Executive Director

The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS), a museum and research center located in Washington, CT, seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization, providing vision and effective leadership to accomplish the mission and strategic goals of the organization and implement the initiatives approved by the Board of Trustees.  Founded in 1975 as the American Indian Archaeological Institute, IAIS preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality and knowledge of Native American cultures.  IAIS is not tribally affiliated; it is committed to honoring and celebrating vibrant Indigenous lifeways of the Eastern Woodland tribes with exhibits tracing more than 12,000 years of their history.  The Executive Director is the face of the Institute in the community, region and state and among our Indigenous colleagues and constituents as well as our donors, members, and supporters.

Position Responsibilities:

• In partnership with the Board of Trustees, meet aggressive annual fundraising goals; secure financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors, government agencies and other funding sources.
• Manage strategic and operational planning, including all financial and accounting activity, to ensure the financial health of IAIS.
• Ensure proper security and care of IAIS collections, adhering to best practices as established by museum professionals and organizations.
• Manage all IAIS programs and activities to achieve and maintain financial sustainability.
• Build respect and brand recognition for the Institute among its Indigenous constituency as well as among non-Indigenous constituencies.
• Lead staff in maintaining a climate of excellence, accountability and respect.
• Collaborate and communicate with the Board of Trustees and the staff to develop strategies for achieving mission goals and financial viability.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to manage non-profit entities to the highest standards of excellence in museum administration.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in the areas of fundraising, membership growth, program development and public relations.
• Sound knowledge of financial statements and the capability of financial management systems.
• Proficiency in public relations and public speaking. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong information technology literacy skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal relations skills. Demonstrated ability to respond to and work effectively and collegially with multiple constituencies on a local, regional and statewide level.
• Extensive knowledge of Native American culture and history.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in an appropriately related field
• Minimum of five years directly related experience managing a non-profit educational institution, or, a combination of education, training and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position’s essential functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 years direct experience in fund development or large donor fundraising.
• Master’s Degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Anthropology, or Archaeology with a focus on Native American cultures.

Application and Inquiries:

Submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of relevant accomplishments to [email protected].  Include salary expectations in your cover letter.  Please send questions or general inquiries to the same email address.  For the detailed Job Description, visit the website: www.iaismuseum.org.