Executive Director for a Premier Museum & Culture Institute

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 275,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington seeks an Executive Director with a distinguished record in leading educational, scientific, or cultural institutions. This pivotal role will shape the museum's strategic direction, research agenda, and community engagement.

The successful candidate will advance research, public programming, fundraising, and inclusive engagement with Indigenous communities, while stewarding a $15 million annual budget and fostering

Qualifications

• Five+ years of senior leadership in educational, scientific, or cultural institutions.
• Strong budget management and proven fundraising success.
• Experience across staff development, curatorial, exhibitions design, and collections management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Burke Museum, guiding research, public programming, and exhibitions.
• Oversee budgeting, fundraising, and donor relations to support the museum's mission.
• Advise on Indigenous community partnerships and cultural equity in operations.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Budget management

Fundraising

Diversity and inclusion experience

Education

Terminal degree in a field relevant to the Burke collections

Job description

The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington seeks an Executive Director with a distinguished record in leading educational, scientific, or cultural institutions. This pivotal role will shape the museum's strategic direction, research agenda, and community engagement.

The successful candidate will advance research, public programming, fundraising, and inclusive engagement with Indigenous communities, while stewarding a $15 million annual budget and fostering