Executive Director Position – Bolinas Museum

The Bolinas Museum seeks an inspiring, community-focused, visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director.

Museum Overview:

Founded in 1983, the Bolinas Museum is the premier fine arts institution in Marin County, attracting visitors from around the world. The Museum reflects the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Coastal Marin, presenting both regionally significant historical exhibits and nationally acclaimed contemporary art. Admission to the museum is always free, as are many of our cultural programs. Annual fundraising events, including the Art Auction and the Holiday Benefit Exhibition, offer exceptional work from renowned Bay Area artists.

Our mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit the art and history of Coastal Marin, providing inspiration and cultural enrichment to both residents and visitors alike. Located in the charming seaside town of Bolinas, California, the museum is housed in a complex of beautifully restored historic buildings, surrounded by the area’s vibrant agricultural and artistic community.

Job Summary:

The Executive Director (ED) is a dynamic, creative leader with the strategic vision to guide the museum in fulfilling its mission while strengthening its role as a cultural hub. The ED oversees the museum’s daily operations, manages a small but talented staff, and is responsible for curatorial direction, fundraising, budget management, and public engagement. As the museum’s public face, the ED will represent Bolinas Museum to the broader Bay Area arts community, the local community, and artists from across the region and beyond.

The position reports directly to the Board of Directors and requires a collaborative and relationship-building approach to ensure the museum’s continued success and influence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead all fundraising activities, including donor development, grant writing, and planning events such as the annual auction, capital campaigns, and membership drives.

• Oversee the curation of engaging and high-quality exhibitions and public programs that reflect the museum’s mission.
• Ensure the stewardship and growth of the museum’s collections, overseeing acquisitions and management of the permanent collection.
• Manage public relations, museum promotion, and community outreach, serving as the museum’s ambassador.
• Expand the museum’s digital presence, utilizing technology and innovative methods to engage diverse audiences.
• Develop and manage the museum’s budget, identifying opportunities for sustainable revenue streams.
• Oversee day-to-day museum operations, including exhibitions, programs, facility maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
• Support and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative, creative, and empowered work environment.
• Serve as principal advisor to the Board of Directors, assisting in board recruitment and training.
• Develop collaboratively with the Board of Directors a new 10-year Strategic Plan.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred but not mandatory. Relevant fields include non-profit management, public relations, art history, or an MBA.

Five or more years of senior management experience at a non-profit or arts-related organization, with demonstrated fundraising and donor cultivation success.

• A plus is familiarity with the Bolinas Museum’s mission, the West Marin community, and the region’s arts and history.
• Strong knowledge of non-profit management, art, fundraising principles, and public relations.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including the Board, community members, artists, and the public.
• Experience managing staff and fostering a positive, respectful workplace environment.
• Flexibility, creativity, and a sense of humor are essential.
• Willingness to participate in West Marin community events and life, with availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Reliable vehicle access due to Bolinas Museum’s location.

Compensation:

The Executive Director role is a full-time, salaried position. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, with a discretionary performance bonus. The benefits package includes salary, health insurance reimbursement, and PTO. Flexible full-time schedule with some evening and weekend obligations.

Organizational Profile:

• Annual Operating Budget: Approx. $600,000, with growth opportunities.
• Board of Directors: 12-19 members.
• Staffing: 3 full-time (Executive Director, Curator, Marketing and Exhibitions Manager), 3 part-time (development, curatorial, administrative, and archival).
• Additional: The museum serves as the landlord to three commercial tenants.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to jobs@bolinasmuseum.org with their name in the subject line. In your cover letter, please address your relevant experience in four key areas: comparable work experience, leadership qualifications, fundraising experience, and your vision for the future of Bolinas Museum.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Target Start Date: January 15, 2025

Thank you for your interest in joining Bolinas Museum!