Executive Director

KEES has been exclusively retained by Hotel Metropolitan in its search for an Executive Director

The Hotel Metropolitan seeks a start-up Executive Director as its first paid staff member to lead the organization into its next era. With foundational support from the Mellon Foundation and the City of Paducah, the Hotel is positioned for transformation from a beloved, volunteer-led institution into a professionally staffed and nationally recognized museum. The Executive Director will be uniquely positioned to lead the revitalization of this local cultural destination in partnership with the community and shape the future of one of Paducah’s most iconic properties.

The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of all aspects of the revitalization initiative, ensuring that it serves as a sustainable, thriving asset for the community. You will be working closely with government officials, community stakeholders, historical preservation experts, and fundraising teams to breathe new life into this significant cultural asset.

Some specific requirements include:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in leadership and management, preferably in a mission-inspired nonprofit organization focused on historic preservation, African American history, or community revitalization.
• Proven ability to build strong external relationships with a variety of volunteers, public leadership, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Track record in financial management, developing strategies to successfully increase revenue (earned income, grants, and philanthropy/fundraising), and stewardship.
• Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and then translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
• Demonstrated passion for cultural preservation, African American history, and community engagement, with a deep appreciation for the legacy and mission of the Hotel Metropolitan.
• Career track record that shows stability with an organization and capacity to develop and nurture relationships culminating in overall success.
• Proven success in building a small and productive work team with an ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration with stakeholders.

Salary is expected to hire between $95,000 – $120,000 annually depending on experience. Employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401k plan with employer match.

It is the policy of the City of Paducah to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, or sex.

TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.kees2success.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Opportunity-Guide-2025-Hotel-Metro-Executive-Director.pdf

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President and CEO, and Haley Becerril, Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to hbecerril@kees2success.com.

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Nestled along the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers in western Kentucky, Paducah is a vibrant small city of 25,000 residents with deep artistic roots, rich history, and a strong sense of community. Designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art, Paducah offers world-class cultural experiences including the National Quilt Museum, the Carson Center for the Performing Arts, and the historic Market House Theatre. Its charming downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a growing food scene, public art, and a lively calendar of festivals like the Lower Town Arts & Music Festival and Barbecue on the River. From historic preservation to modern creativity, Paducah strikes a rare balance between tradition and innovation. To Learn more, please visit https://www.paducah.travel/listing/hotel-metropolitan/966/

Employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401k plan with employer match.