Museum Director: Lead Western Heritage Museum

City and County of Denver; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 74,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

457B Retirement Plan

PTO + holidays + wellness day + volu n

Medical/dental/vision plans

Job summary

City and County of Denver seeks a dynamic Museum Director for the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave in Lookout Mountain Park. The role leads strategic planning, interpretation, education programs, and staff supervision, while strengthening community ties and fundraising efforts.

The director will oversee budgets, grants, operations, and facilities, ensuring engaging, inclusive programming for diverse visitors and fostering partnerships with tribal nations and local entities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in history, public history, museum studies, or a related field.
• At least five years of leadership experience managing a small- to mid-sized museum, historic site, or cultural nonprofit; including policies and procedures.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff; fostering a collaborative environment.
• Experience leading strategic and interpretive planning and implementation.
• Experience in community engagement with advisory boards, local organizations, and government officials including Tribal Nations.
• Experience in financial management and grant writing.
• Knowledge of current museum practices including NAGPRA, inclusive public programming, and Westward history.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership in Lookout Mountain Park and Buffalo Bill Museum planning.
• Develop and implement interpretive and financial plans aligned with park-wide goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners and officials.
• Oversee marketing, outreach, and serve as official museum spokesperson.
• Design and deliver educational programs and exhibits for all ages.
• Develop and manage the museum’s annual budget; pursue grants and funding opportunities.
• Manage staff recruitment, supervision, and professional development.
• Oversee facilities maintenance and safety; coordinate with Denver Mountain Parks staff.
• Ensure legal compliance and ethical standards; protect the museum’s reputation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Grant writing

Financial management

Public/history/museum studies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in history/public history/museum studies/public administration/management

Job description

City and County of Denver seeks a dynamic Museum Director for the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave in Lookout Mountain Park. The role leads strategic planning, interpretation, education programs, and staff supervision, while strengthening community ties and fundraising efforts.

The director will oversee budgets, grants, operations, and facilities, ensuring engaging, inclusive programming for diverse visitors and fostering partnerships with tribal nations and local entities.