THC Museum Director, Iwo Jima Monument and Museum (Director I) 25-43 (Harlingen)

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Iwo Jima Monument and Museum is managed through a joint public-private partnership between the Marine Military Academy (MMA) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC), as established by an Operating Agreement. Under this agreement, MMA handles site operations and visitor services, while the THC's Museum Director ensures that museum standards, policies, and procedures are maintained. The Director also oversees major interpretive and exhibit development projects, advises on business and program development, and safeguards the museum's assets. The Director will work with national and regional cultural institutions to enhance the museum's exposure and reputation. This position reports to both the THC and the MMA Board and involves providing strategic direction and guidance for the museum's operations.

Work involves directing museum operational staff; providing leadership in management; and directing and participating in programming, fundraising, marketing, development of strategic vision, collection stewardship, general business management, and state funding financial management. Responsible for providing museum business knowledge as well as standards and guidance while maintaining clear, open, and timely communication with and between both organizations. May train others. Work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. At the direction of the Commission, in consultation with the MMA, the position will work in alignment with the agency’s mission, lead interpretive and exhibit development, and provide day-to-day museum operational management, oversight and direction of daily operations and administration. This position will report to the Executive Director and Chairman of the Marine Military Academy.
2. Support the MMA’s day-to-day operation of the Museum under the direction of the THC’s Executive Director and MMA Chairman. Provide required reports to both the MMA and THC.
3. Assess as needed the museum operational performance to ensure appropriate assignment and best utilization of available staff to provide the best visitor service. Report to the Executive Director and Chairman of the MMA on any issues and concerns. Annually evaluate operational performance. Identify mentoring, coaching, and training opportunities for staff and make appropriate recommendations to management for consideration. Provide recommendations on staffing needs and organization structure to management.
4. Work with Archives & Library, Collections & Exhibits, Education, Facilities & Maintenance, Visitor & Volunteer Services, and IT staff on all program, exhibit, business, and development plans for the Iwo Jima Monument and Museum for Commission and MMA Board approvals.
5. Communicate issues, opportunities, agency planning needs and initiatives to the MMA and Historic Sites management in a timely and effective way. Ensure effective communication and cooperation between the MMA and THC staff is scheduled onsite.
6. Work with the city of Harlingen, trails region, and other Historic Sites to tie it into a comprehensive and dynamic visitor experience.
7. Plan, assign and oversee the work of Iwo Jima Monument and Museum employees.
8. Establish goals and objectives; develop and approve schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and manage evaluation activities.
9. Maintain a productive, team-oriented work atmosphere by staying involved in the daily functions of the Commission’s Historic Sites’ Austin Headquarters. Communicate with dignity and respect and set a good personal example for the staff to develop professionally.
10. Attend MMA Board meetings and THC Commission meetings and provide status reports as required.
11. Interact and coordinate projects with Commission and MMA Board of Trustees.
12. Coordinate with MMA on board meetings and its needs.
13. Coordinate with the MMA Board of Trustees in efforts to raise funds to support projects and programs.
14. Oversee recruiting, hiring, training, performance evaluation and plans of museum staff.
15. Develop and implement techniques for evaluating program activities.
16. Provide direction, guidance, and assistance in program area(s).
17. Identify the need to revise program area(s).
18. Recommend changes in the allocation of funds and personnel, as appropriate, to meet long-range program needs and to implement the priorities.
19. Assist staff in their day-to-day operations. Address programmatic issues as they arise.
20. Review and as necessary develop guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations for Commission and/or MMA Board approval and monitor compliance.
21. Plan, develop, implement, coordinate, monitor and evaluate policies and procedures.
22. Develop, review, and monitor the budget determined by the Commission and Board of Trustees.
23. Represent the Commission and MMA at meetings, conferences, and seminars. Collaborate with and play an active role with local, regional, and national affinity organizations (including the Texas Association of Museums, Smithsonian Affiliates and American Alliance of Museums).
24. Work with the THC’s Communication Division to develop innovative strategies for marketing to increase public awareness of division programs, including events, publications, and social media.
25. Work with the Historic Sites Chief Architect on facility construction and maintenance projects and monitor compliance with state fiscal rules and requirements.
26. Work with Historic Sites’ Chief of Interpretation on exhibit and interpretive needs.
27. Adhere to established work schedules.
28. Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: (The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business, museum studies, education, history, communications, or a closely related field;
2. Minimum five years’ work experience in planning and managing complex museum exhibit and interpretive projects and/or programs;
3. Experience involving museum construction or renovation;
4. Experience in establishing and managing capital campaigns or fundraisers;
5. Demonstrated work experience in supervising or leading a team to successfully achieve results, including experience establishing organizational and employee goals and expectations;
6. Experience conducting employee coaching and counseling, and managing operational and employee performance;
7. Experience making presentations to groups, communities, and executive level staff;
8. Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record and ability to drive a State and/or MMA vehicle; and
9. Required to travel up to 10% of the work period.

PREFER:

1. Experience with administrative best practices (for cultural institutions) including Human Resources, procurement, and project management;
2. Experience managing a major cultural facility upgrade and expansion;
3. Knowledge in interpretive and exhibit means and methods;
4. Well-connected in the cultural institutional professional environment;
5. Experience in management and building an effective operational environment; and
6. Knowledge and experience in the Texas cultural and philanthropic environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Excellent leadership, management, and strategic planning skills;
2. Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, interpersonal and organizational skills;
3. Effective critical thinking skills;
4. Knowledge of Texas WW II History and related topics;
5. Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;
6. Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software;
7. Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with the MMA Board of Directors and with THC staff and representatives from outside entities;
8. Ability to manage situations with sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy;
9. Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support commission initiatives;
10. Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions;
11. Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;
12. Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
13. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
14. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
15. Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
16. Ability to plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
17. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
18. Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:
Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and complete a Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate a state and/or MMA vehicle.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: The workplace setting is a cultural institution, in an office and in outdoor settings at times where there is exposure to high temperatures, weather, dust, insects and pollution. This employee typically works irregular hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. This position may involve walking; standing;