Executive Director

Founded in 2012, Washington Heritage Museums (WHM) manages four 18th-century historic properties in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia:
Mary Washington House, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James ‘House. In 2023, the organization expanded its portfolio to include the Mary Washington Monument and the Caretaker’s Lodge, a site currently undergoing renovation and landscape redesign to improve accessibility and enhance its educational value. More information about WHM can be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Supported by a growing local, regional, and national community of members, WHM is dedicated to preserving its historic properties and interpreting them through inclusive narratives that inspire an engaging and enduring understanding of the Washington family. As the leader of one of Fredericksburg’s most vital cultural institutions, the next WHM Executive Director (ED) reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for implementing Board-approved strategy.

Working closely with a 15-member Board of Directors and its committees, the ED will serve as the WHM’s chief strategist, fundraiser, and manager. The ED will set and implement the organization’s strategic direction for WHM moving forward; drive financial and fundraising initiatives that support key priorities; safeguard historic properties and collections and uphold educational programs; oversee staff and coordinate volunteers;

and foster community partnerships that expand WHM’s reach and membership.

This full-time, on-site position is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The successful candidate will bring strong nonprofit leadership and management skills, a commitment to historic preservation and public history, and the ability to build collaborative relationships and inspire support for WHM’s mission. The ED will serve as the organization’s primary leader and spokesperson and will play a central role in fundraising, financial stewardship, community engagement, staff development, and strategic planning.

• Lead, consult, and contribute to conversations with the Board, WHM members and staff, and community stakeholders to advance the organization’s goals, objectives, and mission.
• Establish short- and long-term priorities and oversee planning for all WHM operations and administration.
• Strategically guide the development of programs and activities to support identified priorities in alignment with available resources while addressing organizational challenges. Financial Management and Fundraising
• Strengthen the organization’s financial stability by developing and monitoring operational and project budgets as well as managing the endowment investment portfolio.
• Develop and lead a robust grant-writing strategy to support the organization’s priorities and goals.
• Identify fundraising opportunities for ongoing work and special projects through individual donations, corporate sponsor ships, and foundation philanthropy.

• Serve as the organization’s primary fundraising leader and develop a comprehensive development strategy aligned with WHM’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Provide strong financial leadership and oversight, working with staff, the Board, and professional advisors to maintain the organization’s financial health and long-term sustainability.
• Strengthen the organization’s financial stability by developing and monitoring operational and project budgets as well as managing the endowment investment portfolio.
• Develop and lead a robust grant-writing strategy to support the organization’s priorities and goals.
• Identify fundraising opportunities for ongoing work and special projects through individual…