Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) of the Vermont Museum of Natural History at the Pool Nature Center (PNC) is a strategic leader responsible for overall management of the museum’s operations, staff, and finances. The ED also serves as the organization’s main ambassador whose key duties include developing and executing strategic and financial plans, fundraising, managing staff and volunteers, overseeing educational programs, ensuring facility upkeep, and cultivating relationships with the community, board, and partners. The role requires strong leadership skills with expertise in nonprofit management, finance, and environmental education. 

Responsibilities and Duties include:

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with board and staff to refine and implement the organization’s strategic plans, to ensure the organization’s growth and community impact, including the 2025 3-year strategic plan and master planning process for the Pool Nature Center.
• Lead, manage, and mentor staff, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation. Assist and advise education and animal care staff as appropriate. Assist with volunteer management as needed.
• Keep the board informed of the organization’s condition, maintain records, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Community Engagement

• Coordinate with the Education Director as needed to develop and oversee high-quality, diverse educational programs and activities for all ages. Coordinate with the Education Director as needed to develop programming and resources of PNC in keeping with the 2025 strategic plan and 2026/27 site planning.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization, building and nurturing relationships with community leaders, partners, donors, and the public.
• Oversee marketing and media efforts pertaining to programs and the organization as a whole. Ensure public facing media and web resources are up to date and in keeping with organizational mission.

Financial Management & Fundraising

• Formulate annual budgets, manage finances, ensure sound financial practices and compliance with non-profit reporting requirements.
• Lead and oversee fundraising efforts through identification of grant opportunities, writing and managing grants, leading donor identification and engagement, developing fundraising appeals, among other efforts. Work with relevant board committees to expand and strengthen donor population and foundation support.

Operations & Facilities

• Ensure the upkeep and management of facilities, grounds, exhibits, and collections.
• Work with the board and stakeholders to consider a PNC expansion, including marketing, siting, and funding of the expansion. Oversee site development and construction as appropriate.

Other Duties as Needed 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk/hike on uneven terrain.
• Able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. over short distances.

Direct Reports:

• Animal Care Manager
• Education Director
• Executive Assistant/Office Manager
• Bookkeeper (part-time)

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Nonprofit Management, or related field required (Masters Degree or advanced experience is preferred).
• Experience: Greater than 5 years of leadership experience in an environmental, wildlife nonprofit or educational setting. Experience with captive wildlife in an educational setting is a plus.
• Skills: Leadership with success in fundraising, budget management, and public speaking. Strong interpersonal, management, and communication skills are essential.
• Proficiency: Environmental conservation, wildlife, and education.