Overview:    

The Hands On! Children’s Museum Board of Directors is seeking a visionary, collaborative leader to guide the museum into its next chapter as it approaches its 20th anniversary. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a beloved community institution dedicated to learning through play. 

The ideal candidate is an innovative and relationship driven professional with demonstrated experience building strong community partnerships, securing philanthropic and earned revenue, and advancing creative, mission focused programming within a nonprofit, educational, or children’s museum environment.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, thoughtful planning, and effective management to ensure the museum’s long term sustainability and growth. The Executive Director leads and inspires the Museum’s leadership team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation.

Qualifications:    

While an advanced degree is valued, experienced candidates from nonprofits, museums, or business management backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Highly preferred candidates will have at least five years of senior-level leadership experience in a cultural institution such as a children’s museum, science museum, or similarly complex nonprofit—with demonstrated success in fundraising, marketing, communications, strategic planning, STEAM program development, and board engagement. 

Job Responsibilities:    

The next Executive Director of the Hands On! Children’s Museum will provide innovative leadership, effective planning, and resourceful management to sustain and grow the organization. These responsibilities include: 

Serving as the museum’s chief fundraiser by leading all development efforts in partnership with the Board of Directors. 

Leading the development and implementation of the Museum’s next strategic plan and operational strategy.

Providing leadership and support to the board, staff, volunteers, and other constituents in achieving the organization’s mission and vision. 

Supporting and enhancing a positive Museum culture that attracts and retains top talent at all levels, whether staff, consultants, board members, volunteers, or community partners. 

Maintaining highly efficient Museum operations that maximize resources, build opportunities, and further the Museum’s mission. 

Representing the Museum positively at public events throughout the community, region, and state. 

Overseeing all facility operations to ensure the building, grounds, environments, and exhibits are maintained to the highest standards. 

Growing strategic partnerships throughout the region to further the Museum’s mission. 

Working with the Museum’s leadership team to implement the Museum’s mission. 

Overseeing the Museum’s daily financial operations, including cash handling and overall fiscal position.