Executive Director, New England Museum Association (Arlington)
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) is a dynamic and visible leader who guides the New England Museum Association (NEMA) in advancing its mission and shaping the future of the museum field across New England. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED serves as the organization’s chief ambassador—building powerful connections among museum professionals, institutions, and allies, and championing the value of museums with civic leaders regionally and nationally. This role blends vision and action: setting strategic direction, driving fundraising and engagement, and inspiring and mentoring a small but dedicated team. The ED has a unique opportunity to elevate NEMA’s voice, expand its impact, and help define what’s next for museums in the region and beyond.
NEMA’S Legacy
Founded in 1918, NEMA emerged during a pivotal moment in the professionalization of the museum field, when regional collaboration became essential to advancing shared standards, learning, and public engagement. Over more than a century, NEMA has grown into a vibrant network connecting thousands of museum professionals and institutions across the six New England states. Through its long-standing commitment to convening colleagues, sharing best practices, and advocating for the value of museums in society, NEMA has played a central role in strengthening the region’s cultural landscape while continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the field.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and External Relations
Serve as the face and primary spokesperson representing NEMA’s mission, vision, and values, to the general public and to civic leaders regionally and nationally.
Work with the Board to set the scope and focus of content and work annually to serve NEMA’s mission, meeting benchmarks in NEMA’s Strategic Plan.
Maintain a visible presence across the region. NEMA provides travel reimbursement consistent with standard organizational practices to support this work.
Engage with a wide variety of partners, including members, funders, donors, and community groups, to build meaningful partnerships and cultivate a stronger museum field.
Serve as a liaison with the American Alliance of Museums, the Council of Regional Associations, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the American Association for State and Local History and others, participating in conferences and meetings as needed.
Oversee all marketing and communications for NEMA and propose innovative strategies to strengthen the organization’s brand.
Act as a thought leader in the field, addressing needs, risks, and opportunities facing New England’s museums.
Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
Develop a comprehensive revenue strategy, increasing contributions through membership, fundraising, corporate partnerships, grant writing, and new income streams to ensure financial stability.
Achieve operational stability through disciplined budgeting, cost management, and financial oversight, prioritizing salary equity and growth for staff members.
Develop a long-term plan to continue building reserves and, over time, an investment portfolio to support sustainability, in collaboration with the Finance Committee.
Communicate financial realities clearly and transparently to the Board and stakeholders.
Membership and Program Oversight
Develop strategies to ensure the growth and satisfaction of the membership base.
Collaborate with Board Committees and staff to develop programs and services, and with the Board of Directors on long-range goals and strategic objectives.
Lead development of the annual conference in collaboration with staff, ensuring it generates significant income, provides meaningful engagement and impact for the museum field, and meets the expectations of vendors, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
Ensure that high-value, high-quality programs, membership benefits, and services are consistently offered.
Assess the current set of publications and collaborate with the team to thoughtfully strengthen NEMA’s leadership, with a focus on elevating key ideas and insights as output grows.
Organizational Management and Board Governance
Hire, supervise, and mentor all staff and contractors, conducting regular performance reviews, leading with clarity and accountability, and supporting staff in their professional growth.
Continue to foster a workplace culture that values openness, shared responsibility, transparency, and trust.
Develop the annual operating budget in collaboration with staff and the Board Finance Committee.
Oversee capital budget requests for Board approval and ensure accuracy and transparency in NEMA’s bookkeeping and accounting practices.
Negotiate contracts, administer grant funds, arrange and oversee an independent audit, ensure proper use of NEMA’s real property, and orchestrate NEMA’s digital growth and effectiveness.
Provide leadership at Board meetings in partnership with the Board President; prepare meeting agendas and reports on NEMA’s strategic plan, membership programs, and finances.
Take a leadership role in managing Board and staff records and policies to ensure they are transparent and accessible.
Partner with the Board to ensure best practices in nonprofit governance, maintain organizational transparency, and support Board recruitment and orientation.
Traits and Characteristics
The ED will be an inspiring, authentic leader who demonstrates strong communication and relationship-building skills. Their leadership will be rooted in empathy, integrity, and emotional intelligence, demonstrated through active listening and the ability to synthesize ideas meaningfully. They will be passionate about the essential role New England museums and their allies play in society, and knowledgeable and articulate about the challenges and opportunities facing the field. Collaborative and versatile, the ED will create an inclusive and welcoming environment for NEMA staff and members, building bridges across institutions and disciplines. They will be creative and adaptable, willing to roll up their sleeves and take on tasks large and small to support the team and the organization.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Senior leadership and supervisory experience, strong managerial skills, and familiarity working with boards.
Demonstrated fiscal accountability and a track record of nonprofit fundraising success.
Experience working in a small organization, or prior work experience that demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and problem solving skills with limited resources.
Familiarity with New England’s diverse landscape and a strong understanding of the museum field.
Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to travel extensively across the region; valid driver’s license required.
Preferred Qualifications
Recognized leadership in the museum or cultural sector, with the ability to shape regional or national conversations.
Strong connections within the New England cultural landscape and philanthropic community.
Proven success driving strategic growth, fundraising, and organizational sustainability.
Ability to elevate visibility through partnerships, storytelling, and public engagement.
Commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams and advancing DEAI principles.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
NA
Salary
$90,000.00 / yearClosing Date
6/21/26
How to Apply
To indicate your interest, please submit a cover letter and resume to resumes@nemanet.org. In your cover letter, please tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your past experiences have prepared you for this role.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 21, 2026, though applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
For questions or general inquiries about this opportunity, please contact: resumes@nemanet.org.
Posted
2026-06-12 | Quick link to this job