The German American Heritage Center & Museum seeks a full-time Executive Director to lead the organization that operates with a budget of $466,150 and 3.5 staff, supported by 35-40 volunteers and a community board of 15. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, resourceful, and creative museum professional with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills who will advance the museum’s impact while preserving and sharing German American heritage and the immigrant experience.

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: The Board of Directors

Status: Full-time 40 hours/week, flexible scheduling, weekend availability

Compensation: $60,000 – $65,000

Benefits: Employer-contributed Health Reimbursement Account (QSEHRA), 401(k) with employer matching up to 2%, two weeks paid vacation, flexible work schedule, additional benefits per employee handbook

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Strategic Leadership:

– Establish and implement a strategic plan with the Board of Directors while managing goals within committees and communicating strategy with staff

– Provide both support and leadership to the Board of Directors

– Identify and orient potential board members; recruit volunteers for appropriate positions

Financial Management & Fundraising:

– Work with the board treasurer and finance committee to establish an annual budget, provide financial reports, and manage endowment accounts

– Develop and implement fundraising strategies, including grants, annual campaigns, sponsorships, major gifts, and special events; budget includes funds to hire a new full-time Development Director

– Support a culture of philanthropy through donor recognition, relationship development, and new donor cultivation

Human Resources & Administration:

– Hire and review staff members based on fair practices; establish yearly and quarterly goals

– Ensure effective organizational structure, policies, systems, and procedures

Community Relations & Marketing:

– Initiate collaborative projects with community organizations and institutions throughout the region

– Represent the organization at public events; implement outreach strategies

– Direct marketing and social media content; work with staff to write/edit quarterly news magazine Infoblatt

Exhibitions, Collections, Education, and Preservation:

– Oversee and maintain, with the support of staff and the Board of Directors, standards of excellence for collections, exhibitions, education, and historic structure preservation

– Create interactive exhibition content, implement new technologies, and direct multi-year programming

– Guide collections policies and visitor evaluation procedures

Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree in History, German, Art History, Anthropology, Education, Museum Studies or a related field (Master’s preferred)

– 5-7 years of museum experience preferred, with strong fundraising and donor relations skills

– Proficiency in financial management, communication, organization, and Microsoft Office/Google Docs

Desired Knowledge and Skills:

– Strong interpersonal skills to work with and develop relationships with a wide range of individuals: staff, board members, visitors, donors, community organizations, and colleagues across the country

– Experience with Past Perfect, Constant Contact, Bloomerang, Canva, WordPress, and Facebook Business Suite

– German language skills and knowledge of German immigration or regional history

Working Conditions:

– Ability to work in an office environment with irregular hours, including evenings and weekends

– Physical tasks include standing, walking, sitting, climbing stairs, and lifting 20-40 pounds

– Valid driver’s license required; occasional travel

About us:

The German American Heritage Center & Museum’s mission is to preserve and enrich knowledge of the German immigrant experience and its impact on American culture. Our National Historic Site features permanent and rotating exhibits, an orientation theater, education stations, and a restored hotel room from the 1860s.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume, and references to: info@gahc.org with position title as subject.

Review of applications begins immediately; applications accepted until position is filled.

The German American Heritage Center and Museum does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in any of its activities or operations.

