EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Lexington Historical Society, Lexington, Massachusetts
Position: Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Directors
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Start Date: June 2025

Founded in 1886, Lexington Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Lexington, Massachusetts, site of the first shot of the American Revolution. The Society (soon to be known as Lexington History Museums) is a vibrant non-profit organization that manages three historic house museums, the Old Belfry, and a soon-to-be opened Depot Museum. (For more information about the Society, please visit: https://www.lexingtonhistory.org.) We are the stewards of important collections and archives spanning three centuries of Lexington history and offer year-round programming to the community. We recently underwent a number of changes – a name and logo change, the opening of the Depot, and a successful capital campaign – and, on the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, are looking forward to the future.

The Society seeks an experienced Executive Director to oversee six year-round full-time and part-time staff members, thirty seasonal employees, many volunteers, and hands-on volunteer committees. The Executive Director will be responsible for leading the organization as it transitions into its exciting next phase. The Executive Director is appointed by and reports to the Board of Directors of Lexington Historical Society and works closely with the Board to advance the Society's mission. This includes enhancing its financial sustainability, caring for and promoting its collections, and elevating its impact in our community and beyond through creative marketing, robust and interactive exhibitions, and innovative programming.

Essential job functions:
- Management/leadership: Responsibilities include leading staff and managing our historic properties. The Executive Director should be familiar with oversight of collections, programming, exhibitions, and interpretation in support of staff activities.

- Communication: Responsibilities include communicating with staff, who hold diverse positions and have diverse specialties within the organization; serving as a bridge between staff and the Board of Directors; identifying and engaging with donors; and working with town governmental entities and private organizations and the community at large.

- Financial management: The Executive Director will be responsible for creating a budget and then overseeing spending in accord with that budget. This will be done in concert with our investment advisor, accountant, treasurer, and finance committee.

- Fundraising: Responsibilities include maintaining and growing membership and securing donations. The Executive Director will also assist with marketing and outreach and participate in grant procurement and administration.

- Vision: Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be expected to develop and implement a strategic plan that will reflect a vision for the next five years of growth for the Society.

Qualifications:
- At least a Bachelor’s degree in museum administration or management, public history, or a related field with a Master’s degree preferred;
- Seven to ten years of relevant experience in management and staff supervision in an historical or similar non-profit organization;
- Strong knowledge of museum best practices;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Proven track-record in fundraising and grant-writing;
- Demonstrated skill in day-to-day operations of non-profit administration, including financial and personnel management, and historical properties oversight.

This is a full-time, year-round position. Annual salary is between $75,000 and $85,000, commensurate with qualifications and prior experience. Medical benefits and generous vacation and sick time are provided.

Lexington Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.

Please send a cover letter describing your relevant experiences, résumé, and three professional references to Marian Cohen, Chair, Search Committee, executivesearch1775@gmail.com by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.