Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Seattle, WA, United States
The National Nordic Museum (“the Museum”) seeks an experienced and innovative cultural leader to be the next Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will propel the Museum’s mission to “share Nordic culture, values, and ideas with people of all ages and backgrounds to create connections, generate dialogue, and inspire new perspectives,” using the Museum’s assets and platform to enrich lives in the Seattle area, nationally, and beyond.
ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director and CEO is responsible for guiding and
executing overall strategy and operations and modeling organizational mission, vision, and values.
Although its offerings go well beyond the traditional bounds of curatorial and exhibition work, sustained
excellence in this realm is critical to the Museum’s mission and future. Among the critical aspects of the
role are the stewardship of the Museum’s collection, oversight of a broad range of exhibitions, programs,
and events, and management of a professional museum staff.
The CEO must reflect the ethos of the Museum and Nordic communities, allowing them to cultivate
relationships with diverse stakeholders, cultural organizations, and government representatives locally,
nationally, and abroad. Ongoing relationships with the five Nordic nations and their diasporas are central
to the Museum’s standing as a convener and cultural hub.
The CEO provides leadership and strategic direction to Museum staff and volunteers. They are supported
by a leadership team including the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Curator, and Director of Development.
The CEO oversees an annual operating budget of $5.2 million. Earned revenue represented nearly 63%,
and contributed revenue 37%, of the Museum’s annual revenue in FY23. The current value of the
Museum’s endowment funds totals approximately $8 million
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Collaboratively define the Museum’s future strategic vision to drive relevance, innovation, and impact
Enhance the Museum’s mission by expanding its regional, national, and international reach
Ensure long-term financial well-being through exceptional management and fundraising
Lead and develop a high-performing team to sustain excellence as the Museum evolves
Elevate the governance structure to respond to the needs and aspirations of the National Nordic
Museum
QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Demonstrated passion for, or connection to, the Nordic nations. Broad cultural competency,
international savvy, curiosity, and appreciation, with emphasis on Nordic cultures
Leadership style that is visionary, inclusive, and collaborative. An open and consultative leader
who can partner with, motivate, and inspire all stakeholders
Past success working with a Board of Trustees and the ability to cultivate trustee relationships
that will ensure the Board is deeply engaged in its fiduciary, stewardship, and strategic roles
Sustained successful senior management experience, including strong strategic planning, staff
management, operations, and communications skills;
National Nordic Museum
Demonstrated success in relationship building, including with community, civic, diplomatic, and
industry partners. International experience is a plus
Successful record of nonprofit revenue development encompassing earned revenue and
individual, institutional, and endowment fundraising
Experience building and managing budgets while driving sound financial and policy decisions
within a complex organization
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational transformation
History of implementing organization-wide strategies to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility both internally within an organization and externally with audiences and
communities
Excellent managerial, planning, organizational, and administrative skills. Ability to develop
leadership capacity and structure
Demonstrated commitment to the shared Nordic values of openness, sustainability, social justice,
and innovation
Passion, vision, integrity, humility, and sense of humor
Excellent interpersonal and social skills
The expected salary range for this position is $250,000-$325,000. The National Nordic Museum offers a
competitive benefits package including paid sick leave, paid holidays, access to their Employee Assistance
Program, and 403(b) retirement plan.
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