Our Mission: The Greater Kent Historical Society (GKHS), a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, operates the Kent Historical Museum and inspires the community to explore and discover their history. We educate and preserve diverse family and kinfolk storylines for future generations.

Position Summary: The Greater Kent Historical Society (GKHS) is searching for an Executive Director dedicated to overseeing the Kent Historical Museum's operations and administrative tasks. This role calls for a passionate and dedicated individual capable of leading the museum into a new phase of development, with a focus on creating exhibits and programs that align with our new Interpretive Plan. This plan is designed to reflect the broader Kent community's history and project it into the future. The Executive Director's responsibilities are vital for structuring the museum to strengthen community ties and enhance fundraising activities, which aligns with our goal of rejuvenating the Kent Historical Museum. The successful candidate will play a key role in upholding professional museum standards and must have outstanding speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.

Reports to:     Board of Directors

Salary:             $70,000 annually

Benefits:         10% towards benefits, Paid Time Off, 8 paid holidays 

Location:        Kent Historical Museum (855 E Smith St., Kent, WA 98030). Some remote work.

Schedule         Full-time, Tuesday – Saturday. Must be available for evenings and weekends for board meetings and events. 

The Executive Director’s primary duties include:

Administration

• Work with the Board of Directors.
• Guide implementation of the museum’s Strategic Plan recommendations (2022 – 2028).
• Responsible for day-to-day museum operations and administration, including oversight of staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Ensure staff and volunteer coverage for museum programs, events, and projects.
• Ensure the smooth functioning of the museum's Human Resources department, overseeing the onboarding, training, supervision, payment, and performance reviews of staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Attend monthly board and officers meetings and provide monthly reports. Attend other meetings as requested.
• Develop and present reports to the Board of Directors and City of Kent stakeholders.
• Oversee the museums revenue sources, budgets, and expenditures.
• Help set and advance DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion) goals.
• Communicate current and future programming with board and staff.

Fundraising

• Work with the board to devise and implement fundraising efforts, including strategies to increase individual and corporate giving.
• Oversee grant writing, obtain corporate sponsorship, and governmental support.
• Work with the Board of Directors and staff, devise and implement efforts to increase museum attendance, membership, and donor base.

Exhibits and Programs

• Guide implementation of the Museum’s Interpretive Plan.
• Develop and/or supervise the implementation of museum exhibits and programs.

Community engagement

• Develop relationships and partnerships with community organizations, foundations, businesses, and local schools.
• Work with board of directors, staff, and volunteers to ensure the museum’s participation in community and cultural events and activities.
• Oversee the creation of marketing, copy, and materials for exhibits, events, and programs.

Collections

• Guide the implementation and improvement of the Acquisitions Policy.
• Lead the Museum’s collecting change from creating a display house to representation of the diversity within the Kent community.
• Participate in and advise the Collections Committee
• Assure integration of the Museum’s collections efforts with the Mission of the Greater Kent Historical Society
• Oversee the museum’s collections.

Other duties

• Respond to research requests.
• Provide coverage and or support for mission related museum programs or community events as requested.
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• BA in History, Museum Studies, Education, Business Management or related field.
• 2+ years museum experience
• General nonprofit organization management including supervisory/administrative experience
• Experience with fundraising
• Experience with exhibit design

If Hired

• Criminal background check clearance
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination
• Ability to work in historical building
• Travel within the community
• Navigate stairs
• Lift up to 20 lbs