POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Executive Director
FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, exempt
SALARY: $70,000 - $80,000
REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

Overview:
The Duluth Children’s Museum (DCM) was established in 1930 as a resource for children and teachers and is the fifth oldest children’s museum in the nation. DCM is the only cultural resource in the Northland that is exclusively designed to meet the developmental needs of young children through playful learning. Exhibits and programs are aligned with national and state academic standards that support skill development in reading, math, science, social studies, music, and art, as well as the best practices established by the Association of Children’s Museums.

Unlike most Children’s Museums, DCM also houses a historic collection of over 10,000 artifacts from around the world as well as objects representing local history and culture.

The Museum has recently completed an extensive strategic planning process and has defined organizational goals for the next 3-5 years.

DCM is committed to equity, inclusion, and providing access to all. The Discovery for All scholarship serves disadvantaged children and families from the region by providing annual household memberships to families demonstrating financial need. The museum is also a member of the national Museums for All program, which provides discounted admission to any family receiving public financial assistance.

Position:
DCM is looking for a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to be its new Executive Director (ED). The successful ED will have the ability to communicate a genuine passion and joy for children and their process to think, play and create both inside and outside the walls of the Museum space.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will oversee Museum staff, including five direct reports, and manage a half-million dollar annual operating budget. The ideal candidate will be front-facing and dynamic, able to build, cultivate and maintain partnerships and relationships. The ED will possess outstanding communication and negotiation skills and be a persuasive advocate and spokesperson for DCM, engaging diverse audiences that include corporate and non-profit leaders, elected officials, and the general public. The ED will have exceptional organizational, administrative, management, fundraising, and financial expertise.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) or equivalent experience, with 5–8+ years of senior nonprofit leadership experience; museum, arts/culture, STEM, or early childhood education experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated executive skills, including financial and operational leadership, including budgeting, strategic planning, organizational sustainability, performance management and superior writing and verbal communication.
• Proven fundraising success, including major gifts, grant writing, donor cultivation, and partnership development.
• Strong relationship-building and governance experience, with the ability to effectively engage boards, community stakeholders, media, and public officials.
• Collaborative, inclusive leader with excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

Duluth Children’s Museum employment consideration is given without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.

Compensation:
Annual salary is $70,000 - $80,000 based on experience. Additional benefits include:

• Health (80% employer paid) and Life Insurance (employer paid)
• Retirement savings account matched at up to 3% of your contribution
• Paid Time Off of up to 20 days per year, accrued at 1.66 days per month
• Flexible work schedule and professional development opportunities
• Explore Level membership to the Duluth Children’s Museum

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Museum, overseeing daily operations and partnering with the Board and staff to advance the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead organizational growth through effective financial management, fundraising, capital campaign oversight, and the development of diverse revenue streams.
• Build, mentor, and support a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture and overseeing talent recruitment, development, and retention.
• Guide the development of innovative exhibits, educational programs, community partnerships, and initiatives that enhance visitor engagement and reflect best practices in the museum field.
• Serve as the Museum’s primary ambassador and advocate, strengthening relationships with donors, stakeholders, government and the community while elevating visibility, public awareness, and support for the organization.
• Work in partnership with the Board and core staff to implement strategic initiatives identified through a recent strategic planning process