Current Opportunities

HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR/CEO
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Hancock Shaker Village seeks a visionary leader to oversee the organization’s efforts, through dynamic programming, education, and operations, to share the Shaker story, expand imaginations and inspire generations, and leverage Hancock Shaker Village's impact in the region and beyond.  The Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Shaker Village, with the overall responsibility to carry out the organization’s mission and policies -- including the collections, financial, educational, and operations management of the organization.

BACKGROUND

Hancock Shaker Village is a landmark destination of 750 acres, 20 historic Shaker buildings, and over 22,000 Shaker artifacts. On the National Historic Register, it is one of the most comprehensively interpreted Shaker sites in the world, and the oldest working farm in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. 

The mission of Hancock Shaker Village is to bring the Shaker story to life and preserve it for future generations; to collect and preserve the property and artifacts that demonstrate the history, industry, life, and traditions of the Shakers and their achievements/contributions to the American way of life; to exhibit the collections of Shaker buildings, furnishings, libraries, and objects of art; to enable and conduct studies and research into Shaker and American community history; and to reflect on living a principled life and the values the Shakers embraced: integrity, racial and gender equality, pacifism, community, sustainability, responsible land stewardship, innovation, and simplicity. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership
• With the Board of Trustees, oversee and implement a clear vision for the organization
• Assist the Board in long-range strategic planning, which includes implementing a Legacy Campaign and a Master Plan that will create proper collection storage and prepare the Village for the future
• Achieve the ambitious strategic goals that enhance the mission and reputation of HSV, while ensuring its financial and operational stability

Financial Management and Development
• Propose an annual budget for the Board’s adoption
• Provide ongoing financial oversight of daily operations to ensure fiscal responsibility and appropriate financial controls
• Assume primary responsibility for development programs – including capital campaigns, annual membership drives, special fundraising events and planned giving
• Work closely with the Board to recruit new board members and engage the board as a cohesive, creative, and dynamic team

Programming
• Oversee the development and execution of programming, with an emphasis on being creative, telling the Shaker story in a compelling way, collaborating and developing new audiences
• Ensure that all programming is consistent with Hancock Shaker Village’s mission
• Optimize our land resources, as well as the development and maintenance of farm and garden programs, and care of animals
• Pursue opportunities to expand programming which will encourage new and repeat visitorship, while enhancing the reach and leveraging the many assets of the Village

Human Resources and Administration
• Oversee the hiring, training, and supervision of all staff and volunteers -- including performance goal-setting and performance reviews
• Ensure that the Village follows federal and state guidelines for workplace safety and hiring processes
• Build on the Village’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

External Relations
• Serve as the primary face and voice of Hancock Shaker Village, elevating the museum’s profile and the appreciation of its mission
• Be a visible and valued member of the Berkshire community, engaging people from a wide array of backgrounds
• Maintain positive relations with key government officials and agencies in greater Berkshire County, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other public sector players as appropriate
• Drive a marketing / communications plan that supports the Hancock Shaker Village brand and reputation – including website content, social media, media relations and printed material – even the store
• Oversee all marketing efforts, taking a strategic approach to audience identification and expansion; maximizing advertising and public relations opportunities in all media.

Exhibitions, Collections and Education
• Protect the collection, and expand it with masterpiece objects
• Oversee and maintain a high standard of excellence for the collections, as well as exhibitions and education efforts of the museum
• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, preservation and de-accession of collection items, ensuring that appropriate curatorial guidelines and best practices are followed
• Provide opportunities and resources to educate the public, visitors, local schoolchildren and scholars about the Shakers, their history, values and enduring legacy
• Actively cultivate the Village’s relations with Shaker collectors, scholars and craftspeople
• Take advantage of the resurgence of national and international interest in Shaker design to build audiences and visibility for the Village

Overall, we seek someone who will inspire, develop, and engage a results-oriented team and the public in the Shaker legacy. We are looking for a resourceful, visionary, entrepreneurial leader who can leverage the organization’s assets to properly preserve the Shaker legacy, increase impact and reach.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
• Minimum education of a Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience
• At least five years in a senior management position in a museum, non-profit, or business.
• Proven competence in managing museum operations. Demonstrated ability to supervise, as well as work successfully with, museum staff, volunteers and diverse public constituencies.
• Evidence of business management skills in developing and managing an annual operating business.
• Strong record of success in fundraising and audience development.

Skills
• Ability to provide strong leadership, vision and strategic direction.  Experience developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Strong communication and influencing skills. Demonstrated excellence in writing and public speaking.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically and effectively with Boards, volunteers and in community relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices for museums, non-profits or similar organizations.
• Excellent planning, time management and decision-making skills.

Other
• Emotional intelligence and empathy with a sense of fun and camaraderie.
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, including weekends and evenings when needed.
• Preferred – knowledge of and passion for the history and legacy of the Shakers.
• Understanding that there’s as much reverence in “pulling an onion as there is in singing hallelujah”, as one Shaker said, and that Hancock Shaker Village does a bit of both.

Hancock Shaker Village is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation. 

Salary range: $130,000 - $150,000
Competitive benefits package

Please send resume and other materials to lpizani@hancockshakervillage.org