Executive Director

About the Museum

The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm is one of the world's premier paleontological destinations. Since opening its doors in 2005, the museum has served nearly 900,000 visitors and continues to grow as a vital cultural anchor for Southern Utah and a destination for researchers and families worldwide. Operated by the DinosaurAh!Torium Foundation, a nonprofit organization, the museum preserves and exhibits fossils from an Early Jurassic, 200-million-year-old lake ecosystem and remains an active research site. In 2025, paleontologists and volunteers began excavating new bone beds directly across from the current museum, marking an exciting new chapter in the site's scientific story.

We are seeking a visionary, community-minded Executive Director to lead this one-of-a-kind institution into its next era.

Position Overview

The Executive Director serves as the chief leader of the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, reporting directly to the Foundation Board President. This individual is responsible for the overall administration, financial health, strategic direction, and community presence of the museum. The ideal candidate brings both a passion for science and education and the operational expertise to steward a growing nonprofit institution.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Mission

Lead all museum operations with integrity, upholding the mission, vision, and values of the institution. Maintain and grow public trust through sound financial management, accurate documentation, and adherence to Museum Best Practices. Champion the museum's role as a regional anchor for Earth science education and community engagement.

Strategic Planning

Collaborate with the Board and Staff to develop, implement, and evaluate a long-range Strategic Plan. Set departmental goals across Office and Facilities, Exhibits and Collections, Education and Programming, and the Gift Shop and Front Desk.

Financial Management

Prepare and maintain a yearly operating budget. Oversee responsible allocation of funds across all departments and ensure the museum's long-term financial sustainability.

Staff and Volunteer Management

Recruit, manage, and develop all employees and volunteers. Establish a culture of feedback and professional growth, implement performance appraisal processes, and maintain appropriate personnel records.

Development and Fundraising

Create and execute a comprehensive development strategy encompassing grants, major donors, and membership programs to strengthen the museum's financial position and expand its impact.

Marketing and Community Relations

Develop and implement a marketing strategy that spans digital platforms, social media, traditional media, and community outreach. Represent the museum in meetings with the public, partner organizations, donors, grantors, and researchers. Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the museum throughout Southern Utah and beyond.

Committees and Programs

Manage the structure, membership, and objectives of key museum committees including Exhibits, Collections, Events, Programming and Education, Investments, and Strategic Planning.

Board Relations

Attend monthly Board meetings and deliver timely, accurate reporting. Partner with the Board to advance the museum's mission and navigate institutional decisions.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally with the public, staff, volunteers, and professionals across scientific and business fields
• Proven experience writing grants and managing the full grant application process, including identifying funding opportunities, preparing submissions, and reporting on awarded funds
• Experience working with budgets and financial reporting
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across a complex institution
• Ability to develop long-range goals and translate them into actionable programs

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or higher in museum studies, a relevant scientific field, or a related discipline (as determined by the Board)
• Experience in nonprofit leadership or museum administration
• Familiarity with donor cultivation and development strategy
• Knowledge of natural history, paleontology, or Earth sciences
• Background in marketing, communications, or community engagement
• Experience with strategic planning processes

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognized museum at an exciting inflection point. With new excavations underway, a loyal and growing visitor base, and deep roots in the Southern Utah community, the next Executive Director will have the platform to shape the museum's future for generations to come. If you are driven by science, inspired by community, and energized by the challenge of building something meaningful, we want to hear from you.

Salary Range

$70,000 - $90,000 based on experience.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the DinosaurAh!Torium Foundation Board President, Terance White at terance@nwlarchitects.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.