Blog and Newsletter

Leonard's Mills is the centerpiece of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum, Inc. (MFLM), a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1960, and dedicated to keeping alive the forest industry of long ago for the present-day citizens of the State of Maine. Located on approximately 400 acres on Blackman Stream in Bradley, Leonard's Mills is at the actual site of an early pioneer settlement, identified by the remains of a stone dam and the foundations of several houses. Today, Leonard's Mills is "alive" once again, as the Museum is represented by an authentic reconstruction of a logging and milling community of the 1790s. The Museum, through our Living History site at Leonard's Mills, teaches people of all ages about the forest and logging history of Maine. Our general purposes are to collect, preserve, and share artifacts, documents, tools, and equipment, and stories relating to the history of the Maine woods - particularly the pioneer and lumbering periods.

Position Overview and Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission through its operational and financial objectives. The Executive Director must be an organized self-starter, an experienced communicator, an enthusiastic fundraiser and a team player to successfully oversee the day-to-day functions of MFLM. He or she must have the ability to move capably and confidently between a wide range of responsibilities including program coordination & development, financial management, human resources, fundraising, public relations, board and volunteer relations, building management and staff oversight. The Executive Director reports to the MFLM President and Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

Fundraising (Estimated time 40%): The ED will cultivate and solicit individual, corporate, and foundation support as well as seek out grant opportunities as they arise to support MFLM.  This effort must include finding new sources of capital in order to further the museum’s mission.

Program Management (Estimated time 30%): Develop short-term and long-term strategic plans for the MFLM that support the Mission and objectives of the organization. Oversee and engage in the planning, organizing, and operation of events – both onsite and offsite as appropriate. 

Operate as the lead contact on potential additions to the MFLM Collections to ensure donations fit the mission.

Communications and Public Relations (Estimated time 15%):  The ED will serve as the “public face” of the organization at events, with donors, and with the media in order to promote the MFLM and its programs. In addition he or she will oversee and engage in the creation of promotional materials including MFLM newsletters, press releases, and enhancing MFLM’s web presence.

In addition, the Executive Director will directly oversee and manage all MFLM employees, and serve as a conduit to the Board for those employees.

Budget and Finance (Estimated time 15%): The Executive Director will work closely with the Board President, Treasurer, and Budget and Finance Committee to develop organizational and program-specific budgets and ensure the organization operates prudently within those budgets.  The ED will also coordinate the paying of bills to the various vendors the museum uses.

Qualifications

Strong candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Strong organizational in communication skills
• Experience in fundraising and grant proposal writing
• Ability to work independently
• Strong operational and financial management skills
• Passion for preserving and showcasing Maine’s forest and logging history
• Experience communicating with and organizing volunteers
• Strong computer skills, including but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel.  The successful candidate will also be familiar with electronic communications, social media and be willing to expand their skillset into database programs. 
• Have experience managing education programs and the accompanying physical site.

Compensation

Pay is commensurate with experience.  This is a part-time year-round position at 30 hours per week.

Location

MFLM’s office is the US Forest Service Building on the Government Road in Bradley, Maine.

Additional Job Information

How To Apply:	MFLM’s employment committee will be conducting the candidate search. Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to Scott Robinson, Employment Committee Chair, at sdrobinson@prentissandcarlisle.com .
Application Deadline:	10/31/2013
Category:	Executive/Senior Management
Job Type:	Negotiable
Salary:
Start Date:
Region	Bangor Area
Specific Location:

Giving Voice to History-Oral History Workshop

The Yarmouth History Center, along with the Oral History and Folklife
Research Inc., will be conducting a workshop on Saturday October 26th from
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Keith Ludden and Molly Graham will give a talk on
Thursday October 24th at 7:00 PM to introduce the goals and concepts of
oral history and the importance of giving voice to member of our
communities.

Oral history is an effective means of capturing a history that cannot be
found in traditional historical records.  The recorded interviews can be
archived and preserved for future researchers giving a voice to a sector of
the community that might not otherwise be represented.

