Come join our team!

Executive Director

Job Description and Expectations

Mission Statement:  The mission of Curious Minds Discovery Zone is to encourage hands-on creativity, experimentations, and problem-solving development within a safe and fun environment.

Position Overview:  Implements policies established by the board of directors. Develops and maintains organizational structure and effective personnel. Provides leadership, direction, and guidance of organization’s activities. Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of all organization operations. Represents the organization to regulatory bodies, other agencies, community and civic organizations, donors, funders and supporters, and the general public.

Employee Status:  Full Time.  Must pass a background check for employment.  

Work Schedule:  Thursdays and Fridays at the museum and flexible hours the other days of the week depending on schedule.  Weekends and evenings as needed.

Salary:  $30,000-$40,000/year based on experience.

Reporting Relationships:  The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and manages staff.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Lead Daily Operation

• Provide floor staff services on weekdays and weekends when other staff is not available.

• Ensure daily response to general museum voicemail and email.

• Update website and social media.

• Order supplies for museum operation.

• Make a weekly deposit to the bank.

Oversee and Manage Activities of CMDZ

• Manage staff and volunteers to ensure maximum use of time and efficiency of these positions.

Oversee Operating Donor Relations Personnel

• Development of fundraising strategy.

  • Foundations

  • Corporate

  • Individual

• Manage grant proposals.

• Manage and assist with fundraising activities.

Oversee Capital Campaign Personnel

• Capital campaign preparation and execution.

• Develop and manage campaign budget.

• Build prospective donor lists together with the board.

• Develop cultivation strategies for prospective donors.

  • Coordinated cultivation events.

  • Direct Board and staff involvement.

Oversee Programming Personnel

• Assist with weekly programs, special programs, outreach programs, and camps as needed.

• Manage long-term planning of museum programs.

Oversee Exhibit Personnel

• Manage long-term planning of museum exhibits.

Oversee Guest Service Associate/Floor Staff

• Oversee the hiring and training of Guest Service Associate and floor staff personnel.

• Oversee and manage work schedules.

• Review staff timesheets and submit payroll to the accountant.

• Conduct annual staff performance evaluations.

• Continually evaluate the daily operation procedures and policies.

• Assist the finance committee in the development of an annual budget and review results against the budget.

• Manage donor database.

• Prepare, record, and send donor acknowledgement letters.

• Maintain current and accurate accounting records and report all financials to the Board of Director.

• Manage relationship with accounting partner.

• Prepare and actively focus the Board on key organizational and operational issues as part of Board and committee meetings.

• Work with the Board to develop and execute a strategic plan for the Museum.

• Manage insurance and risk management as it applies to museum operations, exhibits, and programs.

• Submit all information, reports, and records as requested or required by law to appropriate government officials, funders, or the Board of Directors.

• Ensure compliance with all government legislation, regulations, and guidelines pertinent to the organization’s role as an employer and non-profit agency.

• Develop, update, and execute plans for marketing, public relations, and advertising that are relevant to the museum.

• Any other duties to fulfill our mission statement.

Represent CMDZ in the Community

• Manage ongoing strategic partnerships.

• Develop and secure new partnerships for the museum.

• Represent the Museum at community and foundation events.

• Network with other non-profit Executive Directors in the community.

Other Key Responsibilities

• Communicate weekly with Donor Relations and Program Supervisor and manage monthly staff meetings.

• Schedule and attend monthly Board of Director/ Director meetings prior to board meetings.

• Attend board meetings.

  • Send out Board meeting reminders.

  • Send action items to board members and staff following board meetings and track items that have been completed.

• Be able to effectively communicate needs/wants to board.

• Attend committee meetings and track action items.

• Work together with the board and staff to uphold the CMDZ mission/vision statement at all times.

For questions please contact Becky at 620-778-2839 or becky@cmdzparsons.com

Candidates will be required to pass a criminal background check before they can be hired.  

Please submit resume and references to becky@cmdzparsons.com by April 15.