Assistant Director

Organizational Description

The Hegeler Carus Foundation (Foundation), established in 1995, is located in La Salle, IL. The Foundation is responsible for oversight, collections management, programming, maintenance, and restoration of the Hegeler Carus Museum Campus consisting of the Hegeler Carus Mansion, the Julius W. Hegeler Mansion, and the Stone Cottage.

The Hegeler Carus Mansion, a historic house museum, on the campus, is an 1876 Second Empire masterpiece and National Historic Landmark (2007) by architect W. W. Boyington and interior designer, August Fiedler. With seven levels, fifty-seven rooms, and 20,000 square feet, this impeccably preserved mansion showcases intricate parquet floors and hand-painted ceilings. Beyond its architectural splendor, the mansion played a pivotal role in industry, philosophy, publishing, and religion providing a captivating history, both locally and internationally.

Mission Statement: Provide exciting educational and cultural activities centered around the history of the Hegeler Carus Mansion, preserving its legacy and inspiring continued outreach and restoration. For more information about the Hegeler Carus Mansion visit: https://www.hegelercarus.org

Job Summary

The Assistant Director role supports leadership and administration of the Hegeler Carus Foundation in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board. The Assistant Director will assist with grant writing, strategic initiatives, marketing plans, finances (including accounting), in addition to other responsibilities related to the position. They will oversee day-to-day operations and training of staff. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits.

Education and Outreach

• Oversee day to day operations related to Education and Outreach.
• Assures that Museum Campus’ goals regarding school outreach, increasing tours, and preparation of materials for online access, congruent with state educational standards, is adhered to.
• Assures that programming is enhancing the Museum Campus’ outreach and that it integrates related aspects of the history within a defined budget and promotes increased revenue.

Marketing and Development

• Reviews Marketing and ensures that the Hegeler Carus Foundation is following the Marketing Plan and securing appropriate in-kind marketing contributions for the offset of marketing costs
• Works with Marketing and Development Coordinator to prepare concepts for additional fundraising opportunities.
• Drafts press releases for review and approval.
• Ensures all platforms (digital and print) are updated timely with appropriate marketing.

Site Management

• Ensure that the Site Maintenance and Care schedules are being followed.
• Ensure bidding process and determined timelines for projects are being adhered to.
• Ensure that annual and all other safety training is scheduled and implemented.

Collections

• Maintain Past Perfect database
• Oversee continued efforts to catalogue the Museum’s collections through staff and volunteers.
• Ensure appropriate museum standards are being adhered to with interpretation, exhibit display, and exhibit care.

Fundraising

• Responsible for increasing the Hegeler Carus Foundation’s base of donors and sponsors in tandem with the Executive Director.
• Responsible for preparing and submitting grant applications in tandem with the Executive Director.
• Responsible for oversight of fundraising activities including assigning of tasks associated with the fundraising.

Other Administrative Duties

• Develop additional partnerships and increase visibility through outreach activities including, but not limited to participating in regional, statewide and national groups.
• Track and record admissions and merchandise totals for monthly and annual reporting.
• Formally train staff in their respective roles, providing mentoring and training as necessary.
• Review financial packet with Marketing and Development Coordinator or other staff members as assigned and log into Balance Sheet.
•  Conduct reconciliation of financials monthly, annually and as needed, correcting any discrepancies as required
• Assist with information for audits.
• Assist in preparation of financial reports for the board.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
• Assist with Budget Preparation
• Attend internal meetings as scheduled.
• Attend external meetings when applicable.
• Assist Executive Director with special projects as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Decorative Arts, History, Art, Art History, or similar with five years’ experience in administration, management and fundraising or a master’s degree in one of the above fields with one year to three years’ experience in administration, management and fundraising. Other combinations of education and experience that are appropriate for the position will be considered.
• Knowledge of best practices and ethical standards in the museum/arts field.
• Proven ability to manage many kinds of projects and programs with rapid deadlines, activities, and unexpected assignments.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Must have excellent organizational skills.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Experience in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel is required.
• Must be able to work weekends and occasional evenings.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups.
• Must be passionate about promoting the Hegeler Carus Museum Campus.