Executive Director | Rockport, TX

Executive Director

Texas Maritime Museum

Position Description

Approved by the TMM Board of Trustees 12/21/2023

The Executive Director (ExDir) is responsible for directing, managing, and overseeing the operations of the Texas Maritime Museum (TMM) in accordance with the Vision, Mission, Goals, Plans, and Policies implemented by the TMM Board of Trustees (BOT) to ensure the highest standards of scholarship, curatorship, and ethics in line with and in adherence to principles of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and the  Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM).

Under the guidance and supervision of the BOT, the ExDir works in close partnership with the TMM Staff, volunteers, and supporters to direct and carry out the TMM’s mission, programs and operational strategies and to ensure the safety, security, and wellbeing of the facilities and persons involved with TMM operations.  The ExDir reports directly to the President and the Executive Committee of the BOT.

The ExDir represents the TMM in the community and in dealings with stakeholders, local and state agencies, local and regional community organizations, businesses, sponsors, donors, and others with an interest in the TMM’s programs and operations.

Primary responsibilities include:

1. Working with the BOT to articulate and advance the TMM’s Vision and Mission Statement.
2. Execution of TMM plans, policies, and directives.
3. Recommendations to the BOT relative to establishing, updating, and carrying out TMM programs and policies.
4. Establishing and maintaining an effective organizational structure for the Staff and partners to manage and operate the TMM.
5. Overseeing the daily and routine administrative and fiscal activities of the TMM Staff and operations.
6. Directing and overseeing the activities of the TMM curatorial, administrative, and operations staffs, managing Staffing policies, conducting periodic performance reviews, and initiating personnel actions when appropriate.
7. Working with the BOT, TMM Staff, and other stakeholders to define and implement long-term goals and strategies in order to fulfill the TMM’s Mission, ensure its financial stability, and guide its growth.
8. Overseeing activities necessary to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including those related to site and visitor safety and security.
9. Communicating openly with the BOT so that all parties are aware of pertinent operating issues, observed or potential problems, and needs.
10. Serving as the primary liaison between the BOT and the TMM Staff.
11. Working with the BOT and Staff on the development, implementation, and periodic evaluation of programs and services that support the TMM’s Mission and enhance its image, audience, and constituent support base, such as:
    1.  Marketing and promotional strategies
    2.  Educational programs and activities.
    3.  Public outreach activities and events.
    4.  Museum membership
    5.  Fundraising and grant program management
12. Representing the TMM by participating in museum, cultural, and business associations and serving on committees and advisory groups where the organizations’ interests have commonality with those of the TMM.
13. Working closely with the curatorial staff and working groups and related organizations in carrying out the TMM’s Vision, goals, and objectives. 
14. Working with the BOT and Staff to develop annual and quarterly budgets, ensure the effective and efficient management of the budget process and funding, provide timely assessments of operational finance issues, and administer financial control actions.
15. Serve as an ex officio member of the Standing Committees, and, when so tasked by the BOT, ad hoc committees.
16. Planning, directing, and coordinating special projects assigned by the BOT.
17. Coordinating periodic performance reviews with the BOT in accordance with the TMM’s established personnel management policies.

Nothing in this job description limits or restricts the right of the BOT, the President, or the Executive Committee to assign additional duties and responsibilities or to reassign same at any time.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications for the Executive Director (ExDir) of the Texas Maritime Museum (TMM) include:

1. Understanding of museum operations.
2. Familiarity with the roles and activities of the Texas Historical Commission.
3. Knowledge of Texas ports and waterways and past and current maritime activities.
4. Demonstrated strong management skills and experience.
5. Strong interpersonal skills.
6. Strong public relations and speaking skills and experience.
7. Strong writing skills.
8. Sound knowledge of and experience with non-profit corporations and Board of Directors’ roles and responsibilities for such organizations.
9. Experience with grant programs including grant applications and administration.
10. Working knowledge of the federal, state, and local agencies and organizations with an oversight role or potential assistance role in the TMM’s Missions and programs such as Texas Historical Commission, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Coast Guard.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

1. Commercial or military maritime industry experience.
2. Experience with maritime operations in Texas.
3. Established networks of communications with port and commercial maritime professionals in Texas and elsewhere.
4. Knowledge of commercial and military vessel design and construction practices.
5. Experience with historic vessels.
6. Experience with historic and maritime sites in Texas.
7. Facility management experience including safety and security requirements and practices.

Salary: 75k 

Start Date: Flexible. Before July 1, 2024