Employment & Internship Opportunities

Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center is a vibrant, growing organization – and a great place to work! Current job openings are listed below.

 

Executive Director

About the Organization

Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center (KTM&HC) is a beautiful four-acre historic site and history museum located on Ridgefield, Connecticut’s scenic Main Street. Widely recognized for its thoughtful interpretation of local, site-specific history from the eighteenth through early-twentieth centuries, KTM&HC engages audiences in critical thinking by connecting to larger themes in U.S. history as well as contemporary issues.

Anchoring the southern edge of Ridgefield’s Cultural District and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, KTM&HC benefits from strong community relationships and acts as an economic driver for the region, drawing about 10,000 visitors annually. Its school programs serve more than 2,000 students annually, and its exhibitions, public programs, and community events attract robust local and regional audiences.

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Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization, shaping and executing KTM&HC’s strategic vision in consultation with the Board of Directors. The ED ensures that the organization’s financial, operational, administrative, and strategic infrastructure provides a solid foundation for KTM&HC to continue delivering on its important mission. This position reports to KTM&HC’s Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate is a visionary and engaging leader with a deep passion for museums and history, possessing a strong background in nonprofit administration and a proven record in fundraising and development.

The ED must be collaborative and capable of building relationships built on trust and respect with staff, donors, community leaders, and the Board. This person will demonstrate proven success in managing and inspiring cross-functional teams, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and maintaining a positive, collaborative, and transparent organizational culture.

The ED will work with the Board and a seasoned professional staff to refine and execute an existing five-year strategic plan. Leading development efforts, fundraising, grant writing, and capital campaigns, the ED will ensure the museum’s fiscal health through sound budgeting, oversight, and reporting, demonstrating financial fluency and deep knowledge of fiduciary obligations.

The ED will serve as a thought leader and advocate for history relevance on both a local and national level, expanding KTM&HC’s visibility and reach. This leader will represent KTM&HC in the broader community, cultivating partnerships with peer organizations, civic groups, and the tourism sector.

 

Key Priorities

  • Financial Stability and Growth: Stabilize finances and significantly increase earned and contributed revenue. Help close budget gaps by identifying ways to reduce expenses.
  • Organizational Alignment and Trust: Build and sustain strong trust, respect, and transparency with staff and the Board of Directors.
  • External Relations and Engagement: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, strategic partners, funders, and major donors.
  • Strategic Planning: Work with the Board and staff leadership to ensure implementation of existing five-year strategic plan and refine and update as needed.

 

Read the Complete Job Description

 

Experience, Attributes, and Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for successful performance. Typical qualifications include:

  • Three to five years of senior leadership or executive experience in a nonprofit cultural or educational organization (or similar institution), including Board relations, nonprofit governance best practices, and committee engagement.
  • Successful experience overseeing and managing the administrative, financial, and operational responsibilities of a museum, nonprofit, or similar organization
  • Extensive fundraising experience, including success with major donors, grants, and sponsorships.
  • A warm, diplomatic, and collaborative leadership style, with a history of fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team and with a diverse group of individuals.
  • The ability to influence key stakeholders, negotiate outcomes, maintain composure under stressful situations, and engage in self-evaluation for professional growth.
  • Ability to approach issues and problems with flexibility and unique approaches, openness to different perspectives, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and conflicting constraints.
  • Deep passion for history and a strong commitment to the museum’s mission.
  • Advanced degree in history, museum studies, business administration, or related fields.

 

Terms of Employment & Compensation

Work Location: In person at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut

Job Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday. Weekends and evenings as needed

Annual Salary: $75,000 – $90,000

 

How to Apply

To apply for the Executive Director position, please submit:

  • A cover letter expressing interest in the position and giving brief examples of past related experience.
  • A résumé with a summary of accomplishments.
  • The names and contact information for three professional references

Please submit complete applications to jobs@keelertavernmuseum.org.

 

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