The Yamhill County Historical Society is growing, and we are seeking an Executive Director! This opportunity allows for the perfect candidate to build a team and processes that will take YCHS into the future.

YCHS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational and public service organization, founded in 1957, and engaged to protect, preserve and share the history and heritage of Yamhill County. We are a museum focused on agricultural history, with living history programs, two paid staff, and a large group of passionate volunteers. After an Executive Director is hired, plans are to expand staffing in the future. Construction of a Collections Facility and additional buildings in the village are also planned.

The 17-acre Yamhill Valley Heritage Center owned by YCHS includes more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing agriculture and industry, thousands of objects in the permanent collection, a research library, and pioneer village consisting of a sawmill, blacksmith shop, and an original 1880s one-room schoolhouse. YCHS also owns a pioneer cemetery outside of Lafayette. Major events include family-focused activities sharing agriculture and area history with the community.

About McMinnville, Oregon
From wine to UFOs to charming historic downtown, McMinnville is a beautiful area in Yamhill County, Oregon. Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Portland, with a population of 33,000, McMinnville is home to Linfield University, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum housing Howard Huges’ Spruce Goose flying machine, and over 100 wineries and vineyards within a 30-mile radius. While becoming a renowned wine and food destination, it is also known for its quirky UFO Festival and other family-oriented community events.

To learn more about the community, please check out these websites:

www.mcminnville.org
www.co.yamhill.or.us
www.mcminnvilleoregon.gov
www.visitmcminnville.com
www.downtownmcminnville.com

Job Title: Executive Director (ED)
Employment Terms: Full-time, salaried with benefits
Compensation: $75,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience

The Yamhill County Historical Society, in McMinnville, Oregon, seeks a self-motivated, forward-thinking, hands-on museum executive with strong curatorial and management skills, proven development experience, and a solid fiscal background, to provide leadership and direction.

The ideal candidate will:

• provide institutional leadership
• work well with the Board and others
• plan, organize, and direct museum activities
• share responsibility with the Board for policymaking and funding
• direct personnel and financial management
• be responsible for professional practices.

The ED will report to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives, including the operation of the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center.

This position is responsible for (but not limited to) the following:

LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC PLANNING & FINANCIAL

• Work with the Board of Directors (BOD) to provide the organization with a vision and leadership focused on growth and development
• Help lead a strategic planning process that includes the development of a Master Plan for the Heritage Center
• Fulfill the Society’s mission by developing focused strategies and initiatives
• Fiscal management including operational and capital budgets and completion of annual plans
• Solicit public and private support, grow membership, cultivate gifts and bequests, secure resources, annual giving, etc.
• Serve as ex-officio member of the BOD, the Executive Committee, all standing and ad hoc committees and attend all meetings as needed

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS

• Expand revenue-generating/fundraising activities to support existing program operations and expansion
• Enhance the current communications program and develop the brand
• Oversee media relations and all aspects of marketing
• Serve as the primary spokesperson/advocate for the organization to the community, professional, governmental, civic, and private agencies
• Enhance the organization’s public image to expand interest and support

MUSEUM FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES

• Oversee building maintenance (upkeep, repair, cleaning, security, etc.)
• Oversee and direct all activities, including all special events and fundraising activities
• Direct curatorial care, conservation, exhibition and interpretation of YCHS collections in accordance with the highest professional and ethical standards

STAFFING & VOLUNTEERS

• Supervise directly: Office & Volunteer Coordinator, Program & Event Manager, Bookkeeper, Committee Chairs, and other positions (includes hiring, training, goal setting and performance review and termination)
• Design and develop additional needed staff positions to present to the BOD for approval
• Engage and energize YCHS volunteers, board members, event committees, donors, partner organizations and funders

OTHER
Other responsibilities as assigned by the Board

• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning
• Developing and managing museums and museum budgets
• Legalities and ethical standards of managing a museum collection in accordance with American Alliance of Museum Standards
• Knowledge of current accession/de-accession policies and collections care and conservation practices
• Planning, developing and installing museum exhibitions
• Successful record of fundraising for programs, capital improvements or general operations
• Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Computer skills to manage museum facilities, collections management and donor databases
• Superior oral and written communication skills, negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational, planning, goal setting and project management skills
• Confidence in public speaking and professionally representing YCHS in public and private forums
• Ability to work with BOD, volunteers, colleagues, government officials, and others
• Successful record of networking, fundraising, and grant acquisition
• Project management

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in museum studies, history, anthropology, or closely related degree with emphasis on museum education from an accredited university
• Preference will be given to candidates with a Masters degree in Museum Studies or related field, and who show progressive levels of responsibility in their work history
• At least three years of experience working in a museum and two years’ museum management responsibility; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Experience in supervision, budgeting, curatorial processes, and Past Perfect software is desirable

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Available to work a flexible schedule to accommodate after-hour programs and weekend events
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Capable of operating a computer and databases
• On-call for security system monitoring

Job Description, YCHS Employee Handbook; YCHS Conflict of Interest policy, AAM Museum Code of Ethics

Email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to [email protected].

References will not be contacted without the explicit approval of the candidate.

The position is open until filled.

For full consideration, apply by May 15, 2023.

The successful candidate will be required to pass a drug screen and background check and have a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

For questions or additional information, please email the Search Committee.