tech Skills: Hands-on major gift/grant experience and familiarity with non-profit CRMs, Google Workspace, and financial platforms.

Work Environment, Compensation & Application

• Work Structure: Full-time, exempt. Hybrid work schedule with required regular on-site presence at IHM facilities for operational leadership and public engagement. Occasional evenings/weekends required for meetings and community events.
• Compensation & Benefits: $83,000 annually, plus PTO, paid sick leave, and professional development support.