The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS), a museum and research center located in Washington, CT, seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization, providing vision and effective leadership to accomplish the mission and strategic goals of the organization and implement the initiatives approved by the Board of Trustees. Founded in 1975 as the American Indian Archaeological Institute, IAIS preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality and knowledge of Native American cultures. IAIS is not tribally affiliated; it is committed to honoring and celebrating vibrant Indigenous lifeways of the Eastern Woodland tribes with exhibits tracing more than 12,000 years of their history. The Executive Director is the face of the Institute in the community, region and state and among our Indigenous colleagues and constituents as well as our donors, members, and supporters.

Application and Inquiries
Submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of relevant accomplishments to [email protected]. Include salary expectations in your cover letter. Please send questions or general inquiries to the same email address.

SUPERVISORY AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS: 

The Executive Director works under the general supervision and policy direction of the Board of  Trustees. The Executive Director provides leadership and guidance to IAIS staff. The Executive Director  is expected to develop cooperative and collaborative relationships with the Trustees, IAIS staff,  Indigenous and non-Indigenous professional colleagues, and with colleagues in peer organizations and  the broader community.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Board of Trustees:  

• Maintain a close working relationship with the IAIS Board of Trustees, attending board and  committee meetings, collaborating with the Board chair on meeting agendas, and providing  operational and financial reports to support the Board’s governance responsibilities. 
• Work with Board committees to identify and implement best practices for key IAIS policies,  including but not limited to strategic and operational planning, collections, financial  management and personnel; coordinate timely review and/or revision of policies. 
• As liaison between the Board of Trustees and IAIS staff, work with the Board and staff to  develop strategies for achieving mission goals and financial viability. 
• Identify and recommend continuing education opportunities for trustees.

Fundraising and Membership Development: 

• In partnership with the Board of Trustees, meet aggressive annual fundraising goals; secure  financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors, government agencies and  other funding sources. 
• Manage a robust grant program, including research, applications and oversight to meet grant  reporting and compliance requirements.  
• Work with the Development Committee of the Board to create an annual development calendar  and manage implementation of appeals and events. 

Finance and Operations: 

• Work with the Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees to prepare and administer  the annual budget in compliance with IAIS Financial policies. 
• Ensure adequate control and accounting of all funds, including maintaining sound and  transparent financial practices to meet payroll and other IAIS financial obligations. • Manage all financial and accounting activity to ensure the financial health of IAIS, analyzing  revenue and expenses monthly relative to budget and proactively recommending corrective  action to achieve and maintain sustainability. 
• Manage all IAIS programs and activities to achieve and maintain financial sustainability, regularly  preparing and monitoring profit and loss assumptions.  
• Oversee insurance renewals and the annual audit process; providing required documentation  and support to meet mandated deadlines.  
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal statutory and regulatory  requirements for non-profits, including Connecticut business filings and sales tax payments. 

Collections and Facilities: 

• Ensure proper security and care of IAIS collections, adhering to best practices as established by  museum professionals and organizations. 
• Oversee maintenance of IAIS buildings, grounds, equipment and furnishings. • Direct planning and implementation of capital projects as needed. 
• Prepare bids and specifications for procurement and/or contracts. 

Personnel: 

• Lead staff in maintaining a climate of excellence, accountability and respect. • Administer all aspects of the IAIS personnel policy, including staff recruiting, hiring, and on boarding processes as well as training, performance reviews and development opportunities. • Manage the bi-weekly payroll process. 
• Serve as administrator of the IAIS 401(k) and TIAA plans. 
• Ensure compliance with relevant workplace and employment laws. 

Community Outreach and Engagement: 

• Build respect and brand recognition for the Institute among its Indigenous constituency as well  as among non-Indigenous constituencies. 
• Represent IAIS in a positive manner to its constituencies, including clients, members, patrons,  other non-profits, elected officials, donors and the community at large.  
• Participate in external events to increase visibility, credibility, and develop strategic partnerships  to further increase community awareness and expand programs.

PROFESSIONAL PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT: 

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Executive Director is required to:  • Attend and participate in IAIS public events and programs. 

• Attend and participate in committee, staff, informational and professional development  meetings. 
• Stay current in the position’s required fields of professional expertise and competencies. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrated ability to manage non-profit entities to the highest standards of excellence in  museum administration. 
• Demonstrated leadership skills in the areas of fundraising, membership growth and program  development. 
• Sound knowledge of financial statements and the capability of financial management systems. • Proficiency in public relations and public speaking. Excellent written and oral communication  skills.  
• Strong information technology literacy skills. 
• Highly developed interpersonal relations skills. Demonstrated ability to respond to and work  effectively and collegially with multiple constituencies on a local, regional and statewide level. • Extensive knowledge of Native American culture and history. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s Degree in an appropriately related field  
• Minimum of five years directly related experience managing a non-profit educational institution,  or, a combination of education, training and experience which would lead to the competencies  required for successful performance of the position’s essential functions. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 3 years direct experience in fund development or large donor fundraising. 
• Master’s Degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Anthropology, or Archaeology with a focus  on Native American cultures. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work is normally performed at the IAIS campus in offices, conference rooms, and the Research  Building. However, performance of many of the essential duties will require outdoor activities on the  grounds of the IAIS, at off-site archeological sites, and at other off-site indoor and outdoor locations.  Performance of the assigned duties will require travel to, and presentations at, community events,  conferences, and meetings with potential funding sources including individual donors.  

ACCOMMODATIONS: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform  the essential functions of this position.