Executive Director | Waco, Texas

Executive Director of the Taylor Museum of Waco & McLennan County History


Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000
Deadline to Apply: September 1, 2026

Position Overview

The Executive Director of the Taylor Museum of Waco & McLennan County History serves as the chief executive officer of the organization. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership, ensures sound fiscal and operational management, oversees collections and programs, and advances the museum’s mission to preserve and share the life and history of Waco and McLennan County.

About the Museum

The Taylor Museum of Waco & McLennan County History was founded to honor Helen Marie Taylor’s passion for preservation and community and to interpret the story of Waco and McLennan County across time. Located in the former Barron Springs Elementary School at 701 Jefferson Avenue, the museum houses significant local and national artifacts and is currently undergoing a “Museum Reimagined” planning effort for its future.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Provide overall leadership, vision, and direction for the museum in alignment with its mission and strategic plan.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic goals, policies, and annual priorities, serving as an ex officio, non‑voting advisor to the board and its committees.
• Prepare and present regular reports on operations, finances, programs, and strategic initiatives to the Board and relevant committees.

Fiscal Management and Administration

• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget; ensure accurate financial reporting, cash‑flow oversight, and compliance with applicable laws and nonprofit best practices.
• Oversee day‑to‑day administrative functions including accounting coordination, payroll, insurance, risk management, and required filings for the museum’s charitable status.
• Serve as primary liaison with banks, investment managers, auditors, and external financial or legal advisors as needed.

Fundraising and Development

• Lead all development and fundraising activities, including annual giving, membership, special campaigns, major gifts, and special events.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and public funders; identify and pursue grant opportunities supporting operations, programs, and capital projects
• Coordinate with the Board on fundraising strategies and oversee donor recognition and fundraising communications.

Collections, Exhibitions, and Programs

• Ensure responsible stewardship of the museum’s collections related to Waco and McLennan County history, including conservation, documentation, storage, and appropriate access.
• Oversee the development, curation, and installation of exhibitions that interpret local history for diverse audiences and support the “Museum Reimagined” vision.
• Support the planning and delivery of educational programs, public lectures, tours, and community events that engage schools, residents, and visitors.

Operations, Facilities, and Compliance

• Manage daily operations of the museum, including visitor services (as public hours resume), safety, security, and adherence to museum standards.
• Oversee maintenance and improvement of the historic building and grounds, working with the Buildings & Grounds Committee, vendors, and contractors on repairs, capital projects, and long‑term preservation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, employment laws, and health and safety regulations, including policies related to collections care and public access.

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers; foster a collaborative and mission‑driven organizational culture.
• Develop clear roles, expectations, and professional development opportunities for staff and key volunteers supporting collections, programs, fundraising, and operations.
• Maintain up‑to‑date personnel policies and procedures in consultation with the Board and ensure consistent application.

Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary public spokesperson for the museum, representing it to media, partners, and the broader Waco and McLennan County community.
• Oversee marketing and communications, including website content, social media, enewsletters, press releases, and promotional materials for exhibitions and events.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community groups to position the museum as a key resource for local history.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in history, public history, museum studies, arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in museums, historic sites, cultural organizations, or nonprofit management, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation, including grants, individual giving, and special events.
• Strong financial management skills with experience in budgeting, reporting, and basic nonprofit accounting practices.
• Knowledge of or strong interest in the history and culture of Waco, McLennan County, and Central Texas, and ability to interpret that history sensitively and accurately to diverse audiences.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with board members, donors, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Proven organizational and project management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities in a small‑staff environment.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for historic preservation, local history, and community service.
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on, practical approach suited to a small museum setting.
• Integrity, transparency, and sound judgment in all aspects of leadership and decision‑making.
• Collaborative and flexible, able to work across disciplines from collections to facilities to fundraising

Work Environment and Schedule

• Full‑time, exempt position based at 701 Jefferson Avenue in Waco, Texas.
• Some evening and weekend work required for board meetings, programs, and special events.
• Reports directly to the Board of Directors (or Board President/Chair), with annual performance review by the Board.

• Resume
• Cover letter