Coastal Interpretive Center

Great Career Opportunity
Apply to be the Executive Director of the Coastal Interpretive Center

The Coastal Interpretive Center invites applications for the position of Executive Director of the Center. The Executive Director is responsible for the smooth operation of the Center, planning, coordinating, and overseeing the Center’s activities, including implementation of the Strategic Plan, public relations, marketing, promotion, programs, and exhibits. Position closes January 20, 2024.

Following is the formal position description for the Center Executive Director.  Information on the salary, closing date, and how to apply can be found directly following the position description.

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION

General Purpose

The Coastal Interpretive Center (CIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, governed by a Board of Directors, operating the physical facility also known as the Coastal Interpretive Center. The CIC Executive Director is considered the “Face” of the organization with primary responsibilities for team leadership, donor development, building partnerships, and implementation of the goals laid out in the CIC Strategic Plan, As a second-level supervisor, the Executive Director is ultimately responsible for ensuring all staff, including volunteers, perform within the guidelines of their position descriptions and work plans.  

Authority

The CIC Executive Director acts on behalf of, and serves as an at-will employee, at the pleasure of and under the general supervision of the CIC Board of Directors.

Essential Professional Responsibilities

  • Leadership. The Executive Director is the primary interface between the Center and the Board and will be responsible for:
    • Collaborating with the Board to establish and track clear goals and develop annual work plans to support the CIC’s mission and implement the CIC’s strategic plan.
    • Serving as spokesperson and chief advocate for the Center including enhancing its public image to expand interest and support.
    • Being the CIC’s liaison to the City of Ocean Shores.
    • Actively engaging with and energizing Board members, staff, volunteers, partner organizations, funders, donors, and other stakeholders.
  • Donor Development. Recruit and maintain relationships with major donors including:
    • developing relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors,
    • creating a funding stream from development, 
    • managing oversight of development database, 
    • managing annual giving campaigns, 
    • oversight of membership recruitment and database as well as the CIC’s annual meeting, and 
    • grant development including  writing grant proposals, supervising grant management, and reporting to funding agencies.
  • Partnerships. Build and maintain business and government partnerships with local, regional, state, and federal organizations in support of the CIC mission. Collaborate with respective partners to develop mutually beneficial agreements, where appropriate.
  • Administration. In collaboration with staff, responsible for administrative functions of the Center.
  • Supervision. Responsible for direct supervision of full-time staff, and second-level supervision of docents and volunteers.
  • Communication.  Ensure effective communications with the Board and staff.
  • Museum Activities.  Collaborate with the Collections Manager and Board members (subject experts as appropriate) to compile documented information and data to inform exhibits, programs, outreach activities, and social media posts.  Ideas for exhibits will be vetted through the board for consensus and to solicit interest and/or expertise. 
  • Public relations and marketing. Collaborate with the COMIT Committee to ensure consistent messaging, public relations, and implementation of annual marketing and communications plans.

Essential Qualifications

  • Previous experience directing a natural/cultural history museum or similar institution.
  • Demonstrated ability to serve effectively as a team leader and work effectively with team members.
  • Ability to relate to and work effectively with diverse groups of varying sizes.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficient technology skills, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs, Outlook, and the ability to learn other technology programs that are compatible with the CIC’s needs. 
  • Knowledge of the history and ecology of the coastal environment, as it relates to the exhibits, programs, and activities of the Center.
  • Successful completion of Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
  • Ability to stay current with technology, as it relates to the CIC vision, mission, and daily operations of the Center.
  • Pass Washington State Patrol background check.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in donor development.
  • Previous experience writing grants.
  • Experience building partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Successful management experience, including demonstrated success with employee support, coordination, and supervision.
  • Experience in data management.
  • Experience in working with nonprofit organizations or in an educational setting.
  • Successful completion of Master’s Degree or higher.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Salary
$67,725 per year plus up to $2,000 per year towards health insurance.

Two weeks annual paid vacation after one year.

How to apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume via email to neldridge@interpretivecenter.org. In the cover letter, please include your reason(s) for interest in this position and why you are uniquely qualified for this position.

Closing Date: January 20, 2024

Thank you for your interest in applying for the position of Executive Director at the Coastal Interpretive Center.

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