Publication Date: March 14, 2013

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum in Sanibel, Florida seeks an innovative Executive Director to lead the Museum into its next phase of development.  The only museum in the United States devoted entirely to mollusks, the mission of the Museum is to: educate visitors about mollusks and shells through exhibits, library services, and publications; further awareness of nature and the natural environment; and promote collection-based research on mollusks, with geographic emphasis on Southwest Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Museum

The community-at-large and a large group of avid local shell collectors provided the inspiration to establish the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (“the Museum”).  The Museum is a place where visitors explore and experience not just the beauty of shells, but also the natural history, biodiversity, and the roles that mollusks play in human culture and endeavors. The Museum is also an important resource for research scientists.  Located on the sanctuary island of Sanibel on the Gulf of Mexico, a renowned destination for shell collectors, the 25,000 square foot museum opened in 1995 on an 8-acre conservancy wetlands site. The island’s population grows from 6,500 year-round residents to more than 30,000 during the winter tourist season.  The Museum hosts 50,000 visitors each year with a membership of 800. 

The Museum operates as an information and reference center for national and international scientists, students, and shell enthusiasts who are interested in marine, terrestrial, and freshwater mollusks. Operating with three core principles – Education, Collections, and Research - the museum offers on-site educational programs for more than 4,000 students annually and is engaged in collaborative efforts with educational and research institutions and hosts visiting researchers.  In 1997 the Museum became the publisher of The Nautilus, the oldest English-language malacological journal in circulation.  The scientific collection database of the Museum is posted online.  The Museum is a designated Cultural Sponsoring Organization of Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs, and in 2010 received initial accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

The 17-member Board of Trustees is currently updating its strategic plan, which will include a capital campaign to expand the Museum in terms of exhibit, research, and collections space.  The Museum’s staff includes a Collections Manager, Store Manager, Development and PR/Marketing Manager, Business Manager, and Public Programs Specialist.  The current Executive Director, a Ph.D. malacologist, will transition to a new role as Curator and Director of Education.  A large and active group of docents assists with curating and cataloguing the collections, provides services in education and interpretation of the exhibits, and provides support at the Museum Store and to the staff in general.  The annual budget is approximately $1 million, and the Museum has an endowment of approximately $2 million.

The Position

Recognizing the progress of the last 18 years, the Executive Director will help the Museum move to the next level in fulfilling its mission.  S/he will lead the Museum in all aspects of its daily activities and will work to continually enhance its reputation, including its scientific credibility and professional standing. 

Essential Responsibilities of the Executive Director

• Work with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement the long-term vision and strategy of the Museum.
• Raise funds from individuals, businesses, organizations and grantors.  Develop current and future donors for ongoing financial needs and for the anticipated capital campaign.
• Manage and develop staff and volunteers.
• Engage in outreach and represent the Museum to the local residents, web-based community, key stakeholders, donors and the scientific/educational community.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget.

Qualifications Desired

• Passion for the mission of the Museum
• Museum or other nonprofit management experience
• Advanced degree
• Documented evidence of significant fundraising ability and partnership development
• Experience in organizational planning
• Experience working effectively with a not-for-profit Board of Trustees
• Strong administrative and financial skills with experience with annual budgets over $1 million
• Strong work ethic
• Dedication to the values of transparency, diversity, and inclusiveness

For additional information, please visit our website at www.shellmuseum.org.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter and salary history to Susan Egmont, Egmont Associates,segmont@egmontassociates.com.