Serves as an official spokesperson and representative of the Boys Town Hall of History. Provides content expertise for museum exhibitions, programs, the general public, and the media. Supports all staff by providing content information and research on topics and speakers for exhibits, programs and artifacts. Conceptualizes and develops permanent and temporary exhibitions. Serves as an educator for schools and other public audiences. Builds and expands the Hall of History’s local, national, and international presence, profile and reputation with scholars, professionals and the public.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
-Oversees the growth and preservation of the collections/archives in the Hall of History to protect the legacy and artifacts of Father Flanagan, Boys Town’s founder.
-Conceptualizes and prepares high quality, interesting and dynamic exhibitions, for the Hall of History’s various audiences.
-Responds to public inquiries concerning the exhibitions, content areas, and collection; disseminates accurate information and establishes positive rapport and respect.
-Represents the museum to the media via on-camera interviews, print, radio, social media, etc. Responds to media research requests as needed.
-Provides content expertise to staff as needed for programs and for the Hall of History’s varied audiences.
-Conducts tours that educate the public, special guests, donors and scholars.
-Presents, talks, and participates in public programming relating to the permanent collection and special exhibitions for various audiences.
-Oversees the care, exhibition, acquisition, research, study, and interpretation of the collection promoting scholarship and public understanding.
-Develops and supports collaborative relationships with other scholars and museums,  educational organizations, government agencies, business, and other organizations that further the Boy’s Town mission.
-Builds and expands the Museum’s local, national, and international presence, profile, and reputation.
-Oversees the budget, branding, and community outreach functions of the Boys Town Visitor’s Center and Hall of History and provides timely marketing reports regarding their outcomes.
-Communicates with executives, support staff, consultants, and board members to gather input on community relations in each site, key contacts, and potential opportunities for highlighting Boys Town’s mission; creates presentations and for senior management.
-Provides annual or periodic reports reviewing program objectives and activities and projecting plans for ensuing periods.
-Hires, trains, and evaluates staff; recruits and supervises volunteers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
-Excellent presentation and communication skills (both written and verbal). Ability to communicate with individuals at all levels in the organization and with external contacts in an articulate, professional manner, and to build and sustain successful, professional relationships.
-Knowledge of museum and historical preservation strategies and methodologies.
-Knowledge of organizational strategies and ability to apply those strategies in practice.
-Ability to demonstrate the highest standard of integrity, truth, confidentiality, and accuracy in work.
-Extensive knowledge of, or capacity to learn, Boys Town history.
-Ability to define and allocate a budget that is used to generate business growth and increase market share.
-High level of professionalism and interpersonal skills. Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills.
-Strong current events and historical knowledge – able to assist with intellectual leadership on how the museum represents the history, present and future Boys Town and of Father Flanagan’s global impact.
-Ability to proactively build relationships with team members and individuals and organizations in both religious and secular communities to the benefit of the institution.
-Ability to solve problems internally and externally from the planning through to final execution stage.
-Ability to generate imaginative ideas for programming, exhibitions, collections, and other institutional priorities.
-Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, external partners and potential and current donors.
-Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and an engagement with scholarly work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, , History, or related field required.
-Minimum seven years of museum, curator or archivist experience required.
-Available to work weekends, holidays, and after hours as needed required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-Advanced degree in Museum Studies, History, or related field preferred.
-Experience managing a museum or serving as chief exhibit designer preferred.
-Other Duties: This job description incorporates the essential functions and duties required for this position.    -However, other duties may be required and assigned at times and as determined by a supervisor in order to meet the needs of the organization.
-Serves as a role model in carrying out activities and behaviors that reflect the values and principles of the Boys Town mission.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, EQUIPMENT USAGE, WORK ENVIRONMENT:
-Position is relatively sedentary in a normal office administrative environment involving minimum exposure to physical risks.  Will use office equipment such as a computer/laptop, monitor, keyboard, and a general workstation set-up.

The Executive Director is the key management leader of the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, fund development, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include donor relations, fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Board Governance: Works with board to fulfill the organization’s mission.

• Leads the Museum in a manner that supports and guides the mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Communicates effectively with the Board, providing timely and accurate information needed for sound governance, especially related to financial health and fundraising progress.

2) Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

• Maintains the fiscal integrity of the Museum, including preparing and submitting an annual budget and regular financial reports to the Board.
• Oversees responsible fiscal management to operate within budget, ensuring maximum resource utilization and long-term financial sustainability.
• Leads fund development efforts, including donor cultivation and stewardship, grant writing, major gifts, membership campaigns, sponsorship development, and planned giving strategies.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with existing and prospective donors, foundations, and corporate partners to support the Museum’s mission.

3) Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with board and staff to fulfill the mission through programs, planning, and outreach.

• Implements programs aligned with the Museum’s mission and community needs.
• Leads strategic planning efforts to position the Museum for future success.
• Enhances the Museum’s public image by maintaining a visible presence in the community and developing collaborative partnerships.
• Coordinates mission-aligned fundraising campaigns to support strategic initiatives and capital projects.

4) Organization Operations: Oversees and implements resources to ensure efficient operations.

• Administers all operational functions of the Museum.
• Recruits, hires, and retains qualified staff.
• Signs contracts and official documents on behalf of the organization.
• Ensures that development systems, donor databases, and reporting tools are well-managed and aligned with industry best practices.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master’s degree related to museum studies, or a bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant museum operations experience is preferred. Five or more years of senior nonprofit management experience or relevant experience with nonprofits may substitute.
• Proven fundraising experience with a successful track record in donor engagement and major gift solicitation. Preferably well connected with Waukesha County philanthropists and corporate supporters.
• Strong budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, and financial reporting.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage programs and fundraising initiatives simultaneously.
• Broad knowledge of museum operations, including collections, exhibitions, and archival practices.
• Ability to articulate a compelling vision of the Museum’s future to staff, board, community, and funders.
• Transparent, high-integrity leadership with an entrepreneurial mindset and donor-centric approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially for grant applications, appeals, and fundraising materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with staff, volunteers, board members, and donors.
• Public speaking and community engagement experience.

ACTUAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead the planning and operation of the annual budget with a focus on sustainability.
2. Establish administrative and employment policies for smooth daily operations.
3. Serve as the Museum’s primary spokesperson to constituents, media, funders, and the public.
4. Develop and maintain relationships with organizations and stakeholders to enhance mission delivery.
5. Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive development plan, including donor cultivation, events, sponsorships, and grants.
6. Track fundraising metrics and report progress to the Board regularly.
7. Partner with the Board on policy development, fundraising strategies, and increasing visibility.
8. Supervise and support staff in all departments, including development.
9. Oversee and implement the strategic plan.
10. Manage Board and committee meetings.
11. Lead marketing, public relations, and communication efforts.
12. Review and authorize contracts and service agreements.
13. Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

DEPARTMENT: Aquarium
REPORTS TO: Manager, Saltwater Habitats
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $25.00/hr.
LOCATION: Onsite

POSITION OVERVIEW:  Shedd Aquarium illustrates a commitment to optimal animal care and welfare to facilitate impactful public engagement with wildlife. Our animal-first approach has a foundation that individuals and groups of animals can exhibit natural behaviors encouraged through complex environmental design, innovative behavioral training, and enrichment.

The Aquarist, Cnidarian Collection: Tropical Marine Invertebrates reports to the Manager of Saltwater Habitats and performs the daily husbandry of Shedd Aquarium’s invertebrate taxa, including cnidaria (sea jellies and corals), crustaceans, gastropods, and cephalopods. This role also participates in the care of other animals under the department’s responsibility as needed.

This position works closely with their Manager and the rest of their team, along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities, to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to the planning, husbandry, and welfare. They will also work with the Conservation and Research Team to advance in-situ and ex-situ research goals. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations and provides full support of the aquarium’s SCUBA diving program as directed by the Dive Program Manager.

Aquarists are learning to serve as leaders in the Animal Care and Science Division. They will assist Senior Aquarists, Supervisors, and Managers with inter-departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department, and may get the opportunity to serve as an aquarium spokesperson when ready.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Demonstrates commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Achieves goals and objectives assigned for short- and long-term operations.
• Provides primary care for Shedd Aquarium’s Tropical Marine Invertebrate collection, including:
  • Culturing corals, sea jellies, and cephalopods.
  • Providing appropriate environmental parameters with special regard to lighting and flow.
  • Performing tests and interpreting correctly critical water quality parameters, including alkalinity, calcium, pH, and phosphate.
  • Utilizing water quality results to correctly supplement habitats with the appropriate trace elements.
• Produces and maintains good animal records following Aquarium Team standards and as directed by the Manager, including the use of TRACKs animal record keeping software.
• Prepares diets and feeds animals to meet their nutritional requirements as assigned.
  Develops, applies, and records enrichment for animals to meet their psychological requirements as assigned.
• Maintains front-of-house habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
• Maintains back-of-house areas and habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
• Works proactively with Animal Health to provide optimal animal care, assessment, and treatment as needed.
• Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required.
• Performs minor maintenance/repair on gear, tanks, or supplies needed for the section.
• Identifies major maintenance/repair problems in any section and reports to their manager.
• Provides timely communication to the manager and covered staff members.
• Maintains awareness and communication expectations by checking email daily, along with any additional platforms used by the Animal Care departments.
• Maintains daily animal observations, records, and reports any abnormal behavior or appearance.
• Manages daily work of interns and volunteers, including evaluating performance, coaching, advancement, and accountability.
• Demonstrates gain of knowledge of all the primary animal groups cared for by the Aquarium team.
• Demonstrates gain of knowledge and understanding of modern husbandry techniques and a thorough understanding of the use of emerging science to advance animal care and welfare.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of practices and procedures and recommends improvements.
• Provides support for coworkers in their responsible roles as needed.
• Maintains legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use, adherence to OSHA standards, etc.
• Participates in 1-on-1, team meetings, department meetings, division meetings, and One Shedd meetings.
• Participates in Shedd’s DEAI objectives.
• Works with other divisions as assigned to meet strategic objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or related field (or demonstrated comparable knowledge).

Experience:

• 1+ years of experience in animal care at an accredited zoo or aquarium with a focus on aquatic animals.
• 1+ years of experience caring for cnidarians, crustacea, and marine teleost
• Knowledge of water chemistry and quality as they pertain to living marine systems.
• Knowledge of proper animal care, training, and enrichment.
• Knowledge of collection planning processes
• Demonstrated success in care and handling of aquatic animals, with a focus on cnidarians (With a strong preference towards sea jelly experience)
• Ability to speak to the public and media.
• Ability to organize and manage time effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership to manage volunteers/interns.
• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
• Ability to learn intermediate-level accounting mathematics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to use other business operation software as assigned, including animal management software such as TRACKs.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license or can obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
• Must possess a valid passport or be able to obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
• Must possess a minimum of an Open Water SCUBA certification. Employment contingent upon passing a dive physical and check out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium’s Dive Operations.

