Overview:    

The Board of Directors is seeking an exceptional individual with a passion for children and education to continue the strong momentum that The Discovery Playhouse is experiencing.

The Executive Director (ED) will lead the Playhouse’s continuing evolution as well as help shape current and future educational program offerings in addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the Museum and its staff. The ED is charged with fulfilling the Museum’s mission, implementing the Board of Directors’ strategic plan and strengthening ties with community leaders. Additionally, the ED will craft his or her own vision for the future of the Museum while remaining true to the Museum’s founding principles. The ED will be the primary voice in promoting the Museum’s vision and its unique learning environment to the community, to employees, and to current and potential supporters.

Qualifications:    

• A commitment to working for a non-profit organization. 

• A successful record of accomplishment of grant writing and fundraising experience. 

• Demonstrated skill for establishing new value-added relationships with a demonstrated ability to lead a team of directors. 

• Enthusiasm, creativity, passion and resourcefulness; Willingness to connect and network with the community. 

• Strong overall business acumen, specifically experience in operations, HR/recruiting, financial management and budgeting, within either a for-profit or a non-profit organization. 

• B.A., B.S., or equivalent. The successful candidate likely will have the following qualities and experience: 

• Leadership position in an organization focusing on childhood development and education 

• A Masters in education, community relations, business, or museum studies preferred. 

• Preferably, at least 5 years in a leadership position with a nonprofit. 

Job Responsibilities:    

• Responsible for overall museum operations to ensure accountability, fiscal responsibility, and provide leadership for staff and volunteers; ensure strategic plan is being executed and engaging with the board to provide support where necessary. 

• Serve as the primary advocate and fundraiser for the Museum: Lead all efforts to increase museum contributions and membership; lead all grant writing initiatives and continue the efforts to train staff to assist with grant writing; actively participate in museum fundraisers, special events and actively solicit individual and corporate donors; maintain and cultivate long-term donor relationships; ensure proper follow up and recognition of community support is done in a timely and consistent manner; write or ensure all donor thank you correspondences are completed. 

• Spokesperson for the Museum - the ED is the “face” of the Museum in the community. The ED will maintain current and develop new relationships with community leaders in the City of Cape Girardeau and the Southeast Missouri regional nonprofit, corporate, governmental, education, and foundation communities, as well as with national organizations such as the Association of Children’s Museums as well as new outreach opportunities and maintain a pulse of the needs of children, their parents and the community schools.

• Communicate and work closely with the Board of Directors regarding short and long range planning, strategic vision, budgeting and goals of the Museum, attend all Board meetings, provide financial reports. 

• Responsible for payroll with outside firm, approve and submit timesheet hours of staff. Coordinate tax reporting, 990 reporting and quarterly P&L/Balance Sheet and budget development with outside firm. Ensure Museum maintains nonprofit status (CCR report, property tax exemption report, update of IRS filings for nonprofit in good standing). 

• Ensure safety and upkeep of the Museum facility.