Museum Director

Brown County, WI; Green Bay (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown County seeks an experienced executive to oversee Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula museum operations. The leader will guide collections preservation, staff development, and community outreach while reporting to the County Executive and Foundation partners.

Responsibilities include budget planning, grant development, and program promotion, with a focus on strategic growth, cost control, and strong public engagement across regional partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Museum Studies, or related field.
• Five to seven years of executive-level experience in market analysis and fund development.
• Knowledge of museum operations, budgeting, grants, and nonprofit governance.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the museum operations and preservation of collections.
• Plans and manages annual budget and enforces cost controls.
• Leads staff hiring, supervision, and performance evaluations.
• Represents the Museum to the public, media, and committees.
• Develops revenue sources including grants and fundraising.

Skills

Public administration

Budgeting

Fund development

Staff leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business/Public Administration or Museum Studies

Job description

Oversees the museum operations, provides for the collection and preservation/conservation of relevant and significant objects of art, history, and science from or used in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; interprets collections and educates residents through exhibits, programming, research, and publications. Assumes overall responsibility for the museum’s community relations.

• Manages the museum operation, development, coordination, and promotion of museum programs; monitors time, people, equipment, and other resources for the department to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Collaborates with the Neville Public Museum Foundation Board and its Executive Director to coordinate, promote, and market museum programs, exhibitions, educational opportunities, community partnerships, and other plans to align with the goals and objectives of the department.
• Plans, develops, presents, and implements the annual budget; monitors expenditures and controls expenses for the department; enforces cost control measures, eliminates redundant systems, and establishes and implements departmental cost measurements to ensure compliance with budget limitations.
• Develops and implements annual work plan which outlines goals and objectives of the department based upon the needs of Brown County; coordinates the work performed by the department and ensures projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Interviews, selects, supervises, plans, coordinates, and assigns the work of staff and (specified contracted employees) develops their potential, monitors, and evaluates their performance and work output to maintain efficiency and quality of work; participates in and makes decisions concerning grievances and discipline; participates in contract negotiations.
• Plans long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the department; monitors, reviews and communicates the implementation phases of the department's strategic plans to ensure that long-range goals and objectives are met.
• Develops, communicates, implements, and monitors policies, procedures, and standards for the department; conducts staff meetings to review progress, accomplishments, budgets, strategies, and plans for the department; ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the County, the Museum, local museum organizations, and the Museum Foundation. Represents the Museum at public events and functions, acts as its spokesperson to the media, and approves all news releases. Participates in local, state, and regional committees and engages with local cultural organizations on the Museum’s behalf. Consistently projects a positive and professional image of the Museum.
• Researches, develops, and implements alternative sources of revenue including grant proposals, special events, endowment, and ensures compliance with grant requirements.
• Plans, develops and implements marketing and advertising strategies to promote the Museum and its programs.
• Prepares oral and written reports on Museum activities, budget and personnel to County Executive, boards, and committees in an accurate and complete manner; works with joint county/corporation committee to formulate long-range goals and provide for implementation.
• Plans exhibit scheduling with curators; makes final decisions as to yearly exhibit schedule.
• Makes final decisions regarding programming, collections management policies and educational programs; gives lectures to local organizations, businesses, and schools pertaining to the museum, the exhibits, programs, and related subject matters; answers public inquiries; maintains up-to-date knowledge and awareness of topics of interest in museum administration and programming; maintains current information regarding museums and ensures museum is practicing within compliance and accepted form.
• Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars, workshops and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• General office equipment
• Computer

Education and Experience:

Bachelors Degree from an accredited university or college in Business or Public Administration, Museum Studies or related field. Five (5) to seven (7) years of executive level experience in market analysis and fund development designed to meet the organization's strategic plan or carry out the organization's mission; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Wisconsin Driver's License.

• Knowledge of museum operations including collections, exhibits, education, and programming.
• Knowledge of basic management principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of accounting and budgeting.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding non-profit organizations and museums.
• Knowledge of fund raising and public relations.
• Knowledge of planning and marketing.
• Knowledge of governmental structures.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make verbal and written presentations.
• Ability to effectively manage people.
• Ability to write grants.
• Ability to research and compile information.
• Ability to market and promote the museum.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Intermittent standing, walking, and sitting; occasional driving.
• Using hand(s)/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls.
• Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, reaching, and grappling.
• Communicating orally in a clear manner.
• Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes.
• Distinguishing people or objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.