Physical Readiness: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, including while wearing dive gear.

• Lift to 40 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Kneel
• Walk
• Swim
• Hear

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This person may be exposed to:

• Water
• Heat
• Cold
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Low noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

Summary: The Associate Educator, Teacher and Student Learning leads the Museum’s initiatives for engaging early childhood, K-12, and college educators and students. This role is responsible for developing and implementing dynamic, interdisciplinary programs and resources that align with the Division of Learning & Engagement’s educational philosophy and SLAM’s strategic priorities. This position reports to the Head of Multigenerational Learning and supervises the Assistant Educator, Teacher and Student Learning, Gallery Teachers, and independent contractors. This position also directs the work of volunteers and interns.

Application Submission: Resume and Cover Letter are required to be considered for this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define and articulate a strategy for effectively engaging teachers and students that aligns with the departmental philosophy and contributes to the advancement of institutional strategic priorities in collaboration with the Head of Multigenerational Learning and the Assistant Educator, Teacher and Student Learning.
• Develop and implement the Museum’s strategy for increasing and enhancing student engagement.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate an active program of dynamic in-person and virtual interdisciplinary teacher and student programs, initiatives, and resources related to the collections and special exhibitions, including but not limited to Teacher Workshops, Teacher Professional Development sessions, educator and student resources, field trips, Exploring with the Artist workshops, Arts in the Basic Curriculum, Fifth Grade Explorers, No Place for Hate and AMPLIFY tours, and school artist residencies.

• Conceive of and implement print and digital promotional materials and educational resources.
• Oversee the training of Gallery Teachers and assist in the training and evaluation of volunteer educators, particularly for school programs, with specific emphasis on effective gallery teaching and facilitation to fulfill program objectives.
• Lead the Museum’s outreach to regional schools (administrators, teachers, and students). Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with City and County school districts, local colleges, and other partner organizations, including homeschool groups and organizations.
• Develop and implement a Teacher Advisory Group and evaluation instruments to assess and influence the impact of programs. Regularly evaluate and report on Teacher and Student Learning initiatives and make adjustments based on findings.
• Identify individuals and organizations with which to form collaborations and partnerships. Establish and maintain strong cooperative relationships with cultural organizations and community groups to support opportunities for collaboration.
• Prepare and manage budgets for Teacher and Student Learning.
• Stay informed on current local, state, and national best practices, trends, standards and policies in preK-12 and college education. Develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, and resources to support emerging trends in pre-K-12 and college education.
• Supervise regular and on call staff, and independent contractors; direct the work of volunteers and interns in conjunction with Teacher and Student Learning activities; identify and hire teaching artists and representatives from cultural or community organizations as program presenters.
• Present programs, lead tours, and assist with the delivery of other Learning and Engagement programs as needed; represent the Museum at off-site conferences and school education programs.
• Contribute to development of and help implement division-wide and departmental strategic priorities and projects.
• Participate in cross-functional teams, projects, and initiatives and contribute to museum-wide projects as appropriate.
• Manage the Museum’s Student Gallery, including planning 2-3 exhibitions annually, and coordinating gallery text, artwork framing, installation, and promotion with relevant Museum departments.
• Collaborate with colleagues throughout the Museum to implement, promote, and communicate about Teacher and Student Learning offerings to current and potential audiences, donors, sponsors, and others.
• Perform tasks related to Teacher and Student Learning contracting, purchasing, meeting scheduling, and special projects.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in art history, art education, studio art, museum studies, or a related discipline.
• Three or more years of professional museum education and/or teaching experience with K-12 audiences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Demonstrated ability in object-based teaching and knowledge of diverse learning and teaching styles.
• Familiarity with current best practices in art, museum, and classroom education strategies.
• Proven ability to successfully handle several projects simultaneously and meet multiple deadlines.
• Capable of balancing strategic thinking and planning with ongoing program implementation and day-to-day administrative duties.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and proactively with diverse colleagues, collaborators, and audiences.
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills.
• Proficiency with virtual program delivery.
• Preferred: Experience supervising staff and preparing and monitoring budgets. Studio art experience. Experience working with volunteer educators.

Additional Details:

Hiring Range: $59,027 – $72,308/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Benefits: Full, competitive benefits package, including 3 weeks’ vacation, parental leave, and a robust wellness program.

 The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.