EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of COVE

JOB DESCRIPTION

The USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, Inc., (Battleship Cove) is looking for an energetic and dynamic Executive Director to take the organization on its continuing journey of development.

Home to the largest collection of historic US naval ships in the world, Battleship Cove has the honor of hosting 5 National Historic Landmarks and is the official war memorial for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for World War 2 and subsequent conflicts.

It seeks to provide excellence to the public with an educational experience to honor patriotism and country.

The Executive Director will be a skillful networker and influencer in the wider community, at state and local political levels. They will lead the fundraising effort with the Board through a challenging fiscal environment, plus the management and direction of Battleship Cove which comprises of the BC campus itself, the Marine Museum at Fall River and the Fall River Carousel.

The Executive Director reports and is responsible to the Board of Directors and works closely with them.

The Executive Director must have a proven track record in fundraising through grants, private donations and other sources. They will be responsible for developing and moving forward with the planned America’s Fleet Museum and its associated foundation to elevate Battleship Cove to a national and international stage.

They must have excellent project management skills especially with a multi- million dollar pier replacement project a real possibility in the short term and refined skills in dealing with the media and public relations.

The Executive Director will manage day to day operations with the senior team and provides excellent leadership and vision to carry the organization forward. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors, helping with board development and recruitment for this exciting new phase in the organization’s history.

Person Specification

Candidates must have:

• A degree in business/museum management or equivalent • Five years of experience in a senior management position in a non-profit environment • A successful track record in strategic and operational planning, fundraising, cross-departmental oversight, financial management and administration. • Financial management and budget holding experience • Ability to prospect, cultivate, and manage new donors • Ability to connect with all donors and develop long-term institutional relationships • A proven ability to analyze, strategize and put in place clear ideas and actions, as well as the capacity to work collaboratively with a tight-knit professional team is important • Strong and clear leadership skills with the ability to inspire staff, volunteers and stakeholders alike

Preferred:

• Experience in the museum world or the arts and a keen interest in maritime history an advantage • A working knowledge and experience of quality museum education programs • A working knowledge of military etiquette, courtesies, customs and ceremonies is desirable • Strong verbal and written communications skills

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director leads the fundraising, management and direction of Battleship Cove (BC) and its constituent parts. BC comprises the BC campus, the Marine Museum at Fall River and the Fall River Carousel.

The Executive Director reports and is responsible to the Board of Directors of the USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, Inc.

Battleship Cove houses the largest collection of historic US naval ships in the world and is home to 5 National Historic Landmarks.

The Executive Director is responsible for the good management and strategic direction of BC as well as the day to day operation of the site. The Executive Director provides leadership to the team and that of the Marine Museum.

The Executive Director leads the charge on fundraising and forward development with the Board of Directors and works closely with the (new) America’s Fleet Foundation.

Strategic Direction

The Executive Director moves forward the vision and goals of the organization as presented and approved by the Board of Directors and articulated in the strategic plan.

Fundraising

In addition, the Executive Director will identify sources of funding through grants and donations for operations (the top priority) and capacity building, as an essential task together with the building of a development and fundraising infrastructure.

The organization has aspirations to move Battleship Cove to a national and international stage as a premier museum with a formidable collection of national significance. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to move forward with the ambition to create a home for a new museum building to be known as America’s Fleet Museum. The Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors to build the associated America’s Fleet Foundation and its Board.

Financial Management

The Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of the financial management of the organization and works closely with the Director of Finance. The Executive Director is responsible for all financial management and reporting.

Operations

The Executive Director oversees the day to day operations of the site and its exhibits, the Marine Museum (under the management of its Director) and the Fall River Carousel.

Marine Museum

The Executive Director will continue to cement the relationship between the two organizations and their further integration.

Tourism

As a major museum and economic driver in the area, demonstrable skills and knowledge of the tourism industry and the dynamic of the Region is essential. The post holder will be expected to interact with tourism agencies at all levels and engage with local groups such as the Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors’ Bureau.”

Partnerships and Interactions

The Executive Director will be skilled in forming and maintaining partnerships such as those with the legislative delegation, tourism and attraction entities, to volunteers and local business organizations as an example.

Project Management

There will be major projects heading our way at the Marine Museum and Battleship Cove such as the installation of an elevator and the $6.8 million rebuild of our dock and moorings which now seem likely. The Executive Director will have a sound knowledge of project management and leadership skills in this demanding area of activity.

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with education, experience and qualifications. There is an attractive package of benefits with comparable positions in the geographical area.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume by Friday, 15th July 2016. However the position will remain open until filled.

This job description and person specification can be accessed on the following link to the organization’s website at www.battleshipcove.org/current-job-openings

Questions can be addressed to Ms Sue Couitt at [email protected] 1-508 678 1100 ext 101

Completed application packages should be sent to the following secure email: [email protected]

The USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, Inc. is an equal opportunities employer and encourages minorities and veterans to apply.