Executive Director

About the Organization

Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center (KTM&HC) is a beautiful four-acre historic site and history museum located on Ridgefield, Connecticut’s scenic Main Street. Widely recognized for its thoughtful interpretation of local, site-specific history from the eighteenth through early-twentieth centuries, KTM&HC engages audiences in critical thinking by connecting to larger themes in U.S. history as well as contemporary issues.

Anchoring the southern edge of Ridgefield’s Cultural District and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, KTM&HC benefits from strong community relationships and acts as an economic driver for the region, drawing about 10,000 visitors annually. Its school programs serve more than 2,000 students annually, and its exhibitions, public programs, and community events attract robust local and regional audiences.

Mission: KTM&HC preserves and interprets our site’s historic buildings, robust collections, and diverse stories, creating a space for ongoing learning and open dialogue about how the events of the past connect to the present and shape our future.

Vision: We strive to be a trusted and dynamic center of learning, committed to building the narrative about our site’s – and the nation’s – history. We aim to promote engagement, curiosity, and critical thinking about the varied experiences that have shaped, and continue to shape, our communities.

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Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization, shaping and executing KTM&HC’s strategic vision in consultation with the Board of Directors. The ED ensures that the organization’s financial, operational, administrative, and strategic infrastructure provides a solid foundation for KTM&HC to continue delivering on its important mission. This position reports to KTM&HC’s Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate is a visionary and engaging leader with a deep passion for museums and history, possessing a strong background in nonprofit administration and a proven record in fundraising and development.

The ED must be collaborative and capable of building relationships built on trust and respect with staff, donors, community leaders, and the Board. This person will demonstrate proven success in managing and inspiring cross-functional teams, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and maintaining a positive, collaborative, and transparent organizational culture.

The ED will work with the Board and a seasoned professional staff to refine and execute an existing five-year strategic plan. Leading development efforts, fundraising, grant writing, and capital campaigns, the ED will ensure the museum’s fiscal health through sound budgeting, oversight, and reporting, demonstrating financial fluency and deep knowledge of fiduciary obligations.

The ED will serve as a thought leader and advocate for history relevance on both a local and national level, expanding KTM&HC's visibility and reach. This leader will represent KTM&HC in the broader community, cultivating partnerships with peer organizations, civic groups, and the tourism sector.

Key Priorities

• Financial Stability and Growth: Stabilize finances and significantly increase earned and contributed revenue. Help close budget gaps by identifying ways to reduce expenses.
• Organizational Alignment and Trust: Build and sustain strong trust, respect, and transparency with staff and the Board of Directors.
• External Relations and Engagement: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, strategic partners, funders, and major donors.
• Strategic Planning: Work with the Board and staff leadership to ensure implementation of existing five-year strategic plan and refine and update as needed.

To see the complete job description and to apply, go to https://keelertavernmuseum.org/about/employment/.