Director, Lucy Burns Museum

Background: The Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. (WAF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with a mission to operate the Workhouse Arts Center (opening in 2008) with programs in the visual arts, performing arts, arts education, and history through the repurposing of the former Workhouse correctional facility. WAF’s budget is currently $3 million annually.

Summary Statement: A vital member of Workhouse Arts Foundation’s Senior Staff, the Director is the driving force behind the identity of the Lucy Burns Museum’s curatorial programming and significantly contributes to the museum’s vision and ongoing growth. This dynamic leadership position acts as a representative of the organization, supervises staff and volunteers, maintains close involvement with exhibition realization, education teams, and multifaceted interaction with the community. Located in Lorton, VA, the WAF is a non-profit dedicated to providing outstanding visual and performing arts, arts education, history programs and the Lucy Burns Museum, all in a unique historic setting. In this role, the Director will represent the WAF professionally on-site and with community partners, including Fairfax County, the owner of the site. This position will also oversee Museum employees and volunteers and serve as the subject matter expert for on-site staff regarding the history of the site.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Overall administration and management of the staff and the museum facility, including budget preparation and management, day-to-day operations of the museum facility, and personnel and volunteer management.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Museum that includes restorative justice and accounting for equitable collecting of oral histories
• Develop and implement plans for the museum to become an International Site of Consciousness, to put the museum on the path to accreditation by American Alliance of Museums, and to include the Workhouse in the 250^th Celebration of America’s founding.
• Oversee the overall exhibition and program development of the museum, including developing high-quality exhibitions, programs, and activities that include experiences for school, family, youth, adult, and community audiences.
• Engage with regional museums, community organizations, local, state, and national governmental and educational organizations to build advocacy for the museum and assess community needs and issues.
• Participate in fundraising activities, including grant writing, to support the Museum’s exhibits, conservation and preservation initiatives, and educational programs.
• Ensure compliance with museum best practices as defined by the American Alliance of Museums. 

Experience and Education

·        Master's degree in American Studies, Public History, or Museum Studies, or a closely related field, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, directing, and managing all aspects of a museum, public historical program or institution, business, governmental program, or non-profit organization (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

·        Demonstrated knowledge of the museum field, current museum practices, and artifact preservation and conservation standards.

·        Curatorial and/or interpretive experience in a museum.

·        Demonstrated knowledge of, and familiarity with, historical and material culture research, issues and trends in criminal/ social justice history.

·        Demonstrated experience in supervising a wide range of staff positions -- both professional and non-professional -- in planning and developing complex projects, such as museum exhibits or educational programs.

·        Knowledge of PastPerfect.

Accountabilities: Satisfactory completion of this job will be evidenced by excellent attention to detail, anticipation of financial need, exercising sound professional judgement, meeting financial goals, building and maintaining good working relationships with staff, artists and other colleagues, keeping excellent records, and working well as a team member, and by operating within the Workhouse approved budget.

Compensation/Benefits: $62,000 - $67,000 annually, with a benefit package that includes a health/dental insurance plan, a retirement plan, paid time off, and other employee benefits.

Additional Notes: The Workhours for this position are a function of work and support requirements and directed by the President/CEO. The Workhouse business hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some business meetings or special events may require working some weekends and weeknights. Full job description may be found online at https://www.workhousearts.org/careers-volunteer-positions/blog-post-director-lbm

Applications and Inquiries: Please submit the following PDF items electronically, with the subject line containing the words “Director, LBM” stated. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Please direct all submission to: humanresources@workhousearts.org

·        Cover letter including salary requirements.

·        Resume including demonstrable accomplishments.