Careers

Position: Executive Director

Organization: Putnam History Museum

Location: 63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY

Reports To: Board Chair, Putnam History Museum

Compensation: $65,000 to $75,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: $300/month health benefits stipend

Hours: Full-time, with flexibility for evening and weekend commitments as necessary for events, lectures, and meetings. Regular work hours can be adjusted following after-hours obligations.

Vacation: 10 days paid vacation annually (with restrictions on timing between April – June and September – November)

Status: Exempt

Paid Time Off: Holidays, sick days, and vacation according to PHM policies

Direct Reports: Education Manager, Collection Associate, Bookkeeper, Volunteers, Docents, and other staff as needed

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Organization Overview

The Putnam History Museum (PHM), founded in 1906 and chartered by the New York State Education Department in 1907, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Putnam County, Philipstown, the West Point Foundry, and the Hudson Highlands. The Museum plays a vital role in engaging the community with the region’s rich historical legacy, fostering a deeper understanding of the significant role the area has played in shaping both local and national history.

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Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the lead staff member and public face of the Putnam History Museum. The ED is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Museum’s operations and acts as the Museum’s key spokesperson and liaison to the public, donors, historical organizations, civic leaders, and peer institutions. This is a high-profile, community-facing role that requires a dynamic and passionate individual with strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

A key priority for the ED will be to lead PHM’s activities in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, creating programming and partnerships that engage both local and national audiences around this historic milestone. The ED will also be responsible for strengthening PHM’s position as a leading institution in the Hudson Valley’s historical community, while ensuring that the Museum’s mission is reflected in all activities and programs.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning, Organizational Management & Service-Oriented Leadership

•            Strategic Vision & Long-Term Planning: Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic vision for PHM. Work closely with the Board of Trustees and staff to ensure alignment with the Museum’s mission, set long-term goals, and drive initiatives that strengthen PHM’s position as a leading institution in the Hudson Valley. Regularly assess and adapt strategies based on performance metrics, community needs, and emerging opportunities.

•            Organizational Leadership & Direction: Provide strong, hands-on leadership for all Museum operations. Inspire and guide staff, Board members, and volunteers to achieve institutional goals. Foster a culture of respect, accountability, and collaboration, ensuring that day-to-day activities are in alignment with strategic objectives. Lead the development and implementation of policies and best practices to promote operational excellence and growth.

•            Empathetic & Service-Minded Leadership: Lead with empathy and inclusivity, providing support and guidance to staff and volunteers. Foster a work environment where creativity, curiosity, and mutual respect are paramount, encouraging professional development and continuous learning. As the public-facing leader of PHM, serve the community with a spirit of generosity and respect, prioritizing service and inclusivity in every aspect of the Museum’s work.

•            Board Engagement & Governance: Consistently and effectively engage with the Board of Trustees to ensure they are informed and involved in key decision-making. Serve as a strategic partner to the Board, leveraging its collective interests and skill sets for the benefit of PHM and its stakeholders. Facilitate effective governance, ensuring Board members have the resources and support they need to be effective stewards of PHM’s mission.

•            Financial & Operational Stewardship: Collaborate with the Finance Committee to prepare and manage PHM’s annual budget, ensuring the Museum remains financially sustainable. Monitor the organization’s financial health, making informed decisions to optimize resources, increase revenue, and manage expenses effectively. Maintain a strong focus on operational efficiency, working to reduce costs while maximizing the impact of Museum programming and initiatives.

•            Impact Assessment & Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess the effectiveness and impact of PHM’s programs and operations. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance programmatic outcomes, and increase community engagement. Use data-driven insights to refine strategies and ensure that PHM remains a dynamic, responsive institution that continuously meets the needs of the community.

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Fundraising & Development

•            Lead fundraising and development efforts: As a key representative of PHM, the ED will play a central role in identifying, cultivating, and securing financial support from individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government agencies. The ED will work closely with the Development Committee to set and execute fundraising strategies and goals.

•            Grant writing and administration: Oversee the identification, application, and administration of grants that support PHM’s mission and programming. Ensure compliance with all grant requirements and reporting obligations.

•            Event planning and execution: In collaboration with the Events Committee, the ED will help lead and execute major fundraising events such as the Annual Gala and Lawn Party, ensuring these events are successful in raising funds and engaging the community.

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Community Engagement & External Relations

•            Serve as the primary public-facing representative of PHM: As the Museum’s top spokesperson, the ED will engage with local media, community groups, civic leaders, government officials, and historical organizations. The ED will cultivate PHM’s relationships with donors, funders, and other key stakeholders to build public awareness and support for the Museum’s mission.

•            Lead, Oversee and collaborate w/ staff PHM’s efforts for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution: Spearhead programming, partnerships, and initiatives tied to this historic milestone. Work with local, regional, and national historical organizations to position PHM as a key player in the commemoration of this anniversary, creating events and exhibitions that bring history to life for diverse audiences.

•            Form deep, resonant relationships with peer organizations: Establish and maintain partnerships with historical societies, museums, universities, and cultural institutions in the Hudson Valley and Greater New York region. These relationships will enhance PHM’s visibility and enable collaborative programming and initiatives that amplify the Museum’s impact.

•            Oversee and collaborate w/ staff to inspire the community and foster pride in local history: Engage with local schools, senior centers, and community organizations to bring the history of the region to life for residents. Encourage reflection on the diverse historical experiences that have shaped the region, making the Museum a hub for civic pride and historical learning.

•            Advocate for inclusivity in the historical narrative: Ensure that PHM’s programming and exhibitions reflect the full diversity of historical identity and experience in Putnam County and the Hudson Valley. Develop inclusive initiatives that highlight underrepresented histories and foster a broader understanding of the region’s complex past.

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Museum Collections, Exhibitions and Public Programming

•            Collections management: Oversee and collaborate w/ staff to ensure that PHM’s collections are carefully preserved, documented, and interpreted. Oversee and collaborate w/ staff the development of exhibitions that highlight the region’s history while aligning with PHM’s mission.

•            Exhibit development and programming: Oversee and collaborate w/ the planning and execution of exhibitions and public programming. Collaborate with staff and external experts to create compelling and educational content that engages visitors and sparks interest in local history.

•            Oversee and collaborate w/ staff  to promote the Museum’s public offerings: As the public face of the Museum, the ED will actively promote PHM’s exhibitions, programs, and events, helping to expand the Museum’s audience and influence.

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Public Relations, Marketing, & Communications

•            Marketing & communication strategies: Oversee and collaborate w/ staff  to develop and implement effective marketing strategies that increase visibility and engagement. Oversee the creation of press releases, newsletters, promotional materials, and digital content, ensuring that PHM’s message is consistently communicated to a broad audience.

•            Digital presence and outreach: Oversee and collaborate w/ staff to guide and expand PHM’s presence across digital platforms, including the website, social media, and email marketing. Ensure that PHM maintains an active and engaging digital presence to connect with diverse audiences.

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Qualifications

•            Education: Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, or a related field desired; advanced degree preferred.

•            Experience: A minimum of five years of senior leadership experience, preferably in a museum or cultural organization. Demonstrated experience in community engagement, fundraising, grant writing, and financial management.

•            Skills: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse community stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead a team toward achieving long-term goals.

•            Knowledge: Familiarity with the history of the Hudson Valley and Putnam County is a plus. A passion for historical preservation, community engagement, and inclusive storytelling is strongly desired.

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To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to the Putnam History Museum’s Board of Trustees via phmboard@gmail.com Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2025 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.