Executive Director

University of Washington; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington seeks an Executive Director to lead a distinguished natural history and cultural institution with a strong Pacific Northwest presence. The role focuses on safeguarding collections across archaeology, biology, paleontology, and Indigenous arts and cultures, while serving as a hub for research, public engagement, and cultural stewardship.

The Executive Director will advance the museum's mission by guiding curatorial choices, public programs, and partnerships with

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to advance the museum's mission and institutional priorities.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and diversified revenue generation.
• Cultivate partnerships with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders to support sustainability.
• Guide curatorial decision-making and public programming that deepen knowledge, joy, and accessibility.

Job description

The client seeks an Executive Director to lead a distinguished natural history and cultural institution with a significant presence in the Pacific Northwest. The museum is recognized for its extensive collections in archaeology, biology, paleontology, and the arts and cultures of Indigenous peoples from various regions. As a center for research, public engagement, and cultural stewardship, the institution serves as both an academic resource and a community anchor, fostering learning, inspiration, and connection among diverse audiences.

The Executive Director will be responsible for advancing the museum's mission to care for and share its collections, ensuring that they serve as sources of knowledge, joy, and healing for all. This role involves overseeing curatorial decisions, public programming, and deepening relationships with Indigenous communities, guided by principles of decolonization and cultural equity. The Executive Director will also support the institution's commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility, ensuring that these values are reflected in all aspects of operations and engagement.

Key responsibilities include strategic leadership, financial management, and fostering partnerships with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders. The Executive Director will manage a diversified revenue portfolio and support ongoing fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to collaborative leadership, cultural stewardship, and the advancement of the museum's role as a model for authentic engagement with Indigenous peoples and the broader community.