Museum Executive Director
Winona County Historical Society, Winona, MN, United States
Location: Winona County Historical Society, Winona, Minnesota
Appointment: Administrative, Full-time, On-Site
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Essential Roles and Expectations of Museum Executive Director The Museum Executive Director of the Winona County Historical Society provides visionary, mission-driven leadership to advance the organization’s operations, long-term sustainability, and impact within the community. This role champions the Society’s vision by setting strategic direction, strengthening organizational capacity, and fostering meaningful connections with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
The Museum Executive Director leads key organizational priorities, including fundraising, community engagement, partnership development, property stewardship, and external relations, serving as a visible and effective representative for the Society.
Reporting to and working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Museum Executive Director supervises and supports staff in delivering high-quality museum exhibitions, collections care, educational initiatives, public programs, facility rentals, and retail operations. This position ensures all programs and services are executed with excellence, accountability, and a strong commitment to the Society’s mission.
Responsibilities 1. Relationship Development and Community Engagement (60%)
Lead the development program to grow revenue from public, corporate, foundation, and individual sources.
Build a culture of philanthropy and steward relationships with donors, funders, volunteers, and community partners.
Secure, track, and report gifts and grants.
Increase awareness of WCHS through outreach, media, and public presence across the region.
Expand county-wide access to collections and museum exhibits so WCHS reflects diverse perspectives and histories of the area.
Sustain and cultivate respectful partnerships with Mdewakanton Dakota and other Native communities.
2. Organizational Leadership (40%)
Set organizational vision and strategy in partnership with the Board of Directors.
Lead staff team, collaboratively and adaptively setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and tracking progress.
Responsible for ensuring accurate monthly financial reporting.
Seek input and consultation from Native communities of the Oceti Sakowin and others in responsible stewardship of oral histories, and accurate representation in museum exhibits and programming.
Direct marketing, communications, programming, and audience development, to strengthen public visibility, engagement, and revenue.
Guide the effective use of communications and digital platforms to promote programs, exhibitions, and institutional initiatives.
Oversee collections and facilities for the History Center (Winona), Willard Bunnell House (Homer), and Rural Heritage Museum (St. Charles).
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public history or related field.
5+ years of leadership experience in a museum, historical society, or similar nonprofit.
Commitment to public history/museums and collaborative, innovative practice.
Fundraising and financial management experience.
Experience securing and managing grants.
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Appointment: Administrative, Full-time, On-Site
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Essential Roles and Expectations of Museum Executive Director The Museum Executive Director of the Winona County Historical Society provides visionary, mission-driven leadership to advance the organization’s operations, long-term sustainability, and impact within the community. This role champions the Society’s vision by setting strategic direction, strengthening organizational capacity, and fostering meaningful connections with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
The Museum Executive Director leads key organizational priorities, including fundraising, community engagement, partnership development, property stewardship, and external relations, serving as a visible and effective representative for the Society.
Reporting to and working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Museum Executive Director supervises and supports staff in delivering high-quality museum exhibitions, collections care, educational initiatives, public programs, facility rentals, and retail operations. This position ensures all programs and services are executed with excellence, accountability, and a strong commitment to the Society’s mission.
Responsibilities 1. Relationship Development and Community Engagement (60%)
Lead the development program to grow revenue from public, corporate, foundation, and individual sources.
Build a culture of philanthropy and steward relationships with donors, funders, volunteers, and community partners.
Secure, track, and report gifts and grants.
Increase awareness of WCHS through outreach, media, and public presence across the region.
Expand county-wide access to collections and museum exhibits so WCHS reflects diverse perspectives and histories of the area.
Sustain and cultivate respectful partnerships with Mdewakanton Dakota and other Native communities.
2. Organizational Leadership (40%)
Set organizational vision and strategy in partnership with the Board of Directors.
Lead staff team, collaboratively and adaptively setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and tracking progress.
Responsible for ensuring accurate monthly financial reporting.
Seek input and consultation from Native communities of the Oceti Sakowin and others in responsible stewardship of oral histories, and accurate representation in museum exhibits and programming.
Direct marketing, communications, programming, and audience development, to strengthen public visibility, engagement, and revenue.
Guide the effective use of communications and digital platforms to promote programs, exhibitions, and institutional initiatives.
Oversee collections and facilities for the History Center (Winona), Willard Bunnell House (Homer), and Rural Heritage Museum (St. Charles).
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public history or related field.
5+ years of leadership experience in a museum, historical society, or similar nonprofit.
Commitment to public history/museums and collaborative, innovative practice.
Fundraising and financial management experience.
Experience securing and managing grants.
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