JOB TITLE: Executive Director

INSTITUTION: Southampton African American Museum

JOB LOCATION: Southampton, New York

INSTITUTION WEBSITE: https://saamuseum.org/

About the Institution: 

The Southampton African American Museum (SAAM), 501c3, is the first African American historic landmark in the Village of Southampton and first Black barber shop to be transformed into a museum in the country. Started in 2021, its mission is to promote an understanding and appreciation of African American culture by creating programs that will preserve the past, encourage learning and enhance the life of the community. SAAM researches and collects local history, produces media events, and creates exhibits and community celebrations. The museum is open to the public May-October and available for tour/school groups during this period and from January to March by appointment. 

Job Description: 

The Southampton African American Museum is seeking an Executive Director with a passion for preserving the history of African American life particularly on the East End of Long Island and with an artistic vision to showcase artists from the African diaspora locally and beyond. The ideal candidate will provide energetic and dynamic leadership in guiding the museum into the next decade. The Executive Director is appointed by, reports to, and is responsible directly to the Board of Directors. The desired candidate will be a compelling spokesperson having exceptional written and communication skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Lead with core values that informs decision making, planning, and problem-solving
• Promote and foster a culture of trust, innovation, and inclusion
• Attendance and reporting at regular Board of Directors’ meetings
• Create and articulate a dynamic vision, identifying strategic opportunities which include incorporating best practices in museum management and nonprofit business models
• In cooperation with the Board of Directors, develop and implement a long-term strategic plan consistent with the museum’s mission.
• Work with the Board of Directors to set priorities and allocate resources in support of the strategic plan

• Develop and manage the museum’s annual budget, ensuring financial stability and sustainability in collaboration with the Board Treasurer
• Donor prospect research to support SAAM operations, including foundation and government grants, sponsorships, and individual donations to support the museum’s programs; monitor and manage record keeping
• Work with the accountant to ensure accurate and timely reporting of annual tax returns.
• Oversight of fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Board of Directors, including, but not limited to, the annual fundraiser and the annual appeal letter

• Oversee all operations and business activities and day-to-day management of the museum.
• Provides oversight and support to intern to schedules of private and group tours, and coordinates volunteer staffing for regular museum open hours for special tours and events. Conduct tours and educational programs, when needed. Maintains records related to utilization of the museum.
• Keeps electronic records in an orderly and accessible system and monitors regular file back-up. Maintains hard-copy files in an organized manner.
• Coordinates maintenance of the museum building, grounds, and equipment, and provides for safe and reliable operation of the museum.
• Provide a culture of professional leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and open communication among staff and volunteers
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers

• Sets goals for all major fundraising efforts, tracks totals, and reports to appropriate committees
• Works with Fundraising Committee Chair on all planning, logistics in the promotion of Annual Gala.
• Works to create sponsorship levels as well as solicit and process donations.
• Increase SAAM membership numbers and develop member benefits to drive participation and financial support of all exhibitions and events

• Develops and implement art exhibits for the SAAM.
• Oversee the collection of items donated to the SAAM.

• Partner with area school districts, local youth development programs, community groups and other institutions to invite to educational activities onsite
• Participate in museum associations to keep abreast of the latest development in small museum and historical society management
• Develop effective marketing and communication strategies; keep website current in conjunction with website team
• Serve as primary spokesperson for the museum and promoting its mission to the public, media, and stakeholders and attend all relevant meetings
• Serve as a liaison between the museum and county government

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in museum studies or arts management preferred with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in museum and exhibition management. Background in Non-profit administration is also helpful.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork and public speaking skills.
• Skilled at computer programs in a museum environment, including full Microsoft and Google suite of programs and collections management systems
• Proven ability to manage a budget of a small organization
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising, grant writing and implementation, membership, and donor development, specifically with major donors.
• Past success in working and collaborating with a board of directors, committees, and volunteers, with the ability to enhance existing relationships and develop new ones.
• Proven ability to build strong and sustained partnerships with community, corporate, government, and other organizations, and engage key stakeholders and audiences.

This Position is: Hybrid

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary range: $60,000 - $65,000

Benefits: Paid time off, Healthcare Stipend

How to Apply: Quincy Mills, jobs@saamuseum.org