Overview:    

Cheshire Children’s Museum (CCM) is seeking a passionate and community-focused Executive Director

who will enhance CCM’s capacity to inspire curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning in children through

play. As CCM enters its second decade in Keene, it is growing steadily with an increased role as an

anchor in the community. CCM is seeking an Executive Director to strengthen the operational

foundations and grow our community impact. This includes providing high-quality exhibits and

programs, increasing our financial stability, increasing museum visitation, and transitioning to more

efficient and effective internal operations. 

Why Cheshire Children’s Museum?

The Cheshire Children’s Museum is a beloved non-profit institution that fosters learning, creativity, and

imagination through play. Our museum is a vibrant community hub where children and their families can

explore interactive exhibits, participate in educational programs, and create lasting memories. With over

30,000 visitors annually, our exhibits provide endless opportunities for discovery.

Established in 2012, we are committed to being welcoming, accessible, safe, and comfortable for all

families. We strive to be a place where kids can be themselves and families connect, recharge, and thrive

together.

Qualifications:    

● You deeply believe in the museum’s mission and strongly desire to help children and families

thrive.

● You have a genuine interest in community-building and are committed to fostering strong

relationships, aligning the museum’s offering with community needs, and involving the

community in the museum’s activities.

● You are collaborative and will work with the board, staff, and community to build the museum’s

future.

● You do not mind when things change and are willing to adapt while still focusing on priorities.

● You have a learning mindset and enjoy creatively solving problems and testing new concepts.

● You are comfortable asking questions, surfacing challenges, and seeking support.

● You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking.

● You act with integrity and transparency.

● You bring a positive, calm, and collected attitude to work.

Basic Requirements

We seek someone with the skills, insights, motivation, and attitude to make CCM an even better

organization.

Candidates must have demonstrated practical experience in non-profit management and leadership,

fundraising, and community engagement. A background in early childhood development, education, or

museums is preferred.

We are seeking candidates that have:

● strong financial management skills, including budgeting, fundraising, and financial reporting

● a track record of securing financial support, especially from diverse sources

● demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and work with diverse populations

● proven ability to lead a team, setting priorities and achieving goals while fostering a positive and

collaborative work environment

● excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking.

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required.

Cheshire Children's Museum is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal

opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,

gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic

protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals

with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Job Responsibilities:    

● Hold and execute the strategic direction for the museum. They will work collaboratively with the

board, community members, and staff to define goals and priorities, and refine the strategies to

get there.

● Serve as the primary face of the museum, developing and maintaining relationships, and

managing the museum’s public image.

● Secure financial support for the museum through a diversity of sources.

● Develop & oversee the annual budget, financial planning, and financial reporting.

● Manage the small museum staff - including a full-time Operations Manager and a handful of

visitor services staff. This includes hiring, training, staff development, and setting a positive work

culture.

● Ensure smooth operations of the museum through oversight of facilities, admin, human

resources, program planning, and exhibit development.