CEO Job Description

The National Quilt Museum is an eight-time TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner and a two-time TripAdvisor Hall of Fame winner.  The Museum is seeking a CEO to provide dynamic leadership and to direct policymaking, planning, organization, staffing, and operations.  The CEO will be responsible for refining, developing, and implementing a progressive program for the Museum’s fundraising and community outreach and for expanding the Museum’s national brand both inside and outside the quilting and arts communities.

Summary of Responsibilities:
Works in conjunction with the Board to develop the strategic direction and establish initiatives to fulfill the mission of the Museum and increase local, statewide, national, and international awareness and prominence.
Strong focus on maintaining and enhancing the museum’s outstanding Visitor Experience, as indicated by our Trip Advisor ratings and other awards.
Directs the museum's operations, including marketing, education and public programming, finance, external communications, and staffing.
Leads and participates in all fundraising and development activities, including grant writing and developing relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Serves as spokesperson and chief advocate for the Museum. Establishes strong partnerships in the community. Enhances the Museum’s public image to expand interest and support.
Directs the overall development of public relations and marketing initiatives, including an active social media presence across multiple platforms and the programming and recording of Quilt Museum Digital.
Manages and leads 14 full- and part-time staff, plus volunteers.
Works closely with staff to manage and preserve the Museum’s permanent collection of over 600 quilts.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum education requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Experience in a museum, nonprofit organization, or business with at least five years at a senior managerial level preferred.
Ability to provide strong leadership, vision, and strategic direction.
Demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for museums, non-profits, or similar organizations, as well as a history of involvement in relevant community/professional organizations.
Experience in fundraising and audience development.
Demonstrated excellence in writing and public speaking.
Proven ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with Boards, volunteers, and in community relations and outreach capacities.
Competence in managing museum operations, including personnel matters. Demonstrated ability to supervise, as well as to work successfully with, museum staff, volunteers, and diverse public constituencies.
Evidence of success in developing, managing, and growing an annual operating budget. Strong business management skills.
Excellent planning, time management, and decision-making skills.
Willingness to work a variable schedule, including some weekends as needed.
Salary is commensurate with experience.  Benefits available.  The National Quilt Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT PADUCAH, KENTUCKY

The National Quilt Museum is located in Paducah, Kentucky—a historic river town at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers.  The United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Paducah as a Creative City in November 2013 for the City’s important role in the connectivity of cultures through creativity.  Paducah is one of only nine cities in the United States to hold this distinction.

The county seat of McCracken County, Paducah is the largest town in the Purchase Area of the state.  The combination of southern charm and hospitality that originated with Paducah’s founding in 1827 is still alive and well - blending a rich history with a stable economy, healthy business climate, and outstanding schools and neighborhoods. 

Paducah is an excellent place to become your home.  It boasts a thriving arts and entertainment community — from theaters and museums to parks and sporting events.  Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Paducah’s excellent location:  three state parks are within a 45-minute drive and all offer scenic shores, challenging golf courses, beach areas, and fully-equiped marinas.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM

The National Quilt Museum features masterpiece quilts created by some of today’s most well-known quilters and fiber artists in the world.  The museum promotes the growth and expansion of quilting to new audiences through exhibits, education programs, preservation, and advocacy efforts. The museum’s primary campus in Paducah, KY, sees visitors annually from all 50 states and over 40 foreign countries.  The museum was founded in 1991 and is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021. 

Museum exhibits are comprised of a combination of temporary touring exhibitions and quilts from the collection of The National Quilt Museum, one of the largest collections of contemporary quilts in the world.  Exhibits change 8-10 times throughout the year. 

In addition, curated traveling exhibits from the Quilt Museum’s permanent collection are also regularly displayed at art shows and other museums.  Museum quilts and exhibits can also be experienced through Quilt Museum Digital and Google Arts. 

Since 2010, the museum has been an eight-time TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner and a two-time TripAdvisor Hall of Fame winner.  The Hall of Fame honors destinations that have received the Certificate of Excellence at least five years in a row.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please email the following in PDF format to HR@quiltmuseum.org:

Cover letter
Resume
Three professional references with contact information.
Due to our limited staff, we respectfully request no telephone inquiries. 

Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2021 or until the position is filled.

The National Quilt Museum is an equal opportunity employer.