Overview:    

The Museum of Arts and Sciences (MAS) in Macon, Georgia, seeks an Executive Director to serve as its Chief Executive Officer and lead the organization into its next phase of growth and continued success.

Established in 1956, the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MAS) is one of Georgia’s finest nationally accredited institutions and serves an annual audience of nearly 100,000.
With a state-of-the-art facility, credentialed faculty, and noteworthy collection, the MAS is a valuable academic resource and thriving tourism asset that attracts visitors from 48 states. Changing and permanent exhibitions, plus innovative educational programming, focus on topics that have scientific, historical, cultural, and artistic value. Located on 18 acres, the MAS includes 55,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space and is the largest general purpose museum in Georgia, featuring four galleries with an annual program of art and science exhibitions, a full dome planetarium, observatory, (Georgia’s only) NOAA Science Sphere, three-story Discovery House children’s museum with interactive exhibits, Mini Zoo with 100+ live animals, beautiful nature trails and amphitheater, 150-seat auditorium, classroom, Museum Store, and much more.

The Museum’s Executive Director leads a staff of 30+ and a 20-member Board of Directors, manages an annual operating budget of $2M plus a range of capital improvement projects and special programs, leads fundraising initiatives, engages 300 volunteers, and reports to a five-member Board of Trustees. The completion of a multi-million-dollar comprehensive campaign has resulted in several major facility improvements, expanded and renovated grounds, plus increased endowed funds and emergency cash reserves. Recently honored with the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the MAS has earned recognition for numerous innovative programs including the country’s first international Full Dome Film Festival, curriculum-supporting animated STEAM content, Central Georgia’s only rehabilitated raptor program, and statewide partnerships to advance tourism.

About Macon, Georgia: With a population of 156,000, Macon is a thriving mid-sized city located an hour south of Atlanta. Consistently ranked as a great place to live, work, and play, Macon is filled with cultural and entertainment opportunities and events that celebrate its diverse demographics, scenic landscape, rich music history, and reputation as the festival capital of the world. In fact, Macon has been listed among the top destinations to visit in 2023 and 2024 by such publications as the New York Times, Travel and Leisure Magazine, Conde’ Nast Traveler, Southern Living, Forbes and Bloomberg. Recreation is a highlight, with more than 35 parks for residents to enjoy. Macon is a healthcare destination, with three major hospitals providing world-class care with heart, cancer, and transplant facilities, and excellent healthcare options. Macon also shines in education, with a strong public school system, numerous private school options, four quality college and universities and a successful technical college. More at: visitmacon.org

Qualifications:    

Qualified candidates should have 3-5 years of administrative leadership in a science center, children’s museum, or similar environment; exceptional written and oral communications skills; experience leading fundraising programs, writing and administering grants, plus cultivating major donors; strategic planning; managing a $2M annual operating budget; and directing a diverse staff and engaging volunteers. Master’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or museum studies (or equivalent professional experience) preferred. Relocation assistance, if needed, is negotiable. A comprehensive benefits package will be provided.

Job Responsibilities:   

The Executive Director will be responsible for current operations and performance as well as leading the future of the MAS. Critical to the role is a strong understanding of effective fiscal management, administration, and visitor experience, plus demonstrated ability to build widespread support for an organization through collaborative efforts.