TopFeatured.com

DHR International has been exclusively retained to conduct the search for Executive Director of the South Carolina State Museum, the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum. The Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to craft and execute a vision for the State Museum through the next decade and beyond.

THE COMPANY:

The South Carolina State Museum, the state’s largest and most comprehensive museum, is located along the banks of the beautiful Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1988, the State Museum is the primary storyteller of the natural and cultural history of South Carolina, as well as a major teaching instrument of STEM education. Through rich and diverse collections displayed through interactive and engaging exhibitions, the State Museum strives to honor the groundbreaking nature of its setting, providing both residents and visitors an in-depth picture of the state’s past, present and future. 170,000 visitors, including 64,500 schoolchildren across the state, attend the State Museum every year.

The State Museum’s collection contains more than 70,000 artifacts that reflect the richness of South Carolina’s history. The museum shares that history through four floors of permanent gallery space, each floor themed on a particular discipline – South Carolina Art, Natural History, Science & Technology, and Cultural History. The museum also boasts:

• BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium – One of the largest planetariums in the Southeast, this massive 55-foot dome planetarium and theater takes guests on journeys to the deepest reaches of space through educational and entertaining astronomy shows, non-space films dealing with art, history or natural history and laser light shows set to music of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, U2 and more.
• Dr. Rev. Solomon Jackson, Jr. 4D Theater – The only permanent theater of its kind in South Carolina, the 4D theater couples high-definition 3D digital projection movies with physical features to provide multisensory, interactive experiences for guests. Physical features, including water sprayers, leg ticklers, air blasters, scents, snow, bubble and smoke effects, strobe lights and vibrating seats, are synchronized to the images displayed on the screen.
• Boeing Observatory – The observatory, equipped with a computer controlled 1926 Alvan Clark 123/8 inch refracting telescope, is playing a central role in the museum’s distance learning initiatives. For the first time in the nation, remote access of a vintage telescope is being provided free-of-charge to classrooms across a state. The observatory is also available to the public for on-site solar and night sky viewing.

The South Carolina State Museum Commission is an agency of the State of South Carolina composed of Governor-appointed members representing the various geographic counties of the state. The State Museum Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 fundraising arm for the institution. The Commission governs the State Museum. The Executive Director of the State Museum reports to the Chair of the Commission. The Executive Director of the State Museum also consults with and provides guidance to the Foundation to assist the coordination of Museum and Foundation activities. The Director of Development, who is a paid employee of the Foundation, reports to the Chair of the Foundation and the Executive Director of the State Museum. The Search Committee is composed of members of both the Commission and the Foundation.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In 2014 the State Museum completed a 75,000 square foot renovation and expansion project, known as Windows to New Worlds. This project included the addition of the planetarium, the 4D theater, the observatory, a 6,000 square foot telescope gallery, a new lobby, and a new store and café. The museum is now turning its attention toward the reimagining of its existing permanent gallery spaces, what could be a $15 million project that will transform the institution over the next seven years and into the future. For this project $4.5 million has already been committed.

The new Executive Director will be given the unique opportunity to create a vision for the State Museum through the next decade and beyond. The Executive Director will begin from an advantaged position, inheriting a financially stable and diversely funded $8 million operating budget, a recently completed American Alliance of Museum reaccreditation for the next ten years, a dedicated team of donors and volunteers, and a positive public perception fueled by the completion of the Windows to New Worlds campaign and new buzzworthy attractions.

The State Museum seeks a dynamic, visionary executive to take the organization into a new phase in its history. Among the many exciting opportunities and responsibilities for the Executive Director, include:

• Develop and execute a master plan that will rethink the four floors of permanent exhibit galleries and optimize the large gallery space for temporary traveling exhibits;
• Expand the scope and impact of the museum’s education and engagement programs, touching more lives in more profound ways;
• Increase the awareness of the museum and its presence across the state, driving increased attendance and participation;
• Explore new business opportunities, including further leveraging a high-end souvenir and gift shop, the earned income potential of the 4D Theater, and a construction and design shop which develops in-house exhibitions and provides support to other institutions in the state.

Other specific responsibilities include:

• Represent the State Museum as both the head of a state agency and the director of a museum; report to and mobilize the Commission and Foundation members;
• Lead a talented staff consisting of 45 full-time employees and about 60 part-time employees, and a team of volunteers;
• Balance the management of an $8 million budget, of which 32% is raised through memberships, ticket sales, and other point of sale revenue, while continually aligning operations with the museum’s core mission;
• Oversee the maintenance and security of a historic building (formerly a cotton mill built in 1894; four floors totaling 375,000 square feet, of which 225,000 are the Museum’s use and responsibility) as well as the preservation of its collection and design of its exhibits;
• Advocate for the museum to the General Assembly and other public bodies as the face of the museum to the statewide community;
• Interface with the Administration Division of the State and other legislative and administrative bodies within government;
• Engage statewide external stakeholders and community partners;
• Develop short- and long-range strategic plans, set goals and monitor progress toward goals.
• Work with the Foundation to coordinate activities with the Museum; supervise the Director of Development on budgeting, fundraising, and staff supervision.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

Potential candidates must have at least ten years’ demonstrated
successful leadership experience with attendance-driven not-for-profit
cultural organizations combined with a demonstrated experience operating
within or liaising with a local, state, or federal legislative body.

Specifically, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Respect for and belief in the life-changing impact a collection of historical artifacts can have on educating, inspiring, and edifying the public;
• Sophisticated, politically correct, and forward-thinking approach toward interpreting and telling the story of South Carolina;
• Proven administrative experience to keep impeccable records, follow government guidelines and meticulous attention to detail;
• Strong business and financial acumen to comfortably budget, manage, monitor, and report complex financial information;
• Demonstrated ability to balance the business needs of an attendance-driven nonprofit while continually aligning operations with the core mission;
• Entrepreneurial tendencies with an ability to balance programmatic and commercial initiatives (including an understanding of management of marketing and retail aspects of running a business);
• Acuity and savviness in navigating the political complexities inherent in government;
• Demonstrated success reporting to, building, and supporting the work of a nonprofit board of directors;
• Cultural competence and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Excellent management ability; skilled in organizing, directing, motivating, evaluating, and supporting staff;
• Proven track record in fundraising, particularly major gift, foundation, and corporate funding, either as a nonprofit executive or volunteer;
• Ability to listen, to understand the needs of diverse audiences, and to apply these needs to the State Museum’s mission;
• Ability to quickly assimilate South Carolina cultural and historical context with an appreciation for the public impact of decisions affecting Museum;
• Deep understanding of the place in the community and taking an appropriate and active role in the development of the area surrounding the museum.

A Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree is preferred.

Potential candidates may apply by submitting a resume to pdeboer@dhrinternational.com.
All applications will be reviewed and responded to in a timely manner.
There is no closing date for applying; applications will be received
until the hiring announcement. Compensation will be commensurate with
experience.