Some of the topics to be covered in this work shop will include;
definitions and goals of an oral history, setting up a project including
what equipment is needed, interviewing skills, practice interviews and how
to interview family members.  

The cost for the workshop is $10 for members of the Yarmouth Historical
Society and $15 for non-members. Students who are involved in oral history
projects will be allowed to participate at no charge but are asked to
notify us in advance. Space is limited so registration is encouraged. The
Yarmouth History Center is located at 118 East Elm Street, Yarmouth.


For more information, please call Amy Aldredge at 846-6259 of e-mail at
aaldredge@yarmouthmehistory.org

Professor Jeffrey Schnapp (Harvard University) to bring his talk FROM ARCHIVE TO ARCH[L]IVE to the NEA 2013 Fall Symposium.

Professor Schnapp's talk will be broadly concerned with the past, present and future of archives, centering on the challenges of designing new kinds of user-centered archival repositories. He will focus in particular on some experiments underway at metaLAB in the area of crisis archiving (the Digital Archive of Japan 2011 Disasters), working with object-based collections (Teaching with Things), and participatory curation and processing (Curarium.com).   http://jeffreyschnapp.com

Five Pioneer Valley institutions have agreed to open their doors or give tours to symposium attendees on the morning of October 26^th (9-11).  Institutions include:

• Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections
• Smith College Special Collections
• UMass Amherst, Special Collections and University Archives
• Wistariahurst Museum
• Five College Library Depository ("The Bunker")

For further information on these open houses and tours, visit: https://www.newenglandarchivists.org/meetings/repository_tours.html

Registration for the NEA 2013 Fall Symposium to begin next Monday, September 16^th.  Space is limited!

If you are interested and for more information, please contact James DaMico, Chair, at james.damico@gmail.com by Sept. 27.

*Request for Proposals – Due October 7, 2013*

The Maine Library Association is seeking an individual or firm to act as

part time business manager for the organization.  The MLA Business Manager

will provide assistance to the Executive Board of the organization and to

its Sections and Committees. The Business Manager works with the President

and Executive Board of the Maine Library Association for coordination of

the operations of the Association.

The Business manager is required to have intimate knowledge of library

operations and accounting/office management practices.  He/she will

evaluate and make recommendations for improving MLA operations, clerical

functions and communication. He/she is responsible for establishing a

virtual office and for maintaining a physical office for compiling and

storage of active files. All information collected is the property of MLA.

*MLA Mission*

The mission of the Maine Library Association is to promote and enhance the

value of Maine libraries and librarianship, to foster cooperation among

those who work in and for Maine libraries, and to provide leadership in

ensuring information is accessible to all citizens of Maine.

*MLA Purpose*

The objectives of the Association shall be to initiate, plan and support

library activities, to encourage the exchange of ideas, and to cooperate

with regional and national organizations having related interests.

*MLA Governance and Structure*

The officers shall be a president, a vice president /president elect, a

secretary, a treasurer, the immediate past president and two

Members-at-Large.

Current membership is approximately 325 active members

*Meeting Schedule*

An annual meeting of MLA must be held once a year at a time and place

designated by the Council. Special meetings may be held as such times and

places the Council designates or upon written request be ten members of the

association. The full Executive Board meets every other month in locations

selected for the convenience of the Board members. Regularly scheduled

meetings throughout the year are held via GoTo Meeting or in Augusta. The

Business Manager is required to attend these meetings.

Sections and Committees hold individual meetings as needed.

Website    http://mainelibraries.org/

*Job Description of the MLA Business Manager*

The Business Manager provides support for the work of the Maine Library

Association (MLA) by performing many administrative tasks needed to keep

MLA functioning in an organized and efficient manner.

General:

●  Attends Executive Council Meetings

●  Works under the direction of the President and the Executive Council

●  Carries out policies and procedures of the Executive Council.

Membership Services

1.     Maintain database of membership, past and present, and prepare

reports and mailing lists as required.

