Executive Director Full-time hybrid

Overview:

With a dedicated Board of Trustees talented and enthusiastic Staff a committed donor base and room to increase its earned revenue the Evanston History Center (hereinafter the Center is poised for growth and greater public relevance as it looks for its next Executive Director.

The Center s strategic plan is focused on its continued transformation into an active engaging and useful destination with the institution set to become a hub for history culture and civic participation that serves all of Evanston. Housed in the historic Dawes house the Center is also committed to the continued maintenance and preservation of this landmark property and its collections.

The next leader of the Center will have both the framework and the flexibility to make an impact with residents students educators and like-minded community leaders.

Company Overview:

The Evanston History Center collects preserves and shares Evanston history to educate inspire and enrich the people of Evanston. The Center s collections and activities include the Charles Gates Dawes House Museum a National Landmark; a costume and historical objects collection; public programs that inspire and connect audiences through the documentation and sharing of history; and an archival research room. The Center works in partnership with individuals and organizations across Evanston and beyond to reflect the diverse fabric of our city; to better understand how history shapes and informs the present; and to encourage engaged and connected citizens who by understanding the layers of the past care for and participate in our collective future.

Position Overview:

With the supervision of the Board of Trustees the Executive Director of the Evanston History Center provides leadership and oversight of operations the museum collections the archive fundraising capacity building strategic planning public programming community partnerships and the Center s external reputation. This position oversees the administration of the museum and archives the care of the landmark Charles Gates Dawes House and the annual budget.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

Leadership and Management:

• Ensure the Center s Mission and Vision of the Center are led in all activities
• Provide strategic leadership for the organization and Staff
• Broaden the stakeholder base beyond current demographics through a commitment to cultivating belonging for people of all backgrounds
• Identify creative solutions and new approaches to build earned revenue
• Manage and enhance Staff and Volunteer resources for maximum impact and efficiency
• Manage and support the professional development of Staff
• Partner with the Board President and Chair of Nominating and Board Development to increase the diversity expertise and fundraising capacity of the Board
• Oversee the Director of External Relations in developing and executing a comprehensive multi-year funding strategy including the cultivation of donor relations and the identification of new funding opportunities
• Oversee the Director of Public Engagement in cultivating partnerships and innovative programming that leverages our collections and role with the community while engaging new audiences
• Recruit motivate lead and retain top-tier Staff and Volunteers

Finance Operations and Administration:

• Work with the Board of Trustees and members of Staff to maintain preserve and protect the Charles Gates Dawes house for the community of Evanston
• Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees manage the financial health of the organization including budget development and tracking staff payroll risk management and contractor assignments
• Oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy including grants donations special events and membership programs
• Manage track and report fundraising efforts and financial goals
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees in setting and meeting annual and long-term goals while participating in board recruitment and committee work where needed
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws regulations and registrations
• Oversee the day-to-day functions of the Center

Community Engagement:

• Serve as the primary external communicator for the Center through public speaking meeting with donors and patrons and crafting written communications that are persuasive and compelling to a variety of stakeholders
• Develop innovative ways to increase the relevance of history and humanities in the Evanston community
• Continue to grow and distinguish signature fundraising events such as the Mother s Day House Walk and reFashioning History
• Identify new opportunities for fundraising e.g. Women s History initiatives new exhibitions naming initiatives public programming support etc.
• Cultivate relationships with donors sponsors foundations and partners
• Collaborate with staff and partner organizations to develop engaging programs exhibitions tours and interpretations of the collections
• Build long-term strategic partnerships with the leading historical and cultural organizations in Evanston and the region
• Increase the Center s engagement with students and educators
• Leverage the Archives in new ways to increase awareness of the importance and general use of this resource

What You Bring to the Role:

• Bachelor s degree in a relevant field; Master s degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a management role
• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership and operations including board relations and development
• Proven track record and high-level proficiency in financial management and budgeting
• Strong fundraising and development skills including grant writing and donor cultivation
• Excellent communication presentation and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with a collections-based humanities organization preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of Evanston s diverse communities preferred
• Knowledge of and passion for local history and cultural preservation preferred
• Experience with or knowledge of historic buildings preferred

Compensation Benefits and Job Structure:

This is a full-time hybrid position based at the Evanston History Center in the Charles Gates Dawes House with regular weekday hours and occasional evenings and weekends required for special events donor engagements board meetings or similar activities. The role offers an annual salary of $95000 to $100000 along with a health benefits stipend and the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan. It includes a 90-day probationary period and reports directly to the Board of Trustees.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter through the NextGroup website by July 31. The NextGroup search team will contact you regarding the next steps.