Museum Operations Manager

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network; Dedham (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fairbanks House Museum seeks an experienced Museum Operations Manager to lead daily operations and visitor services in Dedham, MA, ensuring smooth execution of Board-approved priorities.

You will support staff and volunteers, coordinate programs and events, and manage records, while overseeing planning, scheduling, and contractor activities. This role emphasizes collaboration, meticulous organization, and public-facing leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in nonprofit administration, museum studies, historic site management, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience leading operations, projects, staff, or volunteers.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency with common office software and digital collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day museum operations and visitor services.
• Support museum staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate public programs, special events, and educational activities.
• Manage membership, donor, volunteer, and organizational records.
• Oversee operational planning, scheduling, and Board project implementation.
• Coordinate facility maintenance, preservation projects, and contractor activities.
• Support fundraising efforts, grant administration, and membership initiatives.
• Prepare reports and communicate organizational progress to the President and Board.
• Foster a collaborative, welcoming, and mission-focused culture for visitors, staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors.

Skills

Operations leadership

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in nonprofit administration, museum studies, historic site management, business administration, or related field

Tools

Office software

Digital collaboration tools

Job description

What You'll Do

You'll be responsible for leading the Museum's daily operations while ensuring the successful execution of Board-approved priorities.

• Lead day-to-day museum operations and visitor services.
• Support museum staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate public programs, special events, and educational activities.
• Manage membership, donor, volunteer, and organizational records.
• Oversee operational planning, scheduling, and Board project implementation.
• Coordinate facility maintenance, preservation projects, and contractor activities.
• Support fundraising efforts, grant administration, and membership initiatives.
• Prepare reports and communicate organizational progress to the President and Board.
• Foster a collaborative, welcoming, and mission-focused culture for visitors, staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in nonprofit administration, museum studies, historic site management, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience leading operations, projects, staff, or volunteers.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency with common office software and digital collaboration tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a museum, historic site, cultural institution, or nonprofit organization.
• Volunteer management and event planning experience.
• Familiarity with donor databases, membership programs, grant administration, or fundraising support.
• Interest in historic preservation and public history.
• Experience conducting philanthropic outreach and engagement.

The Ideal Candidate

• Enjoys solving problems and building efficient systems.
• Is equally comfortable leading projects and greeting visitors.
• Can motivate staff and volunteers while keeping multiple initiatives moving forward.
• Brings strong organizational skills and a collaborative leadership style.
• Is passionate about preserving history and serving the public.
• Thrives in a growing organization where creativity and initiative are valued.
• Is willing to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.

Why Join the Fairbanks House Museum?

The Fairbanks House Museum is entering an exciting period of growth, with major preservation projects, expanded programming, increased community engagement, and ambitious plans for the future. Guided by the mission of the Fairbanks Family in America to preserve the historic Fairbanks House and its collections while educating the public, the Museum is investing in its facilities, collections, volunteers, and visitor experience.

This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of America's most important historic sites while helping shape the future of a nationally significant museum.

Position Details

• Position: Museum Operations Manager
• Location: Dedham, Massachusetts
• Reports To: President, Fairbanks Family in America Board of Directors
• Schedule: Full-Time (some evenings and weekends required for programs and special events)
• Compensation: $55,000 - $65,000 – or salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Promotion Potential: Yes