Wilton Historical Society Seeks New Director, Learn More and Apply

The Wilton Historical Society is in search of a new Director.

The Wilton Historical Society is poised for change and growth and the next Director will take this organization, founded in 1938, to new heights of excellence building on current successes, implementing a strategic plan, furthering the work on development ensuring a strong financial position and enhancing a public relations and social media program.

Wilton Historical Society has a strong history of preserving 17 buildings in 3 locations along Route 7 many of which financially support the Museum through adaptive use and rental income.  Its extensive museum collection, which includes textiles, paintings, home furnishings and colonial hand tools continues to inspire exhibits and active educational programs for students of all ages.

Wilton Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization, in Wilton, Connecticut seeks a full-time salaried Director to provide dynamic leadership and planning, organizational vision, staffing and operations management.

The Director will be responsible for:

  1. Overall administration
  2. Programs
  3. Development
  4. Staff management and volunteer oversight
  5. Marketing and communications, including social media
  6. Community relations
  7. Fostering historic preservation, including buildings, documents, and artifacts

The Director is the primary executive of the Wilton Historical Society and reports to the Board of Trustees. This position requires a willingness to work a variable schedule, including occasional weekends and evening hours when needed, dependent upon work load and program schedule.

QUALITIES AND SKILLS

  • Ability to provide strong leadership, vision and strategic direction
  • Experience developing and implementing strategic plans
  • Development experience in a not-for-profit environment
  • Proven ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with Board and volunteers, as well as in community relations and outreach
  • Evidence of success in developing, managing, and growing an annual operating budget
  • Demonstrated excellence in writing and public speaking
  • Ability to recruit and retain a professional staff
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, volunteer recruitment and retention
  • Experience creating and implementing new programs
  • Knowledge of budget preparation, and revenue and expense monitoring
  • Strong planning, time management, and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of spreadsheet, database, email, calendar/scheduling, and word processing software.
  • Passion for local history and community engagement
  • Knowledge of museum and preservation practices
  • Motivated self-starter able to work in a flexible environment

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Works in conjunction with the Board to develop the strategic direction, establish initiatives, and implement the strategic plan
  • Manage the operations of the Wilton Historical Society, including planning, organization,
    coordination, scheduling and oversight of exhibits and programs
  • Assists the Treasurer to prepare the annual budget
  • Oversee and participate in development and grant writing initiatives
  • Increase membership and steward existing members
  • Maintain and enhance the Wilton Historical Society’s collections through curator supervision
  • Serve as primary spokesperson for the Wilton Historical Society representing the organization at community events, professional organizations, and other venues
  • Maintain and enhance the brand of the Wilton Historical Society
  • Oversee Marketing and Communications, including social media
  • Maintaining close working relationships with Wilton entities, the business community, and relevant organizations.
  • Engage with the Building and Grounds Committee to assure facilities are maintained and well utilized
  • Work closely with the committees of the Board of Trustees
  • Ensure that the Society is using the most effective technology with regard to operations, e-mail marketing, photo/video production, etc.
  • Oversee volunteers to assure appropriate assignment, supervision, and availability as a key facet of community outreach and membership recruitment.
  • Supervise, develop and evaluate staff

Opportunities and Challenges

Design and implement the Strategic Plan

The Board has been in the process of a thorough review of where the organization is today and where and how it should move forward.  Now the need is to put forward a short and long term plan that will keep the organization current with today’s demands as well as increasingly relevant.  Items include:  how to appeal to a broader audience, staffing, and the role and work of the trustees and volunteers.  The resolution of these items will be the shared responsibility of board and staff.

Begin and implement a development program

Whereas in the past the organization has depended on revenue from special events, it is time to design and implement a strong development program that will maintain and strengthen the organization as it goes through this important transition, beginning with membership as the first step to building a permanent constituency.  A strong and relevant annual giving program and special purpose fund raising will lead to a capital campaign to support the strategic plan.  A planned giving program should begin in order to provide for increasing the endowment and special funds.  A structured volunteer program should be implemented to insure a pipeline of new and proven volunteers to move into roles of greater responsibility and involvement.

Marketing and Communications

The organization needs to implement a contemporary marketing and communications strategy, fully embracing social media as well as the more traditional strategies to organize and manage all the marketing and communications.  These include press releases, event announcements, publications, program and educational materials.  In addition it includes coordination of media and public relations with local organizations with which the organization has shared programs.  These efforts should lead to the organization having a higher profile and better understanding in and from the community.

Financial Balance

The recent Covid pandemic has shown that the organization has the ability to withstand financially some severe blows. A thorough examination of financial reporting methods and staffing along with future projections of revenue and expenses should be implemented.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
  • Graduate degree with specialization in subjects such as museum management or historic preservation a plus.
  • Minimum of five years’ experience running a museum, cultural institution, or other non-profit organization
  • Experience with Little Green Light donor database management software a plus

SALARY RANGE – $85,000 – $95,000

Wilton Historical Society, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants should reply to jobs@wiltonhistorical.org and include a cover letter, their resume and 3 references.

Learn more here.
W
Submitted by Wilton, CT

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