Executive Director, Lexington historical Society, Lexington, MA

Posted March 4, 2025

Description

Founded in 1886, Lexington Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and
sharing the history of Lexington, Massachusetts, site of the first shot of the American
Revolution. The Society (soon to be known as Lexington History Museums) is a vibrant
non-profit organization that manages three historic house museums, the Old Belfry, and
a soon-to-be opened Depot Museum. (For more information about the Society, please
visit: https://www.lexingtonhistory.org.) We are the stewards of important collections and
archives spanning three centuries of Lexington history and offer year-round
programming to the community. We recently underwent a number of changes – a name
and logo change, the opening of the Depot, and a successful capital campaign – and,
on the 250 th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, are looking forward to the future.
The Society seeks an experienced Executive Director to oversee six year-round full-
time and part-time staff members, thirty seasonal employees, many volunteers, and
hands-on volunteer committees. The Executive Director will be responsible for leading
the organization as it transitions into its exciting next phase. The Executive Director is
appointed by and reports to the Board of Directors of Lexington Historical Society and
works closely with the Board to advance the Society’s mission. This includes enhancing
its financial sustainability, caring for and promoting its collections, and elevating its
impact in our community and beyond through creative marketing, robust and interactive
exhibitions, and innovative programming.

Responsibilities

Management/leadership: Responsibilities include leading staff and managing our
historic properties. The Executive Director should be familiar with oversight of
collections, programming, exhibitions, and interpretation in support of staff
activities.

Communication: Responsibilities include communicating with staff, who hold
diverse positions and have diverse specialties within the organization; serving as
a bridge between staff and the Board of Directors; identifying and engaging with
donors; and working with town governmental entities and private organizations
and the community at large.

Financial management: The Executive Director will be responsible for creating a
budget and then overseeing spending in accord with that budget. This will be done in concert with our investment advisor, accountant, treasurer, and finance committee.

Fundraising: Responsibilities include maintaining and growing membership and
securing donations. The Executive Director will also assist with marketing and
outreach and participate in grant procurement and administration.

Vision: Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be
expected to develop and implement a strategic plan that will reflect a vision for
the next five years of growth for the Society.

Qualifications

At least a Bachelor’s degree in museum administration or management, public
history, or a related field with a Master’s degree preferred;

Seven to ten years of relevant experience in management and staff supervision
in an historical or similar non-profit organization;

Strong knowledge of museum best practices;

Excellent oral and written communication skills;

Proven track-record in fundraising and grant-writing;

Demonstrated skill in day-to-day operations of non-profit administration, including
financial and personnel management, and historical properties oversight.

Compensation

This is a full-time, year-round position. Annual salary is between $75,000 and $85,000,
commensurate with qualifications and prior experience. Medical benefits and generous
vacation and sick time are provided.
Lexington Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to
creating an inclusive environment. Applicants must be able to perform the essential job
functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be
determined by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter describing your relevant experiences, résumé, and three
professional references to Marian Cohen, Chair, Search Committee,
[email protected] by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.