The City of Mesa, Arizona, is seeking a new director for the Arizona Museum of Natural History after the retirement of long-time director Tom Wilson. The Director (City title: Museum Administrator) is a senior manager within the City’s Arts and Culture Department. This position leads the museum staff, setting programmatic, research and operational priorities, articulating and leading the implementation of vision and long-term strategies, and acting as the liaison to the AZMNH Foundation, a 501(c)3 support organization. AZMNH’s next director should be an experienced, visionary, creative and skilled leader, able to work with staff and volunteers to enhance the museum’s programs and facilities. Significant knowledge of anthropology/archeology, paleontology, natural history and museum practices are strongly desired, with an advanced degree in one of those fields at the master’s level required.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in senior museum management and municipal government, as well as fundraising and audience development. The City of Mesa seeks an innovative thought leader, an outgoing and articulate spokesperson, and a community-engaged advocate.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Classification Responsibilities: The Museum Administrator performs administrative work involving planning, developing, coordinating, and supervising the activities and facilities (example: museum buildings, historic home, and archaeological sites) of the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AZMNH), including: providing leadership for the Museum’s curatorial, educational, and preservation programs; overseeing the initiation and maintenance of exhibitions and management of research
programs in the fields of natural history and social sciences; overseeing the development of public programs, collections, educational, and promotional materials; and fundraising and special events, in the fields of natural history and social sciences.
Duties include: developing, administering, and monitoring the AZMNH’s annual budget; management, planning, and maintenance of Museum facilities (building maintenance, security, safety, etc.); developing short- and long-term museum program objectives; developing and implementing short- and long-range strategic planning, overseeing the administration of grants awarded to the AZMNH and associated programs; supervising professional-level subordinate supervisors and assigned support staff;
and acting as liaison between the AZMNH, Department of Arts and Culture staff, AZMNH Foundation, and community interest groups (example: Chamber of Commerce, Mesa Convention, and Tourism Bureau). This class performs related duties as required.
Distinguishing Features: This classification has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position. Supervision is received from the Arts Administrator, who reviews performance through conferences, reports, and results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt-executive.
QUALIFICATIONS
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree or higher in Museum Studies, Social Science, Natural History, or a closely related field. Extensive (5+ years) progressively responsible experience in the organization and management of a natural history, anthropology, and/or history museum, preferably in the public sector. Considerable (3 – 5 years) supervisory experience with both professional and support staff.
Special Requirements. None.
Substance Abuse Testing. None.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Supplemental coursework in management, business, or public administration is preferred.
SALARY: $80,882.83 – $113,027.20 Annually
For complete details, go to https://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4733.pdf
Please attach cover letter and resume to your application.