Executive Director

Renton Historical Society - Executive Director Position
 

Salary: We expect the salary range to be between $120,146.88 and $145,000.00. This figure accounts for wages, stipends and taxes owed.

Education and Experience: This position requires a bachelors degree at minimum, with a masters degree or higher preferred. Successful applicants will have paid professional experience in business management and non-profit fundraising, with preference given to those who have worked in a museum or library setting. Experience managing relationships with a board of directors, supervising staff, and engaging local, state and federal government agencies is required.

Introduction: Details on the Renton Historical Society (RHS) can be found at rentonhistory.org. A portion of this position will be paid by the endowment. Successful applicants will be able to articulate how they fundraise in today’s climate, and how they maintain flexibility within a changing environment. This position is half time business management and half time fundraising, including grant writing and membership management. 

Applicants should answer the following questions:
 

(Be concise. No more than 125 words per question.)

1. Describe your perspective on using AI for:
   1. Website copy
   2. Social media content
   3. Public engagement communications
   4. Grant writing
2. Describe your perspective on equity, inclusion and diversity as it relates to local history.
3. Summarize this organization in your own words.
4. Describe why you are passionate about serving the residents of Renton.
   1. If you have worked with the City of Renton in the past, describe.
5. Describe a time you had to defuse a customer/external stakeholder.
6. Describe a successful fundraising experience. Include the amount spent/raised.
7. Describe an unsuccessful fundraising experience. Include the amount spent/raised.
8. RHS was awarded a Doors Open grant through 4Culture. Which other grants would you apply for in the case of:
   1. Brick and mortar exhibit space?
   2. Remote online access?

Instructions:

1. Create your responses as a text body, using formal letter format, in an email to be sent to info@rentonhistory.org.
   1. Add a period after the third word of your subject line.
   2. Each answer should be formatted as a single paragraph, in order.
   3. Include cover letter language at no more than 300 additional words as 2 separate paragraphs, with this text italicized.
2. Attach one screenshot of the letter within a google doc, attach to the email.
3. Print and sign the letter. Scan it and attach it as a pdf to the email.
   1. Do not rename the document after the scan.
4. Reformat that pdf into a jpeg. Attach it to the email.
   1. Explain how you executed that reformatting in no more than 30 words after your last salutation.
5. Attach a pdf of your resume.
6. Send as is.

Expectations:

1. This position opens January 27th, 2025 and closes February 21st, 2025.
2. All applicants that produce the above deliverables exactly as described will be considered and replied to.
   1. A response will come within 30 days of the close date from info@rentonhistory.org.
3. This position will require at least 75% of the work week to occur in downtown Renton. Remote time can be scheduled.
4. This person will be a key holder to buildings in Renton and Tukwila. They will check the PO Box and answer calls from alarm companies.

Job Description

This job will require high technical skill in persuasive writing, project management, and community development. The person in this role will act as the primary point of contact between critical stakeholders including but not limited to City of Renton representatives, the general membership, the Board of Directors, the Renton History Museum, major donors, sponsors, affiliated businesses, and the residents of Renton. They will oversee the financial, administrative and fundraising activities of the organization and act as a resource for other employees in executing their job responsibilities. They will lead the institution in actualizing its mission statement, ensuring its operational stability, and expanding its reach through improved public access.

Planning and Policy

• Uphold Renton Historical Society bylaws.
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal law.
• Lead the development, implementation and revision of policies and procedures related to operational best practices, artifact preservation and public engagement.
• Develop Renton Historical Society as a valued, reliable organization working toward the betterment of the Renton community.
• Engage with the City of Renton on planning, events and public statements.

Financial Management

• Manage relationships with bankers, endowment managers, accountants, bookkeepers and insurance brokers.
• Maintain the bank accounts including bill pay, deposits and payroll.
• Develop, manage and execute the annual budget including development of transparency documentation.
• Seek out and develop new revenue streams within the community.
• Promote existing revenue streams.
• Vet all vendors and third parties, as well as their services and their contracts, with a focus on cost control, maximum value and financial sustainability.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and business partnerships.

Organizational Development

• Track all staff daily tasks for transparency and grant maintenance.
• Author language required for the operation of the organization, including but not limited to policies, reports, webpages, newsletters and marketing campaign content.
• Lead the development of website assets including domain management, design pages within the Wix and Shopify platforms, and author original copy including blog posts and press releases.
• Moderate all social media sites, as well as create and schedule content.
• Recruit new board members and offboard outgoing board members to ensure operational continuity.
• Prepare documentation for, coordinate and attend monthly board meetings.
• Manage the retention and organization of paper records as required by law.
• Oversee the creation of meeting documentation as aligns with Roberts Rule of Order.
• Act as liaison between the board of directors and the staff.

Community Engagement

• Manage all member and volunteer relationships and communication.
• Serve as a primary point of contact between the public and the organization by managing the info@rentonhistory.org email account and dedicated cellphone.
• Sort incoming requests to the appropriate board member, staff member or volunteer.
• Support others in following up with, and resolving, inquiries.
• Attend a minimum monthly number of community meetings and events as a representative of the organization.
• Schedule, permit and insure events.
• Develop business relationships within the community with a focus on economic impact and mutual benefit.