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Executive Director, Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

College of Charleston: Human Resources
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Executive Director, Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

Posting Details

POSTING INFORMATION

Internal Title

Executive Director, Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

Position Type

Classified

Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration

Non-Faculty

Pay Band

7

Level

5

Department

School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Admin

Job Purpose

The Museum Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive responsible for the overall leadership, operations, community engagement, and fundraising for the Museum.

The ED aligns with the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) at the College of Charleston and will report to the SNES dean. The ED will execute the vision and mission of the museum. The ED will be responsible for directing the operations, growth and development of the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. The ED will also work closely with Institutional Advancement (IA), SNES leadership, the curator, museum staff, and Museum Advisory Board to identify key priorities and donor prospects for the Museum. In coordination with IA, the ED will build strategies for annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, sponsorships, grants and other fundraising initiatives. The ED will develop and manage key donor relationships to secure and grow gift commitments for the Museum.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of related experience in higher education, museum, nonprofit and/or development roles that demonstrate leadership and accomplishment in fundraising. A degree in nonprofit management, communications, museum studies or a related field is preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are required, as is the ability to engage effectively with donors, advisory board members, faculty and staff. Candidates must have excellent organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet deadlines; ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a positive and collaborative attitude; and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and other relevant software. Preference will be given to individuals who exhibit characteristics of a successful fundraiser: disciplined; intellectually and socially curious; entrepreneurial; confident; versatile; strategic; perceptive.

Additional Comments Regarding Position

Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends. Occasional overnight travel required.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

 

*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

 

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

 

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu.

Salary

*$68,801 - $75,000

Posting Date

12/12/2025

Closing Date

01/15/2026

Benefits

  • Insurance: Health/Dental/Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Leave: Sick/Annual/Parental
  • Retirement
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid Holidays
  • Free CARTA Bus Service
  • Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Full Benefits Package – Click Here

Open Until Filled

No

Posting Number

2025162

EEO Statement

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.

Quicklink for Posting

https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/17435

Job Duties

Job Duties

Activity

Museum Operations and Development

  • Provide visionary leadership to guide the museum’s growth and sustainability.
  • Direct the daily operations of the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience and effective management of museum staff and volunteers. 
  • Work with the Museum Advisory Board to develop and implement strategic plans including the mission, vision, and purpose statements.
  • Work with the SNES dean and the museum curator, in consultation with the Museum Advisory Board, to manage the museum’s budget and quasi-endowment, including financial planning, resource allocation and expense tracking. Set and track progress towards goals for gift shop revenue and collections expansions.  
  • Collaborate with the Museum Advisory Board, SNES leadership and museum staff to identify and prioritize museum needs and goals and develop and implement strategies to enhance the museum’s exhibits, programs and educational outreach.
  • In coordination with the faculty curator, manage staff to oversee the maintenance and preservation of museum collections, ensuring compliance with best practices and standards.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting professional development and growth for museum staff.
  • Promote the museum’s mission and values internally and externally.  

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

40

 

Activity

Advisory Board Liaison and Fundraising

  • Manage all communications and logistics for Museum Advisory Board members, including meeting announcements, agendas, materials, minutes, and speakers; travel arrangements; board bylaws; new board member packets; and newsletters.
  • Assist with the identification and recruitment of potential new board members.
  • Partner with the Museum Advisory Board and SNES leadership to identify museum funding priorities and create comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
  • Develop and implement strategies to build the museum quasi-endowment through annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, sponsorships, grants and other fundraising initiatives.
  • Prepare personalized donor proposals, presentations and communications to secure contributions.
  • Cultivate corporate partnerships and sponsorships, focusing on mutually beneficial relationships and securing financial support for special exhibits and events.
  • Write compelling grant proposals and reports to secure funding for exhibits, programs and operations.
  • Develop donor stewardship plans, ensuring consistent engagement, recognition and acknowledgment of gifts.
  • Organize and participate in fundraising events, donor recognition events and special campaigns.
  • Track donor engagement and ensure consistent follow-up with donors at all levels of giving.
  • Ensure donor database is accurately updated, tracking all interactions and contributions.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

60