Managing Director

Managing Director

LOST IN NEW HAVEN – A New Nonprofit History Museum and Cultural Hub

Location: 80 Hamilton Street, New Haven, CT 06511

Reports to: Board of Directors

Status: Full-time, Tax-Exempt organization

About the Museum

LOST IN NEW HAVEN is more than a museum; it’s a cultural hub and event space. where

today, yesterday and tomorrow gather on common ground and speak to each other. We foster

community through immersive exhibits, interactivity and storytelling. From the New Haven

settlements’ founding in 1638 through our modern ages, this city’s story has proven a microcosm

of America’s story.

Led by a visionary Founding Director responsible for the creative and curatorial direction, the

museum seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Managing Director to partner in building the

organizational, financial, and operational foundations essential for long-term success.

Position Overview

The Managing Director will serve as the operational and strategic leader responsible for

developing and overseeing all administrative, financial, fundraising, marketing, visitor services,

and human resources systems. In collaboration with the Founding Director and Board of

Directors, the Managing Director will transform the museum’s vision into a sustainable, thriving

institution. This is a unique opportunity to help build a major new cultural organization from the

ground up.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the Creative Founding Director to translate the museum’s creative vision into operational reality.
• Build and manage the museum’s administrative infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Recruit, supervise, and develop Administrative, Financial, Development, Visitor services staff and volunteers, IT, HR, Marketing, PR and Social Media staff and volunteers.
• Act as Liaison to the Board of Directors preparing reports, supporting Board development and assuring compliance with nonprofit regulatory laws and practices.
• Build internal processes for growth and long-term sustainability.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets, cash flow projections, and financial reporting systems.
• Establish and maintain accounting systems and financial controls.
• Oversee audit preparation, grant reporting, and compliance with nonprofit financial regulations.
• Oversee payroll, bookkeeping, and Benefits administration
• Develop Employee Manual and Employee Benefits packages
• Manage Contracts, Leasing, Insurance and legal/regulatory compliance

Fundraising and Development

• In partnership with the Creative Founding Director and Development Director, support fundraising through strategic and operational planning and data systems.
• Oversee management of donor database and acknowledgement systems.
• Oversee organization of fundraising campaigns, cultivation events, and membership programs.
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of CRM, POS, and donor systems.

Operations and Facilities

• Work with Creative Founding Director to ensure that renovation and exhibit development budgets and timelines are within the approved annual budget limits approved by the Board of Directors.
• Oversee construction and capital budgets
• Work with the City of New Haven, environmental lawyers, and Environmental professionals to oversee the Environmental Remediation Grant with the State of CT.

Marketing and Community Engagement

• With Founding Director develop marketing, communications, and public relations strategies to build awareness and grow audiences.
• Oversee management of digital presence, including website, email marketing, and social media platforms.

Qualifications

• Proven success in nonprofit management, arts administration, or entrepreneurial leadership (minimum 5 years).
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, reporting, and financial controls.
• Fundraising experience, particularly in individual giving, grants, and events.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Passion for history, material culture, and public education.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving, and collaborative start-up environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, museum studies, or related field preferred.

Ideal Candidate Will Be:

• A self-starter who relishes the opportunity to build systems from scratch.
• A pragmatic problem-solver with a deep respect for creative and curatorial leadership.
• Comfortable wearing many hats, from hands-on tasks to high-level strategic planning.
• Energetic, resourceful, adaptable, and excited to engage with diverse communities.
• A strong advocate for inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence in public service.

Compensation

Salary: $120,000-$150,000 commensurate with experience,

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience, along with a resume

and three references, to admin@lostinnewhaven.org by August 15, 2025.