2.     Record payments appropriately, including those through Paypal.

3.     Work closely with the President or designee on mailings, invitations

to join, renewal reminders and communications encouraging membership in the

organization.

4.     Provide communication via email, social media and press releases as

directed by the executive council.

5.     Provide membership support services in order to assist MLA in

maintaining and promoting membership

Administrative Operations

1.     Provide computer software as needed, using Microsoft or compatible

programs including Word, Excel, and Access and additional financial

management software

2.     Administer the Wild Apricot web-based association management system

including the MLA database with members and non-member contacts.

3.     Maintain MLA office supplies as necessary and provide stationary and

other supplies to the Executive Board members as required

4.     Explore cost cutting methods and procedures as they relate to

printing, mailing, supplies and other expenses and make recommendations to

the Executive Board

5.     Maintain calendar of MLA meetings and programs as reported by MLA

officers, update on a regular basis and distribute as required.

6.     Provide updated calendars through the Maine State Library website

calendar of events.

7.     Maintain a file of Executive Council reports, minutes, and financial

documents.

8.     Provide general administrative support for the MLA President and

various interest groups if needed.

9.     Maintain a management manual for the organization.

10.   Work with MLA archivist to preserve relevant documents and move them

into permanent archives as needed.

Communication

1.     Keep officers informed of pertinent business developments as they

relate to the association.

2.     Forward incoming mail and association information to the appropriate

officers or committee/section members as it is received at association

headquarters.

3.     Handle incoming phone and inquiries as appropriate and forward them

to officers or section/committee members as needed.

4.     Provides communication including use email, social media and press

releases as directed by the executive council.

5.     Prepare written report prior to Executive Board meetings.

Finance and Accounting

1.     Accept payments, records, deposits and reports as required to the

Executive Board and Finance Committee.

2.     Prepare monthly and annual financial reports.

3.     Work with Treasurer and Finance Committee to prepare the annual

budget (calendar year)

4.     At first Executive Board meeting in new fiscal year provide detailed

financial report of MLA assets, revenue and expenses as part of the budget

approval process.

5.     Prepare checks for bill payment twice per month from payment request

forms and forward to President and Treasurer for approval and signatures

6.     Assist the auditor/tax preparer in the preparation of the

Association's tax returns and assist with audits as required.

7.     Maintain a list of, advises on, and ensures the association

maintains appropriate insurance.

8.     Maintain the legal corporation papers( 501c6) and insurance records.

*Salary and Agreements*

The annual contractual terms for the Association Business Manager will be

negotiated between the MLA Executive Council and the Independent

Contractor. The contract is reviewed annually, and a new RFP is done every

three years, after having been ratified by the MLA Executive Board. NOTE:

This current contract will be for 3.5 years, as MLA gets onto a new

three-year rotation schedule. It will expire June 30, 2017.

*Submission Guidelines*

Interested firms/people should submit the following, no later than October

7th, to Bryce Cundick, MLA Vice-President.   If there are questions, email

bryce.cundick@maine.edu or call (207) 778-7224.  Answers to all questions

will be emailed to all parties having expressed written interest by October

7th.

1. A proposal describing your qualifications or the qualifications of the

firm and how the tasks described above would be carried out. Copies of

corporate ID numbers will be required upon award of contract.

2. A firm estimate of fees to be charged

3. Resumes of all consultants who would be involved in the project

4. Three professional references, or if applicable, names, phone numbers

and contact people at three nonprofit organizations who have been your

clients during the last 18 months, whom we can call on as references.

5. Interviews with finalists will be held starting the third week of

October.

