Museum Director

To submit a cover letter, resume, and a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please  or visit

For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, please contact:
Josyanne Roche Vice President, Arts Consulting Group Tel:  Ext. 245 (Roche) Email:
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The Whatcom Museum 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. 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 current full salary range for this position is $11,666/month - $14,000/month. Employees receive step increases bi‑annually in accordance with the E‑Team Handbook and City policy. Research has demonstrated that salary negotiation can further inequality due to bias across gender and race. To prevent negotiation bias, the City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience in accordance with City policy.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team.

• 20 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt‑out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan up to 3% with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

• Museum Leadership:
  Provides information and advice to the Foundation, Mayor, and City Council, and other City leaders on strategic planning and accomplishment of Museum goals and objectives. Coordinates the Museum's activities with those of the City of Bellingham to align with the City’s critical objectives, vision and values.
• Planning:
  Leads the 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. Oversees the coordination of the Museum's financial strategies to support the needs of exhibitions, program planning, facilities development, and on‑going operations. Maintains accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums, upholding professional standards and best practices.
• Fiscal and Business Management:
  Assures the financial well‑being of the Museum by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations. Prepares annual budgets for the Foundation and justifies budget requests and amendments. Projects and procures revenues and funding for the work of the Museum, including capital improvements, development and management of fees and charges, and accessing private and governmental funding sources. Assures the efficient and economical use of Whatcom Museum Foundation and City of Bellingham funds, personnel, assets, equipment, materials, facilities and time.
  
  Manages various funds, trusts and accounts. Negotiates contracts and agreements.
• Policy Development and Implementation:
  Responsible for the development of policies and procedures under the guidance of the Foundation Board, and for the implementation of those policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in the industry. Ensures compliance with City Policies and Collective Bargaining…