EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH
The Board of Directors of the Boothbay Railway Village (BRV) announces an extraordinary opportunity
for a talented and resourceful leader who can share our passion for Maine history and our Boothbay,
Maine setting. The new Executive Director will lead a devoted staff and volunteer team as we work
together to build upon a 50 year history of acquisition and development, further our educational
mission, and secure BRV’s long-term sustainability.
Background
Opened to the public in 1965, the then Boothbay Railway Museum was the first public railroad museum
in Maine. Since then, the BRV has filled its 30 acre setting with more than two dozen buildings, many of
which contain displays of artifacts related to Maine’s railroading history, the advent of the automobile,
and everyday life of Mainers from the mid-19th through the mid-20th centuries.
The recently updated mission of the Boothbay Railway Village is “to conserve, display and interpret
artifacts, authentic period structures and technologies utilized in Maine during the historical period of
the Mid-19th through the Mid-20th Centuries.”
BRV has a fleet of three Henschel steam locomotives, along with vintage and replicas of Maine narrowgauge rolling stock, operating on over three-quarters of a mile of track. The Museum’s Antique Automobile Exhibit has more than 60 vehicles on display, dating from 1902-1962, and our outstanding model railroad exhibit is still under construction, allowing visitors to see it grow and change with each visit.
For more information about the organization, visit BRV’s website: www.railwayvillage.org.
Overview
As the Boothbay Railway Village prepares for its 50th season of operation, the organization faces the
challenge of replacing its Executive Director of 31 years, who retired in February. Capable leadership, a
dedicated and talented team of staff and volunteers, and the ongoing support of BRV’s founder provide
a sturdy foundation upon which to launch the next phase in the organization’s evolution.
To set the stage for the next Executive Director, the Board and staff are in the midst of a strategic
planning process that describes a new and vibrant vision for the museum. The plan defines public
education as the museum’s principle deliverable and envisions a living village museum that engages
visitors in a story that has multiple threads and elements about how life evolved in Maine. Central to
the plan is the recognition that the museum must provide a living, engaging, changing, interactive
educational experience that encourages involvement and repeat visitation.
The BRV has current year operating budget of $790,000 and a staff of 6 FTE’s, supported by volunteers and seasonal employees. In 2014 there were 190 dues-paying members, an annual fund of $51,780, and a charitable giving total of $242,605. The Village receives approximately 15-17,000 visitors annually.
Leadership priorities
As the BRV Board of Directors conducts its search for a new Executive Director, we are prioritizing the need to hire a leader who can work with the Board and staff to develop and implement strategies to achieve long-term financial sustainability and our vision for an active and vibrant educational enterprise.
More specifically, the BRV Board has identified the following priorities for the next Executive Director:
Implement a business plan—linked to the strategic plan—built upon more diverse revenue streams, increased membership and visitation, and enhanced fundraising efforts.
Broaden the base of philanthropic support to attract new donors, dramatically increase the annual fund, and begin building a meaningful endowment.
Continue to build the capacity of our staff and volunteer team through visionary leadership, proven management strategies, and successful communication.
Support the development of marketing and communication strategies that successfully convey BRV’s story and
unique assets.
Deepen and build relationships within the region, within the museum community, and with potential educational, community, and corporate partners.
Bring focus to the museum’s educational mission and programs and support the development of a collection policy and the establishment of standard museum protocol and procedures.
Requirements
Essential
Proven fundraising ability and success in building donor relationships
Business, financial and budgeting acumen
Experience in leading and successfully managing a staff team
5 or more years of relevant operational and management experience
Ability to communicate a passion for our work, our mission, and Maine history
Highest level of recommendations from references and peers
Proven public speaking ability and strong writing skills
A readiness to roll-up your sleeves and pitch-in wherever it is needed
Desirable
Experience in an educational or museum setting
BA or BS degree
Knowledge of Maine, our funders, and our donors
Previous nonprofit and board governance experience
Compensation
Comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience
To apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and the names of 3 references (indicating relation to the candidate, phone number, and e-mail address) to Starboard Leadership Consulting at the following address: search1@starboardleadership.com.
Paper copies may be sent to Mary Pettegrow, Starboard Leadership Consulting, 84 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401, but electronic submissions of material are preferred. No phone inquiries, please. Review of applications will begin on April 13, 2015.
Submissions: If you are a member interested in submitting articles, dispatches, opportunities, and/or photos to the print newsletter, please review these guideline and deadlines.