Penobscot Marine Museum (PMM) is seeking a Finance Director, responsible for the fiscal management of the organization including budgeting, forecasting, monitoring and reporting as well as administrative and financial functions critical to the daily operations of the organization. S/he will work with work the Executive Director to provide information and support to the Board of Trustees and act as staff liaison to relevant board committees. In addition, s/he will assume responsibility for human resource functions as well as oversight of administration and business planning areas. The Director of Finance will also work with development and program staff on grant applications and reporting. PMM is looking for a candidate with progressively responsible work experience in financial administration, including experience with fund accounting and audit preparation, and proficiency with computerized account software. A Bachelor’s Degree (MBA desirable) or equivalent years of directly related experience resulting in a comprehensive knowledge of the field is required. Experience working in a not-for-profit organization is preferred. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. This is a 40 hr/wk position. To apply, please email letter of interest, resume, list of three references to llodge@pmm-maine.org  September 30^th. For more information please see. http://www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org. 

We seek a self-starter who possesses excellent writing, teaching, computer, and public speaking skills, plus works well as part of a team. The Program and Education Manager leads the organization’s efforts in offering dynamic programming that engages, excites and involves people of all ages. S/he develops, plans, and directs on-site programming in addition to outreach programs at satellite locations like nursing homes and schools. The Program and Education Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of programs as well as the recruitment, training and coordination of volunteers, visitor services, and marketing the museum and library's events. S/he has a bachelor’s degree in art/education, museum studies, or another related field with a minimum of two years’ experience planning and coordinating programs or projects in art/cultural institutions and/or teaching. 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule, evenings and weekends as required. Please email cover letter and resume to Tara Raiselis at traiselis@sacomuseum.org .

Job Posting: Director of Finance, Maine Historical Society

The Director of Finance, a member of the senior management team, is
responsible for providing broad vision and leadership in all aspects of
financial planning, forecasting, and management. This includes budget
preparation, monitoring, and reporting; audit support; preparation of income
statements, balance sheets, cash-flow statements, and financial forecasts;
and management of investment advisors and managers.

The Director of Finance will be a strategic thought-partner, and report to
the Executive Director (ED). The successful candidate will be an active
manager and develop and lead an internal team to support the following
areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources,
administration, and IT.

The Director of Finance will play a critical role in strategic decision
making and operations as Maine Historical Society continues to build
capacity and enhance its quality programming. This is a tremendous
opportunity for a finance leader to contribute to the continued growth and
development of a well-respected, progressive, forward-looking organization.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

* Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely
manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate
financial reporting materials for all donor segments, and oversee all
financial, project/program and grants accounting.
* Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external
auditors and the Finance and Investment committee of the board of trustees;
assess any changes necessary.
* Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in
conjunction with the ED; administer and review all financial plans and
budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep management team abreast of
the organization's financial status.
* Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
* Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting
practices; improve the finance department's overall policy and procedure
manual.
* Effectively collaborate with and communicate financial information
matters to the board of trustees.

Human Resources, Technology and Administration

* Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined.
* Establish and manage a training program to educate employees
regarding staff tools, policies and procedures.
* Work closely and transparently with all external partners including
third-party vendors and consultants.
* Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure
efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales.

Qualifications

* Minimum of a B.A. or B.S. in Accounting, Management, or Finance,
ideally with an MBA and/or CPA, MPA, MPPM, or MPP
* Five years of relevant financial, supervisory, strategic, and board
interaction experience, preferably with a not-for-profit organization. The
ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and
content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a
division or significant program area, and has preferably overseen a human
resources function previously
* Ability to translate financial concepts to and effectively
collaborate with programmatic and fundraising colleagues
* A track record in grants management
* Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software
installations and managing relationships with software vendors; knowledge of
accounting and reporting software
* A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic,
organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound
decision making
* Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an
ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and
external stakeholders
* Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the
mission of Maine Historical Society.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to:
Director of Finance Search, Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress Street,
Portland, Maine 04101. Deadline for applications is September 30. EOE.
Electronic submissions are encouraged and should be sent to
<mailto:lwebb@mainehistory.org> lwebb@mainehistory.org. 

 

The New England Archivists Education Committee seeks two student members to serve a term of 1 year starting in the Fall of 2013. For more information, download the Job Description at this link: http://tinyurl.com/NEAStudents

Please send a letter of interest and resume to James DaMico, Chair, at james.damico@gmail.com by September 16.