Overview:    

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director has full authority and responsibility as the chief executive of the Museum within the guidelines of CML Bylaws.

With a freshly renovated flagship facility in downtown Charleston and the successful launch of its first satellite location to serve families in underserved rural areas of the Lowcountry, CML is expanding its reach and deepening its commitment to accessible, play-based learning. The museum’s strategic plan calls for continued regional expansion through additional satellite sites and a mobile museum, while also strengthening earned income streams to safeguard the organization amid a shifting philanthropic landscape.

CML operates a dynamic, visitor-focused environment seven days a week across two sites.

The next Executive Director must be equally comfortable serving as the public face of the museum and rolling up their sleeves to lead and support a dedicated, cross-functional team.

Qualifications:

- A Bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree is strongly preferred

- A positive track record in developing and maintaining healthy relationships as it applies to the Board of Directors, staff, partners (non-profit and public)

- Experience in non-profit executive management is necessary as is budgeting, development and training.

- Strong written and oral communication skills are required.

- The candidate must be comfortable in public persuasive presentations

- Minimum of at least five years’ senior level organizational management and leadership experience including management of staff and experience working with, on or for a board of directors

- Demonstrated skill in fundraising at all levels

- A charismatic and inspiring leadership style that engages and supports the work of the Board and staff

- Understanding of the value proposition of the importance of a children’s museum in the community

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public, county and city officials and community leaders who are central to the success of the museum

- Knowledge of children’s museum best practices and standards

- Knowledge of early childhood development best practices and standards

Job Responsibilities:

- Providing visionary leadership and strong administrative oversight of all aspects of Museum operations and stakeholder management

- Leading the staff, Board, and stakeholders in the continuous review and implementation of the existing strategic plan

- Continually reviewing and refining the direction of Museum exhibits and programs, and ensuring they reflect the evolving needs and expectations of target audiences

- Growing and diversifying revenues by working with Board and staff to build a robust fundraising program and maximizing existing earned income opportunities and developing new sources

- Managing and growing the annual operating budget to effectively support the Museum’s vision; managing the Museum in a fiscally responsible manner

- Providing direction, mentorship, and leadership to the Museum staff in support of the organization’s mission, vision, and goals; ensuring a supportive work environment

- Working closely with the Board of Directors, communicating with full transparency, and maintaining strong working relationships with Board members

- Providing a high degree of visibility in the community, strengthening community relationships, and serving as chief spokesperson for the Museum

- Enhancing the Museum marketing program to raise awareness and grow audiences

- Leading development efforts, with knowledge and strategy around fundraising and stewardship