Position Summary
The Whatcom Museum Executive Director (Executive Director), serving also as the Chief Executive Officer for the Whatcom Museum Foundation’s Board of Trustees, will provide strategic leadership in planning, organizing, and directing all operations and activities of the Whatcom Museum (the Museum). In coordination with other City departments and the Foundation Board, the Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the Museum’s financial health and sustainability; managing physical facilities and assets; ensuring effective and secure use of data systems; and developing and maintaining an effective workforce and culture of organizational excellence. The Executive Director will be a member of the City’s leadership team, collaborating with the Mayor of Bellingham and other City departments to align strategy, policy, and shared operations with the City’s critical objectives, vision, and values, ensuring the Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community. The Executive Director will work independently, with general guidance from the Whatcom Museum Foundation’s Board of Trustees, to ensure proper prioritization of institutional goals to maximize the effectiveness of the museum’s operations for the good of the community, in alignment with broader goals as set forth by the City of Bellingham Mayor and City Council.
The Whatcom Museum Executive Director will be responsible for shaping the Museum’s vision, enhancing its role in the community, and overseeing strategic planning and all day-to-day operations of the multi-facility campus. The Executive Director is an employee of the Whatcom Museum Foundation, reporting to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and is the Chief Executive Officer for the foundation’s Board of Trustees. The leadership team includes the chief curator, director of exhibitions, controller, development director, director of collections & operations, and director of marketing & public relations. Additional employees include docents, interns, part‑time visitor attendants, story associates, and Family Interactive Gallery associates. Of the 25 total employees, four are City employees, the remainder are foundation employees. The foundation is currently negotiating its first union contract with Teamsters Local 231.
Organization The Whatcom Museum includes a three‑building campus in Bellingham’s downtown arts district and houses a collection of more than 250,000 artifacts and artworks of regional and national importance, including a vast photographic archive. Centered around the historic Old City Hall—iconic with its clock tower—and the nearby Lightcatcher building—featuring a translucent wall of sunlight—the Museum plays a central role in the city’s arts and culture scene.
The Museum’s mission is to serve as a bridge among diverse people, ideas, and traditions by fostering curiosity and joy about the world, through exhibitions, events, educational programs, and collections reflective of the art, nature, Indigenous cultures, and history of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a member of the American Association for State and Local History, and a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate.
Museum Facilities and Programs The original building, Old City Hall, is a National Register of Historic Places landmark, housed exhibitions and many popular programs. Upcoming 2026 exhibitions include Vivid Victorian, featuring restored Victorian dress, and Painted Forest, featuring ancient petrified wood.
The Lightcatcher building, a 42,000‑sq‑ft LEED Silver‑level structure, holds the bulk of the collections and hosts rotating art exhibitions, the People of the Sea and Cedar gallery, a Family Interactive Gallery, an arts studio/classroom, a research library, a gift shop, and an outdoor courtyard. Current highlights include Verdant: French Masterworks from the National Gallery of Art and the nationally touring Personal to Political exhibition featuring 17 African American artists. 2026 plans also include updates to People of the Sea and Cedar and a series of collection exhibitions such as Hard Edge, Soft Ground.
Community Bellingham, Washington, is a vibrant community with a small‑city feel, significant arts and educational institutions, and strong connections to Mount Baker Theatre, Pickford Film Center, and local breweries. Its proximity to the Cascades and San Juan Islands, combined with a thriving parks and trails system, makes it an attractive place for outdoor and cultural activities.
Roles and Responsibilities Strategic Museum Leadership
Lead development and implementation of the Museum’s strategic plan in cooperation with the Foundation Board, ensuring alignment with the City’s mission and core values.
Oversee the Museum’s financial strategies and fundraising to support exhibitions, programs, facilities, and operations.
Maintain accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums, upholding professional standards and best practices.
Work closely with the chief curator, director of collections, and the Collection Committee to strategically expand the permanent collection.
Approve major accessions and deaccessions, ensuring security and integrity of all collections and exhibitions.
Assume other strategic museum leadership responsibilities as needed.
Fundraising and Financial Oversight
Ensure financial well‑being by establishing successful fundraising strategies, donor development, cost control, and fiscal monitoring.
Prepare and review annual budgets for the Foundation and the City of Bellingham, justifying requests and amendments.
Enforce efficient use of departmental funds, personnel, assets, and materials; negotiate contracts and agreements.
Oversee fundraising across individuals, corporations, foundations, government, and events.
Develop long‑ and short‑term fundraising strategies for the Foundation.
Administer contributed income and capital endowment activities, securing gifts to support programs, acquisitions, and long‑term needs.
Lead the Finance Committee by recommending and initiating investment strategies and fiscal goals.
Assume other fundraising and financial oversight responsibilities as needed.
