Mariners’ Museum President and CEO Newport News, Virginia

The Mariners’ Museum is seeking a new President to lead the Museum into a new era of innovation and national presence. The President is responsible for increasing the visibility, prominence, financial resources, relevance and impact of The Mariners' Museum. S/he must be a leader who can garner respect and support of donors, government leaders, other non-profits and experts in the field. This individual must know how to grow enterprises, take a good brand and make it great, build a world class operation, develop and nurture partnerships, and be a catalyst who can lead and motivate others while creating excitement and energy around The Mariners' Museum and all its potential.

This is a defining moment for the Museum. The next President will have the opportunity to create a ten year vision for the institution that transforms it into a modern, vital and growing enterprise; maximizing the collections (artifacts, art and archives); utilizing technology to engage families, children, the local community, and people around the world; and grow both earned and charitable revenue. This opportunity requires an individual who can deliver a greatly expanded museum with ever changing modern and engaging exhibitions, an increasing number of visitors, and increased charitable support. S/he must be an individual who can look at all the unique assets the Museum has to offer and create a place that will be a sought after destination for families, collectors, sailors, and anyone who loves the sea and the stories it has to tell.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of ten years in a leadership role in a profit or not-for-profit organization with a proven track record in leading dynamic organizations, revenue generation, building new business lines, and motivating staff and volunteers to achieve new levels of excellence. This individual must be a charismatic, passionate, creative leader and team builder. The new President will report to The Mariners’ Museum Board of Trustees and will have six direct reports.

The Mariners’ campus includes: a maritime museum that houses a great collection of maritime artifacts and art, a 560 acre park, a 167-acre lake, a library of world class archives, a research and conservation facility, and a national education center. It’s a place for summer concerts, a place to experience the mysteries of the sea and talk to present day explorers, a place for science and technology, and a place for research and reflection. It has an $95 million endowment and an annual operating budget of over $6 million per year.