Employment Opportunity: Chief Development Officer / Executive Director

It is with much sadness that the Board of Directors of the Fond du Lac County Historical Society announces the search for a new Chief Development Officer/Executive Director. We are incredibly grateful to our outgoing Executive Director for his leadership, drive, hard work and passion. He has ushered our organization into a new era and revitalized the great asset that is the Historic Galloway House and Village. His initiative and creativity has transformed the Society. We wish him nothing but great success as he takes on a new endeavor, and will miss his enthusiasm for all things Fond du Lac County history! Below is the job description for Chief Development Officer/Executive Director. Interested individuals are encouraged to send a resume and cover letter to Board President, Teresa Keenan, at [email protected]. 

Position Summary:

The Chief Development Officer/Executive Director provides leadership, fund development, awareness, and oversees the operations of the Fond du Lac County Historical Society (FCHS). The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors of the Historical Society. The Chief Development Officer/Executive Director is responsible for taking the appropriate steps necessary to implement the strategic, fund development, and operational plans of the Historical Society. The Chief Development Officer/Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring proper staffing, programs, collections, and exhibits that will move the Historical Society towards its Vision of keeping local history relevant and alive; Mission to connect people to history by inspiring passion, preservation, exploration, and fun; and Strategic Goals in order to position the Historical Society as a premiere entity of its kind in the State of Wisconsin.

Success in this role will include the following:

  • Work closely with Board in setting goals and objectives for the annual and long-term success of the Historical Society
  • Develop, implement, evaluate, and refine a fund development program that will meet the annual needs of the Historical Society. And, works in very close partnership and collaboration with Board, volunteers, consultant(s), staff, and other key individuals to insure the long-term financial viability of the Historical Society
  • Implement policies and insures the overall strategic plan is moving forward and on schedule
  • Recruit, train, and supervise professional staff
  • Represent Historical Society to the public and other organizations
  • Develop working and collaborative relationships with community organizations and individuals
  • Advocate initiatives with local, state, and federal lawmakers and agencies


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Board Governance:
  • Work with Board to further the Historical Society’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Goals
  • Responsible for leading the Historical Society in a manner that supports and guides its mission as defined by the Board
  • Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions
  • Work with Board to recruit, train, engage, and empower an evolving Board leadership
  • Identify opportunities for Board involvement, and increase overall visibility of the Historical Society
  • Collaborate with Board President/Chair to develop Board meeting agenda and materials necessary for the Board function and other major functions in the organization
  • Financial Performance and Viability:
  • In close partnership with the Board and other key individuals, develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization
  • Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Historical Society, including submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization, and follow appropriate non-profit accounting guidelines
    • Responsible for fiscal management that operates within the approved budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of positive financial position
  • Responsible for developing and implementing fundraising and fund development efforts and resources necessary to support the annual operation and long-term goals of the Historical Society
  • The fund development plan and execution will have a very strong emphasis on individual and/or family philanthropic giving
  • Secure annual operating grants from Fond du Lac County and other entities
    • Diversify and increase revenue streams 
    • Steward current donors to ensure the donor retention rate is significantly above the national average for non-profit organizations
    • Cultivate prospective transformational donors, involving the Board and/or key individuals as needed
  • Cultivate and solicit corporate, foundation, and other sponsorships as necessary
  • Ensure the donor relationship management software is accurate, up-to-date and utilized to the maximum extent to insure fundraising success
  • Coordinate with the Treasurer and accountant to assure the completion of the annual tax return and audit per bylaws

  • Mission and Strategy:
  • Work with Board and staff to ensure the vision, mission and strategic goals are furthered through programs, program evaluation, and program innovation
  • Responsible for ensuring the implementation of Historical Society’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission
  • Responsible for ensuring strategic planning to ensure the Historical Society stays relevant and visionary
  • Responsible for ensuring the enhancement of the Historical Society’s image by being active and visible engagement in the community

  • Operations:
  • Oversee appropriate resources to ensure the operations, buildings and grounds are maintained at an exceptional level
  • Effective administration of FCHS operations
  • Review and approve contracts for services
  • Lead the development of policy recommendations, procedures, and manuals
     
  • Personnel:
  • Establish employment policies, job descriptions and procedures for all positions
  • Responsible for the hiring, supervision and retention of competent, qualified staff
  • Provide leadership, direction, and professional opportunities for staff
  • Monitor individual development programs and evaluate performance on annual basis
  • Capital Improvements:
  • Work to identify capital needs at the direction of the Board
  • Develop plans with Board for funding and work with caretaker to manage capital projects
  • Be aware of all capital projects
     
  • Communications
  • Serve as the spokesperson of the Historical Society to its constituents, media and general public
  • Oversight of marketing plans, collateral materials, museum publications, and print(social media/digital), public relations and marketing efforts, including Marketing Committee oversight
  • Collections & Archives:
  • Oversight of collections and buildings so that the public has reasonable access to appropriate collections, library, and archives
  • Review and approve contracts for services
  • Lead the development of policy recommendations, procedures, and manuals

  • Public Programs/Exhibits:
  • Oversight of a calendar of public programs, exhibits, and events
  • Review and approve contracts for services
  • Lead the development of policy recommendations, procedures, and manuals

The Fond du Lac County Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. Discrimination and harassment in the workplace are strictly prohibited. All applicants are considered without attention to age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, or any other protected class based on federal, state, or local law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and needs of the organization.