Personnel and Facilities Management
Coordinate Museum activities with City departments to align with City objectives and deliver the One City Initiative.
Create and implement policies and procedures for Museum work and staff.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, City policies, and industry best practices.
Develop and maintain a workforce committed to excellence, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork.
Manage hiring, training, performance appraisal, career development, safety, and corrective action for staff, and oversee the volunteer program.
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, labor agreements, and City and Museum policies.
Oversee facilities management of the multi‑building campus in collaboration with city staff.
Assume other personnel and facilities management responsibilities as needed.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Act as the Museum’s primary representative to the City, serving on the leadership team and advising the Mayor, City Council, and other leaders.
Engage with the community to foster accessibility, build positive relationships, and promote a favorable public perception of the Museum.
Serve as a strategic leader in defining the Museum’s role in the city’s arts and culture.
Ensure staff collaboration with other City programs for accurate, consistent information and services.
Assume other community and stakeholder engagement responsibilities as needed.
Traits and Characteristics The Executive Director will be a dedicated, enthusiastic, and visionary leader with the ability to build relationships with the community and communicate the importance of the arts to the City of Bellingham’s constituents. The Executive Director will be a strong communicator and team leader who will work with and leverage a focused and dedicated staff to further the Museum’s mission, prioritize accessibility, and champion educational initiatives for all ages. The Executive Director will welcome new ideas and improvements from staff, trustees, and community members and will manage resources to achieve strategic goals.
Other Key Competencies
Leadership and Personal Accountability – Inspire and support others, model integrity, set clear expectations, and take ownership of outcomes.
Diplomacy and Interpersonal Skills – Navigate complex structures, build trust, and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Teamwork and Flexibility – Recognize individual contributions, cultivate an inclusive culture, and share successes.
Time and Priority Management – Manage multiple demands with focus, flexibility, and clear prioritization to ensure timely execution.
Compensation and Benefits The Whatcom Museum Foundation provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated base salary of $140,000 to $168,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage (Foundation pays 100% of premiums for the employee and 20% for dependents). The employee is eligible for a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan upon meeting eligibility and accrues vacation, sick, and personal days. Employment is contingent upon a background check.
Requirements A minimum of five years of leadership experience in an arts and culture organization is necessary. A bachelor’s degree in art, art history, history, museum studies, business, or finance is ideal; a master’s degree is preferred. Training and/or experience in management, finance, investment, and fundraising practices is required. Experience with Tribal entities, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and decolonizing museum practices is a plus. Familiarity with museum standards, accreditation, legal issues, grant regulations, historical preservation, and tax law is highly desirable. Candidates lacking some qualifications but possessing transferable skills, experience, or education are encouraged to apply and highlight these areas.
Application Instructions To submit a cover letter, resume, and a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/city-of-bellingham-whatcom-museum-seeks-museum-executive-director/
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The Whatcom Museum Executive Director will be responsible for shaping the Museum’s vision, enhancing its role in the community, and overseeing strategic planning and all day-to-day operations of the multi-facility campus. The Executive Director is an employee of the Whatcom Museum Foundation, reporting to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and is the Chief Executive Officer for the foundation’s Board of Trustees. The leadership team includes the chief curator, director of exhibitions, controller, development director, director of collections & operations, and director of marketing & public relations. Additional employees include docents, interns, part‑time visitor attendants, story associates, and Family Interactive Gallery associates. Of the 25 total employees, four are City employees, the remainder are foundation employees. The foundation is currently negotiating its first union contract with Teamsters Local 231.
Organization The Whatcom Museum includes a three‑building campus in Bellingham’s downtown arts district and houses a collection of more than 250,000 artifacts and artworks of regional and national importance, including a vast photographic archive. Centered around the historic Old City Hall—iconic with its clock tower—and the nearby Lightcatcher building—featuring a translucent wall of sunlight—the Museum plays a central role in the city’s arts and culture scene.
The Museum’s mission is to serve as a bridge among diverse people, ideas, and traditions by fostering curiosity and joy about the world, through exhibitions, events, educational programs, and collections reflective of the art, nature, Indigenous cultures, and history of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a member of the American Association for State and Local History, and a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate.
Museum Facilities and Programs The original building, Old City Hall, is a National Register of Historic Places landmark, housed exhibitions and many popular programs. Upcoming 2026 exhibitions include Vivid Victorian, featuring restored Victorian dress, and Painted Forest, featuring ancient petrified wood.
The Lightcatcher building, a 42,000‑sq‑ft LEED Silver‑level structure, holds the bulk of the collections and hosts rotating art exhibitions, the People of the Sea and Cedar gallery, a Family Interactive Gallery, an arts studio/classroom, a research library, a gift shop, and an outdoor courtyard. Current highlights include Verdant: French Masterworks from the National Gallery of Art and the nationally touring Personal to Political exhibition featuring 17 African American artists. 2026 plans also include updates to People of the Sea and Cedar and a series of collection exhibitions such as Hard Edge, Soft Ground.
