St. Lawrence County Historical Assocation

Director of Operations

Job Description

The St. Lawrence County Historical Association (SLCHA) seeks an experienced, forward-thinking, and highly collaborative administrator to serve as Director of Operations. As part of a small but dedicated staff, the Director of Operations will co-lead the SLCHA in a shared leadership capacity.

Founded in 1947, and permanently chartered in 1955, the St. Lawrence County Historical Association researches, collects, preserves, and interprets the history of St. Lawrence County. The Association manages the 1833 Silas Wright House, originally belonging to United States Senator and Governor of New York, Silas Wright, as well as the 2001 Red Barn Museum addition. The Wright House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Canton Village Park Historic District.

Members are the single largest source of annual income for the not-for-profit Association. In 2022, the SLCHA completed a three-year, $350,000 capital campaign to ensure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability. In late 2022, the Board of Trustees began drafting a new Strategic Plan to guide the organization through a time of transition, rebuilding and growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Operations (D.O.) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the
buildings, grounds, offices, and office staff of the SLCHA. The D.O. reports directly to the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Board, the Director of Collections & Community Engagement, and other staff and volunteers in pursuit of the Association’s mission and vision.

The successful candidate will possess strong and collaborative leadership skills, and excellent organizational, administrative, communication and managerial skills.

Experience with grant writing and fundraising will be required to help identify and sustain new projects and initiatives.

An understanding of the preservation needs and challenges of historic buildings is also strongly preferred.

The Director of Operations position is full time and exempt; some evening and Saturday work required.

Duties Include:
● Oversees operations of the Silas Wright House, Red Barn Museum addition, museum grounds, gift shop, main office
● Oversees facilities management, including building maintenance and improvements
● Responsible for developing and maintaining budgets for General Operations, Building & Grounds, and Fundraising
● Provides direction and oversight for museum endowment and all fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives, such as the annual silent auction
● Prepares and reports bi-weekly payroll
● Manages 2-4 full and part-time administrative and maintenance staff and all office and operations volunteers
● Coordinates the Annual Meeting and special meetings held for the purposes of
amending SLCHA’s Constitution, Bylaws, or other policy updates
● Keeps the Association up to date with changes in local & state non-profit laws
● Serves as the point of contact for Building & Grounds, Fundraising, and Finance
Committees
● Applies for building & infrastructure-related grants and other funding. Works with
contractors and grantors on related projects
● Co-coordinates the publication of The Quarterly magazine & Wright House newsletter
● Oversees & works closely with the Marketing, Development & Membership Coordinator to solicit sponsorships, donations and manage Planned Giving
● Oversees & works closely with Administrative Assistant to pay bills, manage finances, organize office spaces and gather materials for annual reviews or audits
● Works closely with the Director of Collections & Community Engagement to identify
fundraising priorities for education & outreach initiatives
● Manages technology and office equipment and orders office & building supplies
● Manages gift shop inventory & overall museum purchasing

This Position is: In-Person

Position Type: Full-Time, salaried; some evening and Saturday work required
Starting Salary: $55,341

Benefits: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. 2% employer contribution to IRA.

How to Apply: Send resume/cv, cover letter and contact information for 3 references to Carlene Bermann, Interim Executive Director: director@slcha.org by midnight, April 16, 2023

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in public/business administration or a related field preferred; plus a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience managing a business or not-for-profit organization, including finances and staff. Experience with historic buildings preferred.

Skills:
● Experience working with donors and securing funding for a not-for-profit organization
● General knowledge of older buildings and their mechanical systems
● Advanced knowledge of PC based computer systems and technology, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Zoom and membership management databases
● Successful supervision of staff, volunteers, and interns
● Strong interpersonal skills and networking abilities
● Strong time management skills and attention to detail
● Highly collaborative, yet able to set and meet independent and organizational deadlines

Benefits

• Retirement Benefits
• Paid time off (sick days, vacation days)

Contact Information