The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, established in 1974, is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to promote art, history, and culture in the Dan River Region. Its Board of Directors’ vision is to be the Dan River Region’s leader for integrated awareness of history, culture, and community. Located on Main Street in the heart of Danville, Virginia with its beautiful Sutherlin Mansion and grounds, the Museum serves as a hub of learning and celebrations, connecting area colleges, medical campuses, schools, historic districts, and a thriving Downtown River District.

The Executive Director of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is the chief executive of the Museum; this person is responsible for the general and fiscal leadership, as well as, management of the entire organization, including programs, partnerships, fundraising, budgets, and internal/external relations.

PURPOSE:

The Executive Director provides executive leadership for the management of a dynamic cultural arts institution. Ultimately responsible for the general management, financial growth and development, financial management, program and collection development, and the facilitation of city/board/volunteer relations of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History

SUPERVISION: 

Under the general supervision and direction of the Museum Board of Directors; provides direct and indirect supervision to the staff of Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.

VITAL FUNCTIONS: 

The following list is illustrative and is not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job. The omission of specific statements does not preclude the Board of Directors from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. 

• Cultivates relationships with major stakeholders for the purposes of fundraising, including major gifts, for special projects, operations and development of the Museum collection. 

• Plans, coordinates, and directs the operation of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History which includes carrying out the policies and programs, as determined by the DMFAH Board of Directors, including the collection, exhibits, maintenance and educational outreach.

• Utilizes traditional, print, social, and other forms of media to foster museum attendance and growth 

• Collaborates with community partners to enhance the arts in the Danville Regional Community; Develops relationships with community organizations and staff to communicate the museum’s vision. 

• Oversees the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History budget including planning, preparation, monitoring, and administration. 

• Identifies, recommends, and procures potential revenue streams and new opportunities for the museum’s growth and development.

• Performs a variety of public relations activities; coordinates communication both internal and external concerning all aspects of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, works closely with City Administration and other governmental and non-governmental agencies, collaborates with additional non-profit organizations to increase citizens' exposure and access to fine arts and history, identify and nurture relationships with potential donors, 

• Demonstrates effective staff development and organizational skills in areas such as hiring, coaching, collaboration, problem solving and goal setting. Empowers internal staff to proactively identify, plan, and act as a collaborative team.

• Ensures the operations and administration of the Museum are in compliance with City policies, City ordinances, and local, State and Federal regulations. 

• Serves as principal advisor to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Board of Directors, City Manager, and other City officials, as well as other departments regarding art museum related concerns, programs, and/or projects. 

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Attend meetings of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Board of Directors.

• Attend evening and weekend meetings and/or engagements as are vital the achievement of the organization’s mission. 

• Assist in the selection, evaluation, and orientation of new Board members. 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS: 

• The ED must be identified as an articulate, pro-active, visible, and fully engaged symbol of the DMFAH.

• The ED must present an overall professional appearance and image.

• The ED must interact effectively with many constituencies: volunteers, students, members, visitors, participants, donors/funders, school and civic organizations, and local and state government agencies. 

• The ED must establish effective relationships with a number of individuals and/or groups to include DMFAH board of directors, city council, city management, community agencies, government agencies, and community leaders.

• The ED is expected to provide leadership by monitoring public trends in fine arts and history and provide recommendations for appropriate programming in keeping with the Danville region’s needs and desires.

• Understands the role of technology in information exchange and ensures the Museum employs current and innovative methods necessary for the engagement of multiple demographic groups.

• Effectively supervise and development museum personnel implement objective and comprehensive evaluations of staff performance. Model and demonstrate leadership skills to effectively participate as a team member in carrying out the museum’s mission. 

• Prepare and present clear and comprehensive written reports.

• 4+ years of successful managerial and leadership experience as an executive director and/or administrator

• 2 years successful leadership in a fundraising capacity with a proven track record of both public and private fundraising abilities

• Experience in financial management, including budget development and monitoring 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship ¬building/networking skills

• A high degree of cultural competence and experience working with and serving diverse populations 

• A deep commitment to supporting and promoting community arts/history programming

• A thorough knowledge/understanding of fine arts and history; museum management theory; fundraising principles and techniques; public relations; exhibition design and installation; modern management principles and techniques. 

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History has retained Capital Development Services to assist with professional recruitment. To apply click the I'm Interested button. Candidates must include a cover letter, a resume, and a list of three references. All material will be confidential. Additional inquiries may be directed to Capital Development Services, 336-747-0133 x 208.