Posted: 11/26/2007
Level: Senior
Type: Permanent

The Ybor City Museum Society, Inc., established in 1982, is a nonprofit organization that serves as the official Citizen Support Organization (CSO) for the Ybor City Museum State Park. The Society’s mission is to preserve, promote and celebrate the unique cultural heritage of Ybor City while supporting the Ybor City Museum State Park. The Museum, which functions within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks, is located in one of three National Historic Landmark Districts in the state of Florida. Together, the Museum and Society serve as principal interpreters and conservators of Ybor City’s rich immigrant history and of the city’s former role as “Cigar Capital” of the world. The Museum’s collections serve to educate the public about the multi-cultural origins of the Ybor City district and the role the cigar industry played in the community’s development.

The Ybor City Museum, an adjacent house museum, the museum store, and a spacious garden comprise the site. The Museum, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as the main interpretive center; the house museum provides an historic interpretation of early immigrant family life.

The Society also maintains five historic “casitas” (ca 1920-1925), which have been renovated and leased for creative retail and hospitality services. Additionally, the Society oversees a Visitor Center located in a nearby commercial shopping complex.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Ybor City Museum Society (YCMS) and reports to a volunteer Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the general operation and growth of the nonprofit organization, including, but not limited to:
 Developing an annual $300K budget, establishing sound budgeting practices and administering programs within the budget;
 Developing and implementing strategic plans and programs while ensuring that general activities are carried out in collaboration with the YCMS Board;
 Administering the creation of exhibits, publications, presentations, tours and events related to the Society’s mission and implementing technology to educate, entertain and engage the public- including tourists, K-12 and post-secondary students- in such output;
 Leading the Board in fundraising by identifying potential funding sources and writing/ submitting grant proposals, planning and overseeing fundraising events, activities and sponsorships and promoting Museum memberships;
 Marketing the Museum, Museum Society activities and Ybor City community projects to raise the Society’s visibility and engage such stakeholders as Museum members, volunteers, state museum staff, historic district residents, merchants, educational institutions, local and state government entities, and other cultural and historic organizations and by serving as a spokesperson and liaison to community leaders.
 Reporting regularly to the Board, identify pertinent issues requiring Board attention and action; maintain positive relationships with State Park Service management and personnel; determine appropriate level of staffing through successful hiring, evaluation and oversight of staff; recruit and supervise volunteers; manage site, buildings and collections to ensure proper care and usage;
 Overseeing operation of Museum store with gross annual sales of $75K.
YCMS Staffing: Executive Director, Program Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, Financial Assistant, Museum Store Manager, Store clerks/cashiers; Volunteer Coordinator, Property Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s degree in American History, Museum Studies, Cultural Arts, Education, Business or related fields.
2. At least four (4) years experience in museum administration; curatorial; cultural or arts management; non-profit leadership; financial management or related fields.
3. Knowledge of heritage tourism, historic preservation standards and practices, Ybor City history, and immigration history.
4. Experience with strategic planning process, collaborative work with a board of directors or other society organization, and museum accreditation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Demonstrated passion for Ybor City culture and community engagement.
2. Demonstrated passion for previous work experiences as a “visionary” leader.
3. Advanced degrees or certifications; may substitute with related training, education, experience or credentials
4. Experience working with varied stakeholders, constituents and Board of Directors.

Salary $30,000-50,000 Commensurate with experience and education.

Applicants may submit their resume or inquiries to director@ybormuseum.org.

Deadline: January 2008 or until position is filled.