Executive Director

Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Sherburne County Historical Society (SCHS), responsible for the leadership and management of its operations, collections, programs, and strategic vision. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees human, financial, and physical resources, ensures best practices in collections stewardship and public history programming, and advances the mission of preserving and promoting Sherburne County's heritage.

The ED collaborates with the Board to develop and implement strategic and operational policies, guides the organization through planning and budgeting processes, and manages compliance with nonprofit and governmental standards. The ED leads fundraising efforts, cultivates donor relationships, writes and manages grants, and oversees member and volunteer engagement.

With a commitment to museum standards and public access, the ED ensures the care and development of the Society's collections, including digital resources, as well as the Donna Eddy Library and research services. The ED promotes an inclusive, professional work environment for staff and volunteers and serves as the primary liaison to county leadership and partner organizations.

The Executive Director also serves as the public face of SCHS, working with community leaders and businesses and attending community events representing SCHS. The ED develops outreach, communications, and media strategies, including website and social media platforms, while actively seeking opportunities to connect the public with the region’s history.

About Sherburne County Historical Society
The Sherburne County Historical Society (SCHS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to preserve and share the rich history of Sherburne County, Minnesota. Operating with a dedicated staff of four, SCHS maintains a modern facility, the Sherburne History Center, located adjacent to the Oak Savanna County Park in Becker, Minnesota. The History Center features museum exhibits, the Donna Eddy Research Library, event spaces, and community archives. The Society’s annual operating budget is approximately $300,000 supported by a combination of county funding, grants, memberships, and donations. SCHS develops and presents exhibitions, educational programming, and public events year-round, and maintains both physical and digital collections to serve researchers and the broader community. As the county historical society, SCHS works closely with Sherburne County government and its residents to steward the region’s history and cultural resources.

About the Community
Sherburne County, Minnesota, offers a vibrant blend of rural charm, scenic natural areas, and growing suburban communities. The towns of Big Lake and Elk River serve as regional hubs, featuring accessible transit options, recreational amenities, and active civic life. Located within commuting distance of the Twin Cities, the county combines small-town friendliness with metropolitan proximity. Residents enjoy parks, trails, and cultural assets including the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Oliver Kelley Farm, and a strong local library system. The county's growth has been balanced with an emphasis on preserving its natural and historical heritage. Families and professionals alike find value in the area's quality of life, strong schools, and expanding economic base. The Executive Director will find a supportive local network, a beautiful and accessible work environment, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of the region.

Qualifications

• Experience working with and supporting a Board of Directors
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and experience managing budgets
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and development
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with historic preservation principles and best practices, experience in museum or cultural resource management preferred
• Willingness to support and mentor staff, experience managing staff preferred
• High degree of computer skills, including videoconferencing, social media and collections management (PastPerfect preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred