Director of the Florida Museum of Natural History

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Director serves as the chief executive of the Florida Museum of Natural History, providing strategic vision and leadership for research, collections stewardship, education, exhibitions, public programming, fundraising, external partnerships, and financial sustainability. Reporting to the UF Provost, the Director represents the Museum across the University of Florida, throughout the state, and within national and international scientific, cultural, philanthropic, and museum communities. The Director will guide the Museum through a period of growth and innovation, including the reopening of expanded public facilities and development of a comprehensive strategic plan. The role includes championing research and innovation, strengthening the Museum’s relationship with the University, expanding public outreach and engagement, and building partnerships and resources to advance the Museum’s mission. The Director is the Museum’s principal advocate and chief fundraiser, cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, government agencies, and external partners. The Director oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $30 million and an endowment of $40 million. When open to the public, the Museum regularly generates $3–5 million in earned revenue. The Director leads 350 employees, including 30 tenured faculty members in the department of natural history, and 400 volunteers. Seven direct reports are the executive director of advancement; associate directors of research and collections, museum operations, finance, communications, and exhibits and public programs; and the assistant to the Director.

Requirements

Hold a terminal degree, Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate.
At least 10 years of faculty experience.

Nice To Haves

Distinguished scholar and researcher in a field related to the Museum, with a record meriting appointment as a full professor.
Deep commitment to the Museum’s mission and values.
Understanding of or appreciation for the role of a university museum and its integration with the academic mission of a large public research university.
Proven ability to work with faculty, staff, and students, and sophistication in promoting teaching, research, and scholarship.
Expertise in museum best practices, including collections management, exhibition development, community engagement, and educational programming.
High ethical standards in research and collections policy, including NAGPRA compliance.
Strong record of measurable fundraising success and cultivating donor and corporate relationships.
Demonstrated experience leading strategic planning, formulating long-term actionable institutional goals, and setting policy.
Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to listen, connect with, and inspire the public, staff, faculty, students, community partners, and science and cultural leaders.
Extensive experience in financial management and administration, with an understanding of financial operations and the ability to facilitate strategic decisions with financial ramifications.
Demonstrated success leading and motivating a team and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, communication, and collective and individual accountability.
Deep familiarity with the broader museum community, peer networks, and regional, national, and international partnerships.
Ability and desire to build partnerships, identify opportunities, and expand the Museum’s engagement within the region, state, and beyond.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic vision and executive leadership for the Museum’s research enterprise, collections, exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs, and financial sustainability.
Lead development of the Museum’s next comprehensive strategic plan with staff, faculty, stakeholders, and University leadership.
Strengthen collaboration and connections between the Museum and the University of Florida, including academic programs and campus units.
Serve as the Museum’s principal advocate and chief fundraiser, building donor, foundation, government agency, and external partner relationships.
Grow contributed revenue and the stakeholder base, maintain a strong grant program, and assess opportunities to diversify support through philanthropy and earned revenue.
Oversee the Museum’s operating budget, endowment, financial operations, and long- and short-term decisions with financial implications.
Lead and support Museum faculty and staff, setting expectations and goals and fostering collaboration, collegiality, respect, transparency, morale, and accountability.
Represent the Museum throughout the University, across Florida, and in national and international scientific, cultural, philanthropic, and museum communities.
Expand public outreach, engagement, and partnerships within the region, state, and beyond.
Promote museum best practices in collections management, exhibition development, community engagement, and educational programming.