Community Bellingham, Washington, is a vibrant community with a small‑city feel, significant arts and educational institutions, and strong connections to Mount Baker Theatre, Pickford Film Center, and local breweries. Its proximity to the Cascades and San Juan Islands, combined with a thriving parks and trails system, makes it an attractive place for outdoor and cultural activities.
Roles and Responsibilities Strategic Museum Leadership
Lead development and implementation of the Museum’s strategic plan in cooperation with the Foundation Board, ensuring alignment with the City’s mission and core values.
Oversee the Museum’s financial strategies and fundraising to support exhibitions, programs, facilities, and operations.
Maintain accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums, upholding professional standards and best practices.
Work closely with the chief curator, director of collections, and the Collection Committee to strategically expand the permanent collection.
Approve major accessions and deaccessions, ensuring security and integrity of all collections and exhibitions.
Assume other strategic museum leadership responsibilities as needed.
Fundraising and Financial Oversight
Ensure financial well‑being by establishing successful fundraising strategies, donor development, cost control, and fiscal monitoring.
Prepare and review annual budgets for the Foundation and the City of Bellingham, justifying requests and amendments.
Enforce efficient use of departmental funds, personnel, assets, and materials; negotiate contracts and agreements.
Oversee fundraising across individuals, corporations, foundations, government, and events.
Develop long‑ and short‑term fundraising strategies for the Foundation.
Administer contributed income and capital endowment activities, securing gifts to support programs, acquisitions, and long‑term needs.
Lead the Finance Committee by recommending and initiating investment strategies and fiscal goals.
Assume other fundraising and financial oversight responsibilities as needed.
Personnel and Facilities Management
Coordinate Museum activities with City departments to align with City objectives and deliver the One City Initiative.
Create and implement policies and procedures for Museum work and staff.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, City policies, and industry best practices.
Develop and maintain a workforce committed to excellence, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork.
Manage hiring, training, performance appraisal, career development, safety, and corrective action for staff, and oversee the volunteer program.
Ensure compliance with Federal, State, labor agreements, and City and Museum policies.
Oversee facilities management of the multi‑building campus in collaboration with city staff.
Assume other personnel and facilities management responsibilities as needed.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Act as the Museum’s primary representative to the City, serving on the leadership team and advising the Mayor, City Council, and other leaders.
Engage with the community to foster accessibility, build positive relationships, and promote a favorable public perception of the Museum.
Serve as a strategic leader in defining the Museum’s role in the city’s arts and culture.
Ensure staff collaboration with other City programs for accurate, consistent information and services.
Assume other community and stakeholder engagement responsibilities as needed.
Traits and Characteristics The Executive Director will be a dedicated, enthusiastic, and visionary leader with the ability to build relationships with the community and communicate the importance of the arts to the City of Bellingham’s constituents. The Executive Director will be a strong communicator and team leader who will work with and leverage a focused and dedicated staff to further the Museum’s mission, prioritize accessibility, and champion educational initiatives for all ages. The Executive Director will welcome new ideas and improvements from staff, trustees, and community members and will manage resources to achieve strategic goals.
Other Key Competencies
Leadership and Personal Accountability – Inspire and support others, model integrity, set clear expectations, and take ownership of outcomes.
Diplomacy and Interpersonal Skills – Navigate complex structures, build trust, and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Teamwork and Flexibility – Recognize individual contributions, cultivate an inclusive culture, and share successes.
Time and Priority Management – Manage multiple demands with focus, flexibility, and clear prioritization to ensure timely execution.
Compensation and Benefits The Whatcom Museum Foundation provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated base salary of $140,000 to $168,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage (Foundation pays 100% of premiums for the employee and 20% for dependents). The employee is eligible for a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan upon meeting eligibility and accrues vacation, sick, and personal days. Employment is contingent upon a background check.
Requirements A minimum of five years of leadership experience in an arts and culture organization is necessary. A bachelor’s degree in art, art history, history, museum studies, business, or finance is ideal; a master’s degree is preferred. Training and/or experience in management, finance, investment, and fundraising practices is required. Experience with Tribal entities, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and decolonizing museum practices is a plus. Familiarity with museum standards, accreditation, legal issues, grant regulations, historical preservation, and tax law is highly desirable. Candidates lacking some qualifications but possessing transferable skills, experience, or education are encouraged to apply and highlight these areas.
Application Instructions To submit a cover letter, resume, and a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/city-of-bellingham-whatcom-museum-seeks-museum-executive-director/
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