Employment Opportunity
 
Museum Director
The Whale Museum
Friday Harbor, WA USA
 
POSITION: Museum Director. Full-time position starting at $36-$40,000 per year dependent upon applicant qualifications.
 
The Whale Museum is a 27-year-old 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State, USA. The Museum employs a staff of ten (+/- 4).
 
The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The Museum is housed in a 114-year-old historic building containing a natural history exhibit hall, store, gallery, public meeting space and administrative offices. Research focuses on supporting critically needed scientific information about whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem that can be used in efforts to restore whale species and preserve ecosystem diversity in the region. Through education The Whale Museum strives to increase public knowledge about whales, other marine species and the ecological processes that support them, in order to promote more responsible environmental stewardship practices. These educational goals are achieved through the presentation of artifacts and exhibits in the Museum, special programs for K-12 and adults, and by educationally engaging the public in the wildlife environments of the San Juan Islands; at parks, along the shorelines, and out on the water.
 
The “Museum Director” is accountable for the sound operations of The Whale Museum and is responsible to the Board of Directors. Qualified candidates have a college degree, preferably an advanced degree, and must demonstrate skills in the following areas:
 

• Fiscal Management
• Fundraising
• Human Resource Management
• Working with and the development of a Board of Directors
• Facility Management
• Non-profit Management

 
The Director works with staff members in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the Museum that have been developed by both board members and staff members. The Director provides the necessary information for both board and staff to make proper decisions as the lead in long-range planning and its implementation. The Director must keep a close watch on fiscal operations and be able to make decisions to ensure fiscal resiliency of the organization. The Director must work well with people and provide the motivation needed to inspire contributors to support the organization in accomplishing its mission.
 
To apply please include a resume or c.v., contact information for at least three references, and a cover letter that explains: 1) why you think you are the right person to lead The Whale Museum into its third decade, and 2) how you propose to live in or commute to San Juan Island if you are accepted for this position.
 
The Whale Museum does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin, and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
 
Mail your materials to: Attn. Mary Blevins, The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or email attachments to <mary@whalemuseum.org>. Letters of intent and resumes will be accepted through September 15, 2006.
 
For more information contact Mary Blevins, 360-378-4710 ext. 29 or email <mary@whalemuseum.org>.